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

Ariana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Reflecting on the timing, I have mixed feelings. I’ve been in the acting world for over a decade and have recently ventured into music. Part of me wishes I had started music sooner because I feel like I could have learned so much in that time. On the other hand, I recognize that I wouldn’t have been emotionally ready.

In a way, I’ve been learning and preparing to become a musician for a long time. Acting has taught me to connect deeply with material, overcome nerves, and focus on genuine emotions. I feel these go hand in hand with connecting to others through music. So, while I wish I’d started music earlier, I believe the timing aligns perfectly.

Ariana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Overland Park, KS but grew up bouncing between Los Angeles, CA and Boston, MA. I’m grateful to say I grew up in two artistically rich households. No matter which parent’s home my brother and I frequented, music surrounded us, given both our parents are musicians. Before music, though, my artistic journey began with acting. A production of “Into the Woods” featuring my friends sparked my interest – the allure of costumes, music, and lighting was magnetic. A decade on, here I am!

Now, I’m also pursuing music like my family. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do but never actually considered doing. I finally got to the point where I was like “Why not?”

Wayne Dyer’s famous quote really hit the nail on the head for me: “Don’t die with your music still in you.”

Above all, I’m most proud of pursuing animal activism. I firmly believe animals should never be subjected to abuse or exploitation for our desires. I am deeply convinced that one of my life’s purposes is to leverage any platform I have to advocate for the complete liberation of animals.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Personally, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound sense of freedom it provides. I’ve always yearned for freedom, and art–regardless of the medium–allows one to create freely. That’s why I think I’ve always been drawn to the arts. Through acting, I have the freedom to embody various characters and lives I may never experience in reality. In music, I can craft whatever sounds and lyrics that hold personal meaning for me and, hopefully, resonate with others.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my opinion, to best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to address the lingering bias against artistic pursuits. While I acknowledge that these professions might not offer the most financial stability and can be challenging to enter, they are undeniably legitimate careers.

Understanding the roots of this perception and shifting our mindset can significantly enhance support for artists. Many individuals are reluctant to pursue their true passions, such as the arts, due to the societal stigma associated with these careers. By challenging these preconceptions, I believe we can create an environment where artists feel valued and encouraged in their creative endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arianaazoulai.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianaazoulai/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWmJVUbw0lWgcONn06RMP4g
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariazou123?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
David Chan