We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shani Moslehi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shani below.

Shani, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) mission is rooted in a commitment to fostering success, unity, and inclusivity for small businesses, particularly within the Iranian-American community. Established in 2015 by a group of business owners and professionals, OCIACC was created to address the unique challenges faced by minority and immigrant entrepreneurs while leveraging their strengths to contribute to the broader economic landscape.

What sets OCIACC apart is its emphasis on building strong interpersonal relationships among members. The organization fosters a sense of camaraderie where members not only exchange referrals but also serve as mentors and collaborators. This approach has led to numerous successful partnerships and strengthened the community’s economic fabric.

Shani, 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?

My journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to community building. Born in Tehran, Iran, to a supportive family, I embarked on an accelerated academic path, starting school at age 5 and completing two grades in one summer, which allowed me to enter high school at age 9. I continued my education in England and Switzerland before moving to California in 1978 as a high school senior.
The tumultuous events of the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War during my college years forced me to stand on my own and build a network of friends to fill the void of being away from my family. Despite my desire to attend culinary school, I pursued a BA in social sciences due to the Islamic Republic government’s restrictions on my parents sending money (long story!). Later, I completed my California Teaching Credentials and briefly enjoyed my time as a teacher before transitioning to business ownership.
In 2015, I founded the Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) to support the Iranian business community. I quickly built a reputation for consistency in the programs I offered. The chamber’s success, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic, underscored the importance of maintaining connections and supporting one another. I worked tirelessly to encourage our members to join our weekly Zoom meetings.
At its core, OCIACC celebrates diversity as a strength. By welcoming members from all backgrounds—not just Iranian-Americans—the organization creates an inclusive space where businesses can thrive collectively. This commitment ensures that OCIACC is not just a chamber of commerce but a catalyst for positive change in Orange County’s business landscape. Through its dedication to education, networking, and community building, OCIACC continues to fulfill its mission of empowering small businesses while fostering unity across cultural and professional boundaries.
My leadership extended to organizing events like the Nowruz Spring Festival & Market and the Mehregan Fall Festival, showcasing businesses and celebrating Persian culture. My philosophy centers on creating an open and supportive environment where businesses thrive through genuine connections. My disciplined approach to time management and commitment to immediate responsiveness reflect my dedication to efficiently steering the chamber toward success.
I have received numerous awards for my hard work, and one of the most memorable experiences was being invited to the White House Nowruz event in 2024.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I vividly remember the moment when social media started to become an integral part of our lives. During this time, I attended a workshop led by a young woman in her 20s, who introduced me to the basics of various social media platforms. Her advice has stuck with me to this day: “Spend 20 minutes every morning before getting out of bed to make a post.” This simple yet powerful habit has been instrumental in helping me build a strong social media presence.
I’ve continued to follow her advice, dedicating those early morning minutes to crafting engaging posts that connect with my audience. Over the years, this consistent effort has paid off, and I’ve learned the importance of staying active and authentic on social media. It has strengthened my brand and fostered meaningful relationships with my community.
In addition to social media, I’ve leveraged my knowledge of e-marketing platforms like Constant Contact, Vertical Response, and Mailchimp to create a robust email marketing strategy. By focusing on personalized content and strategic campaigns, I’ve achieved an impressive average open rate of 40%. This success is a testament to the power of email marketing when executed thoughtfully and tailored to my audience’s interests.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that initial workshop and the advice that set me on this path. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, one that has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing digital landscape. My experience serves as a reminder that with dedication and the right strategies, one can build a strong digital presence and achieve remarkable results.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Throughout my career, I’ve come to understand that reputation is built with every interaction, decision, and action. For me, the foundation of my reputation is rooted in three core values: transparency, hard work, and honesty.
Transparency has always guided my approach. I believe that clarity and openness are essential for fostering trust and credibility. Whether communicating with colleagues, partners, or clients, I ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of our goals, challenges, and progress. This approach encourages collaboration and mutual respect.
Hard work is another cornerstone of my professional ethos. Diligence and perseverance have been key to achieving success. By consistently putting in the effort required to excel, I’ve been able to deliver results that exceed expectations, earning the respect of my peers and the trust of those I work with.
Honesty is a value I hold dear. I believe that integrity is essential in building strong relationships. Whether admitting a mistake or celebrating successes, being truthful and straightforward fosters a culture of trust.
Together, these values have helped me build a reputation that I’m proud of. People know me as someone who is reliable, dedicated, and genuine. In the end, it’s not just about what you achieve; it’s about how you achieve it—by staying true to these core values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ociacc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ociacc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCIACC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ociacc/
• Twitter: https://x.com/OCIACC1
• Youtube: @ociacc

Image Credits

Shima Kaviani Studio
Tiya Studio
JLA Media