Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kiara Iman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kiara, thanks for joining us today. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

I have a very passionate and supportive team that is ever-evolving. I am blessed to work with people I’ve personally known since childhood as well as industry representatives I am currently partnered with.

In 2021, I signed with Gill Talent Group. I did a lot of research prior to signing and loved seeing how well they represented African Americans. I also loved seeing how many women led the company.

I received an email for a virtual open-call audition. I remember being so excited, yet nervous. I didn’t have all of the expensive equipment or materials when I submitted – I simply used what I had. This included at-home head shots and I even edited my own acting reel from as many materials I could find. Thank God for the archives!

During the virtual audition, I had to introduce myself and perform a monologue. My nerves went away when one of the GTG agents said, “You’re like a mini Viola Davis!” That encouraged me so much.

A week or so later, I found out they wanted to sign me. I was so grateful they saw my raw talent.

Fast forward to 2022, Lou Hollis with Lou Hollis Talent Management sent me the audition for my first movie (Praise This) and aided in management throughout the filming process. She served as a mentor and artist development coach when I was a child, so it was full circle having her help me land and navigate my first booking. We have a wonderful, growing partnership.

I also work with an incredible publicist. Co-nesha “Coco” Evans has been super instrumental in expanding my brand awareness and she truly believes in my personal and artistic journey.

Kiara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a multi-talented artist, content creator, and entrepreneur with a background in the performing arts.

I began my artistic journey at the age of 8 in my hometown Elyria, Ohio. There I gained valuable knowledge on artist development and modeling.​

Continuing my pursuit, I moved to Georgia to attend John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School when I was 14 years old. I also trained at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

In college, I launched several original projects, such as “Beloved: Bits & Pieces”, which became the catalyst to many of my artistic opportunities today. The self-produced EP and video series led to an entrepreneurial venture where I founded Optimal Inheritance, a full-service production company. I ran the company for two years and transitioned once the door opened to work more in the entertainment industry.

When I won the 2021 Diversity in Media Competition with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and AMC Networks, I got the opportunity to intern with ALLBLK. As I finished my internship and graduated college in May 2022, I landed my dream job.

I booked my first movie role in a Universal Pictures and Will Packer Productions film called “Praise This”.

Overall, I aim to use my artistic journey to inspire and uplift others to chase after their dreams and God. I pray to encourage people to never give up and to believe that extraordinary things can happen in their lives as well.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the freedom of expression and ability to manage my own time. I love project-based learning, so choosing a path of entertainment and entrepreneurship offers me the opportunity to design the life that I want.

I truly enjoy the flexibility of my journey as well. For example, once I wrap a movie or even a photography session with a client, I am able to continue with something new. I am not locked down to a routine or specific pattern of work. I get to endlessly explore and create which ultimately drives my passion for life.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The more we rid ourselves of egos and the need to withhold information on how to successfully become an artist, I truly believe more people can thrive in this creative ecosystem. A healthy artistic world to me looks like supporting my fellow artists freely. It looks like embracing what they do without comparison or competition. It looks like sharing resources and not having a gatekeeper mentality.

I believe that once you have a seat at the table you should pull up another chair for someone else. The entertainment industry has room for so many different, beautifully original people. The more we create spaces for others to join we can confidently say we support creatives as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kiaraiman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialkiaraiman/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kiaraiman
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialkiaraiman?_t=8UsUBfOvo8U&_r=1 Deadline article for “Praise This”: https://deadline.com/2022/07/anjelika-washington-quavo-tristan-mack-wilds-more-join-comedy-praise-this-1235059604/

Image Credits
LW Cinema & Slingshots Photography