We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anjali a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anjali thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally was rooted in my experience as a first-generation Indian-American. When my parents immigrated to the U.S. from India, English wasn’t their main language. At home, we primarily communicated in Hindi and Punjabi, which naturally shaped my exposure to Indian culture through movies and music. Listening to and singing Indian songs became a regular part of my life, and it sparked my love for music at an early age.

In kindergarten, I joined the school choir, and that passion carried me through my senior year of college. Through choir, I explored a variety of musical styles, from classical to pop, which opened up my creative boundaries and influenced my current work as a musician now on Spotify and Apple Music.

Beyond music, my inclination for influencing and marketing was evident from a young age. I was always the outgoing kid promoting my family’s restaurant to my classmates. This enthusiasm naturally extended to my interests, leading me to create fan accounts in elementary and middle school for One Direction. Without knowing it, I was actively learning important marketing skills – such as how to connect to an audience. By high school, I had grown a Post Malone fan account to 70,000 followers and even collaborated with his team on marketing campaigns. I also managed my own singing account during this time, which gave me a platform to share my voice and connect with a growing audience.

Today, as a recent college graduate, I’ve turned my passions into a career. I’ve built a TikTok following of 28,000 and 40,000 on Instagram by creating content that blends Indian-American comedy, lifestyle, and music. I recently hit 11 million views in 30 days, which has been a thrilling milestone. My journey has been a fusion of my cultural roots, love for music, and knack for storytelling, and I’m excited to continue growing as both a creator and a musician.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Anjali, a first-generation Indian-American content creator, musician, and marketer. My journey began with my cultural roots—growing up in a household where Hindi and Punjabi were spoken, and Indian music and films were a cornerstone of our family life. Music became my first love, and I started singing at a young age, joining choir in kindergarten and continuing through college. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse genres, from classical to pop, which now influence the music I create and release on Spotify and Apple Music.

As a creator, my work bridges Indian-American identity, lifestyle, and music. My TikTok and Instagram channels have grown to 28,000 and 40,000 followers, respectively, with content that’s garnered over 11 million views in just 30 days. I use my platforms to celebrate my culture, share relatable experiences, and connect with a global audience.

What sets me apart is my ambition and authenticity. I’m incredibly proud to be a first-generation Indian-American and deeply grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to give me a life filled with opportunities in the U.S. Their story inspires me to embrace who I am and to share my experiences unapologetically. I’m not afraid to be myself, and I use my platforms to amplify that message—to encourage others to embrace their unique identities and find strength in their stories.

My ambition drives me to take on challenges head-on and continuously push myself toward success. From growing a Post Malone fan account to 70,000 followers in high school and collaborating with his team on marketing campaigns to now building a personal brand that blends storytelling, music, and comedy—I approach every opportunity with determination and heart.

I’m proud of turning my passions into a career while staying true to my roots. For my followers, I aim to provide entertainment, connection, and a sense of representation for anyone navigating the duality of cultures. For brands, I offer strategic, impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive engagement.

Whether I’m creating music, crafting content, or partnering with brands, my goal is to tell stories that matter. My authenticity and ambition fuel everything I do, and I strive to inspire others to dream big and embrace their own unique journeys.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level and bring joy into their lives. As a first-generation Indian-American, I draw from my cultural roots and personal experiences to create music and content that feels authentic and relatable. Knowing that my work can resonate with someone—whether it’s a song that reminds them of home, a video that makes them laugh, or a moment that helps them feel seen—is incredibly fulfilling.

I also find joy in making others happy. Whether it’s through uplifting music or meaningful content, my goal is always to leave a positive impact. I believe art has the power to inspire and spark change, and I want my work to contribute to a more connected and compassionate world.

There’s something magical about turning ideas into creations that can influence others in meaningful ways. From a melody I’ve been humming for weeks to a video concept that starts as a simple thought, seeing those ideas come to life and make a difference is deeply rewarding.

Ultimately, I want to use my platform not only to express myself but also to inspire others to embrace their identity, pursue their passions, and spread positivity. Knowing that my journey can empower someone else reminds me why I chose this creative path in the first place.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of authenticity, creativity, and consistency. It started with my love for music and storytelling, stemming from both my culture and upbringing. I wanted to create a space where I could celebrate my culture, share my personal journey, and connect with others who might relate to the duality of growing up in two worlds.

When I started creating content, I focused on blending entertainment with authenticity. On Instagram, I hit 28,000 followers and garnered over 11 million views in just 30 days by creating content that mixes Indian-American comedy, lifestyle, and music. I shared my story, celebrated my roots, and wasn’t afraid to be myself. That relatability helped me connect with my audience on a personal level, turning followers into a community.

My advice for those starting out:

Be authentic: People connect with honesty and vulnerability. Share your story and what makes you unique.

Stay consistent: Post regularly and engage with your audience. Consistency helps build trust and keeps people coming back.

Find your niche: Focus on the topics you’re passionate about and align them with what your audience wants to see.

Adapt and experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new formats, trends, or styles. Pay attention to what resonates and build on that.

Engage with others: Respond to comments, collaborate with creators, and be active in your community. Building relationships is key to growth.

Be patient: Growth takes time. Celebrate small wins and stay committed to your goals.

Accept low times: Every video will not perform well. That does not mean you have to stop creating or be hard on yourself. Keep going!

For me, the most rewarding part of this journey has been connecting with people who see themselves in my story. Building an audience isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a community where people feel inspired, entertained, and valued.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjalipop/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anjaliipop
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anjaliipop?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc