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

Rania, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

There’s one job in particular that taught me a really important lesson—one that still sticks with me to this day. Because from that one booking, it taught me a lot. It taught me something I didn’t fully understand until later.

Since I was about 12 years old, I’ve had a passion for something that, back then, I didn’t even realize could be a real career. I just knew I loved it. It made me excited in a way nothing else did. The thing is, I was extremely shy growing up. That’s what most people knew me for—quiet, reserved, always in the background. But as I got older and started to understand the industry I wanted to be in, I realized it wasn’t the kind of field where being shy would get me very far. It’s the kind of business that demands you to step out of your comfort zone, to speak up, to show up, and be bold.

I really tried. I pushed myself, even when it was scary. But honestly, I was close to giving up. I started to feel like maybe I just wasn’t built for it. Then something changed. I got picked for a project—and that project completely changed my mindset. The directors could tell I was shy, but instead of it holding me back, that experience actually helped me grow. It gave me a huge confidence boost. It made me feel seen.

What I learned from that moment—and from everything leading up to it—is this: Don’t let your fears stand in the way of your dreams. If something matters to you, if you’re truly passionate about it, then it’s worth fighting for. It’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone for. And most importantly, it’s worth believing in yourself—even when it’s hard.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a model, content creator, influencer, and actress—but more than anything, I am someone who has been chasing their dreams since 12 years old. From a young age, I found joy in creative expression, whether it was in front of a camera, on set, or through social media. Back then, it was something I did for fun whenever I could. But as I grew older, I realized that what once felt like a hobby was, for many, a serious career—and I knew I wanted to take it seriously too.

One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome was my shyness. For much of my early life, I was known for being quiet, reserved, and often in the background. But I quickly learned that in this industry, being timid doesn’t take you far. I knew I had to grow beyond that version of myself if I wanted to succeed. So I made the conscious decision to step out of my comfort zone. I started networking, attending events, meeting people, and showing up for myself in ways I never had before.

There was a time when I questioned if I was truly cut out for this path. I doubted myself and wondered if I should give up. But then, someone gave me a chance—a role that helped me build confidence and see my potential. That moment changed everything. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work on multiple projects, appear in commercials, and build relationships with incredible people in the industry who inspire and support me every day.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth never stops. Even when you feel like you’re in a good place, there’s always more to achieve, more to learn, and more to reach for. Looking ahead, my goals are clear: I hope to land a lead role in a major film or television series, and as a model, one of my biggest dreams is to work with Rihanna for Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. One day, I want to walk into a store and see my face on the posters—it’s a vision that keeps me motivated.

Many people don’t know the full story behind my journey or the obstacles I’ve had to overcome to get to where I am today. While I’m not yet exactly where I want to be, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. More than anything, I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t let fear define me—and that I never gave up on my dreams.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes—my creative journey is deeply rooted in a personal mission to prove that dreams are worth chasing, no matter where you come from. My goal is to show not only myself, but the world—and especially my city—that if you have a dream, you owe it to yourself to commit to it fully. If you don’t stick with it, then you have to ask yourself: was it truly your dream, or was it just a hobby?

Where I’m from, not everyone believes it’s possible to succeed in industries like modeling, acting, or content creation. There’s a common mindset that if you’re from here, your chances of “making it” are slim. But I refuse to accept that. My mission is to challenge that narrative and prove that your background or location should never limit your potential.

I want to inspire others to believe in themselves, even when it feels like no one else does. There will always be critics, but there will also be people who support and uplift you. And most importantly, I want to be living proof that anything is possible when you remain dedicated, stay true to who you are, and never give up on your vision.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely. I often wish I had access to the right resources and information earlier in my creative journey. The only person who genuinely tried to help me was my mother, and while her support meant everything to me, I think we both struggled to find the right direction or tools to help me pursue my dreams effectively. She did the best she could with what she knew, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Growing up in a city where creative careers aren’t always seen as realistic or attainable made it even more difficult. Unlike places like Los Angeles or New York, where opportunities are more abundant and the creative industry is deeply rooted, smaller cities often lack that kind of infrastructure. And realistically, this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s also about connections, exposure, and consistently putting yourself out there. It’s about traveling, networking, and finding ways to be seen.

Looking back, I wish I had taken it more seriously at a younger age and had access to the right people and platforms early on. There’s so much I’ve learned through trial and error, and if I had known then what I know now, I truly believe I’d be several steps ahead. But even with those challenges, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I use those lessons as fuel to keep pushing forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsraniam
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raniavivianna
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/itsraniam

Image Credits

Makeup Artist: @flexery__
Photographers: @yeminthuphotography
@nikeliphotography @jtp_vision