We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sasha Emiri a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sasha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
It’s funny you ask that. I think about this very question all the time. I know for a fact that I LOVE making content and doing creative shoots. It makes me feel alive and it’s so fun to try new shoot concepts.
However, part of being a creative is also posting on social media, which can turn into a bit of a mind game.
I think if I did social media full time, I would be very stressed… at least at the start. Relying on an algorithm that’s always changing and constantly adapting to platform trends can be overwhelming.
So because of that, I am happy to also work a “regular job” as well. It keeps me grounded and as a Taurus, stability really speaks to me.
It’s a double edged sword though! Doing two jobs can make me feel burnt out on occasion. So it’s always a balance of taking mental breaks and reminding myself of the joy I get out of each.
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 got into the modeling industry through growing a portfolio on my Instagram account. Part of my account growth came from doing collaborative shoots with talented photographers. Eventually, from learning how to pose and building up my brand, I had agencies reach out and it gave me the confidence and see what it was all about and apply.
I would consider my Instagram page to be a mix of modeling and lifestyle content. I love connecting with people through my platform, so I absolutely had to add in bits and pieces of my life along with the shoots. It’s a fun way to start conversation.
I’m most proud of the charitable Christmas campaign I did during the pandemic. It was a series of IG reels where I would make trades with local businesses and friends in hopes of collection donations to give to the local foster and adoptive care coalition. In less than 30 days I had over $14k worth of gifts/toys to donate.
This campaign made me realize I could use my account to help my community and it’s a huge driver of why I’ve kept up with my page for as long as I have.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
This may be an unexpected answer, but the most rewarding part of being a creative on social media is being able to connect with people I would have never come across otherwise and allowing them a safe space to connect and chat.
I remember one time, a follower reached out to me and said, “Tomorrow I find out if I have cancer. I don’t want to worry my family about it. So I hope it’s okay I’m telling you instead.”
These types of moments are a continuous reminder to me that although my page is mainly about modeling and lifestyle content. I’m a human before anything else. We all deal with hardship and if my page can be a place to inspire or help make your days a little brighter, that’s exactly what I want to do.
Have you ever had to pivot?
There was a time when quite literally “Hollywood called”. I was offered a contract for more money than I could have ever imagined making. It was for a modeling job that would allow me to make my creative hobby full time.
However, there was a stipulation in that contract, that I had to have an OnlyFans account. I have nothing against people in that line of work, however, it was never something I envisioned doing myself. Although, the offer said I could create any content I liked and it didn’t need to be what the stereotype entailed. I knew it would be a slippery slope that could turn me into something I never wanted to be. I won’t get into contract details, but if you are a growing model/influencer, always read the fine print and get a lawyer to protect yourself.
Through my years of modeling and being an influencer, I’ve come to learn that no matter how much money or intriguing something may be… you have to stay true to who you are. Losing yourself isn’t worth any amount of money and you never want to sell your soul for quick success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sasha_emiri
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sasha.sander.9/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-sander/
Image Credits
@henrydavidphotography (Henry David) @feelsgoodletsgo (Danny Robinson) @dreamerseye (Bradley James) @denison_visuals (Tom Denison) @mrphotog35mm (Mark Ramelb)