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

Leena, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Everything I do is about human connection and authenticity. Social & digital media bombard us with false images of happiness, rooted in the pursuit of perfectionism. I strive to do the complete opposite; I want to show the humanity in all of us. Our failures, our imperfections, our insecurities, our mistakes. I want everyone to know they aren’t alone in whatever it is they are struggling with.

Leena, 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?

In 2018, I was at the lowest point of my life. My eight-year marriage had ended, my freelance writing career had stalled, and I had completely lost my sense of identity. That’s when I started Behind Nashville, not just as a way to focus on a new project, but to find joy in life again. I started connecting with many talented and interesting people who I had the privilege of interviewing, and two years later, I self-published my first book, “Dear Me, I’ve Missed You,” under the pen name, Aria White. I had so much to say about what I experienced in marriage, motherhood, and divorce. I wanted to share my story to encourage and empower other women who felt lost in their relationships.

I think something that sets me apart from others is my strong DIY mentality. I started Behind Nashville from scratch and continue to run it 100% on my own. I have no employees, no freelancers, it’s just me, myself, and I. The things I didn’t know how to do when I started it, I learned how to do. That’s also why I decided to go the self-publishing route with my book. Perhaps I have the need to always be in control. With every project, I have a very specific vision and have a hard time letting other people attempt to pull that vision together.

In 2023, I’m launching a new service – relationship mentoring. After I wrote my book, I started to realize that I had this newfound understanding of relationships that I feel called to share with others. We constantly get advice (and most of it is pure garbage) on how to date/how not to date, etc., but there is practically no guidance on how to BE in relationships once we’re in them. I’m not just talking about romantic relationships, either. There are challenges with familial, faith-based, and employer relationships as well. I want to help people navigate their relationships while staying true to my overall mission of recognizing the humanity in each of us.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of what I do is getting to meet so many amazing people. I interview them and tell their stories, but they probably inspire me more than they realize. I have kept in touch with and made friends with many of the people I feature, and it feels incredible to watch them succeed. It is truly an honor to be among so many talents.

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

I’m by no means an expert on social media but one way I build my audience is through cross-promotion. If I post something that involves another person or business, I tag them. I mention them using their social media handle in the caption. Many times, even if those people are not aware that I’m posting about them, they will like the post or follow my page because they appreciate the shout-out. I also try to post in as many places as possible – posts, reels, stories, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behindnashville.com/
• Instagram: @behindnashville and @authorariawhite
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindnashville/ and https://www.facebook.com/authorariawhite
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leenakollar/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbpRADezKgPsYtuoj6KvrLQ

Image Credits
Main photo: Amelia J. Moore Photography