Nazanin Kavari is a renowned beauty, fashion, and lifestyle creator who has captivated over 2.5 million engaged eyes on her social media channels. As a creator, Nazanin has not only provided invaluable guidance and inspiration to her audience in the realm of beauty and lifestyle but has also emerged as a trusted older sister and best friend.
Nazanin promotes unwavering self-acceptance and determination, regardless of size, ethnicity, or social class, and has served as an inspiration to her fans. She encourages her audience to embrace their unique qualities and to be proud of who they are. Her content not only showcases her impeccable fashion sense but also highlights the joy and humor she experiences in her daily life.
Nazanin has expanded her influence beyond social media with the launch of “What My Sis Said,” a highly anticipated podcast co-hosted with her sister Yasmin Kavari. This venture offers a personal perspective into Nazanin’s life as a creator, mother, and entrepreneur through candid discussions. Together, they provide valuable insights and foster a genuine connection with their audience by exploring a range of relatable topics, from career challenges in social media to the importance of self-care rituals, creating a supportive community of listeners around themes of womanhood and personal growth.
Nazanin delvesdeeper into “What My Sis Said,” her experiences in motherhood, navigating the balance between her professional and personal life, her involvement in supporting immigrant women through foundation work, and much more.
On social media, influencers are often defined by their curated image. But who is Nazanin Kavari, the woman behind the persona?
Wow, I have never been asked this question. I really did have to ponder this for a second. Who AM I? I am a firm believer that, as humans, we are constantly evolving. Who I am today can be different next year. I turned 25 this year, and they are not kidding when they say your brain fully develops at this age. It’s like I woke up from a dream, and everything just clicked. At the end of the day, regardless of my accomplishments, I often feel like I am still a teenage girl who is just trying to figure it out. I even have imposter syndrome, looking at my kids like “OMG, these are MY kids that I am responsible for?!”
At the end of the day, I am just an immigrant girl from a small town in Ohio. Growing up as an immigrant shaped who I am as a person. I grew up with my parents in our family restaurant from sun up to sun down. They instilled a work ethic, which I am so grateful for today.
What initially drew you to becoming an influencer, and how have your reasons evolved over time?
I admired all the OGs in the space. Michelle Phan, Bethany Mota, Juicystar07, etc. These girls were the epitome of cool girls in my eyes. Their rooms were perfect, their hair was perfect, and their outfits were perfect. I wanted to be just like them! Now that I am older, I know that not everything you see online is real, but these girls inspired me to have my life together. I think they were great role models to look up to. Now, I acknowledge that I am viewed that same way by my audience, and there are big shoes to fill. I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be, but having a big audience from such a young age encouraged me to always try to put my best foot forward and inspire my viewers to do the same. I am very candid with my life experiences, and I am not scared to fail. It always means so much when I share my personal and raw moments and get amazing feedback from people going through similar situations. I don’t want people to ever feel alone, and if I have to throw myself under the bus for that, that’s fine with me.
Influencer, YouTuber, entrepreneur, and now even a podcast host. All while being a mom! How do you manage to juggle all these incredible roles?
I cry daily, LOL, but seriously, I couldn’t do it without my team. I have a great management team that always puts my needs and well-being first. I have a hands-on husband and parents who always have my back. I am not a superwoman, and I have my bad days. I always remind myself that a bad day isn’t a bad life, and a lot of your big problems won’t seem so big in a few weeks or even a year. Sometimes, I have to just push my emotions aside and be on autopilot to get my responsibilities done. Just take it one day at a time.
We all have those conversations with our siblings that spark something special. What was the specific moment with your sister Yasmin that sparked the idea for this podcast?
My sister and I had a joint vlog channel for a few years that people loved! With our lives naturally shifting in different directions, as well as social media, we decided to end that channel. Our audience loved us together, and we would often get asked if we would have a channel together again. Our podcast was a modern way to get us both together again! We love connecting with our audience again and giving a different look into our lives. Our phone calls are never less than an hour long, so we figured we might as well film them!
“What My Sis Said” benefits from the interplay of your and Yasmin’s perspectives. Can you describe how your different viewpoints might lead to richer and more insightful conversations on the podcast?
My sister and I always joke that we are the definition of opposites attract. She’s hot, I’m cold. She’s day, I’m night. We knew this would be something that would bring depth and inclusivity to our podcast! Not to mention that we live such different lives. I am fully aware that having 3 kids at 25 isn’t relatable to everyone, and a lot of my audience around my age range doesn’t have kids. On the other hand, some young moms feel like they can’t relate to anyone else their age. We always make sure to keep everyone in mind in our discussions.
Can you give listeners a taste of the specific challenges and triumphs you’ll explore with Yasmin on the podcast?
No topic is off-limits! My sister and I have the same goal of having a platform that listeners can tune into every week to sit, relax, and feel like they’re catching up with a friend. Challenges of being a mother, challenges of moving to a whole new state on your own, challenges of navigating social media and body image as a woman, and more. We plan to include guests and even have our audience send in their topics to be discussed as well.
You have had some great brand partners, but what’s it like to be their ambassador? Can you share some unique experiences or behind-the-scenes moments you’ve had representing these brands?
I have been so fortunate to work with so many incredible brands throughout the years. One of my first ever big brand sponsors was Windsor Store. I wore one of their dresses to Prom, and that got me on their radar! We did so many cool collaborations throughout the years, like when I flew to Texas to surprise a supporter for a shopping spree to get her prom ready. I also did a meet and greet at my hometown mall location with them since I was the face of their Halloween campaign. They set the bar high!
A lot of brands really go out of their way to spoil their ambassadors, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. The first time I went to Hawaii was in 2018 with Curology, and I am still working with them 6 years later! It’s always an honor when I get to work with a brand for many years. Collaborating with brands like JBW, TA3, and BH Cosmetics was also an amazing experience.
As an influencer, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned from working with brands?
Get everything in writing, LOL, but seriously, when you get to a certain level, it’s time to have a lawyer on retainer! Know your worth. Don’t accept lowball rates because it affects the industry as a whole. Alignment with brands is everything. Truly love what you promote because your audience’s trust in you is something money can’t buy. I would rather have a smaller following that trusts my opinion than a ton of followers who find me dishonest. I always say that if I wouldn’t recommend something to my sister, I wouldn’t recommend it to my followers.
Is there a particular brand collaboration that you’re especially proud of? Why?
My BH Cosmetics brush collar sticks out to me! This was back in 2021. It was my first major collaboration, which was even being sold on ULTA’s website. To see my photo and name on there was a dream! The team also gave me complete creative control. I modeled this brush set after my brushes, which I use daily. Not only that, but it sold out 3 times. People still ask me to this day if we are going to bring the brushes back! This experience gave me a boost of confidence to start my brand someday.
It’s clear you wear many hats; are there other passions that fuel you and bring you joy beyond these roles?
Lately, it feels like I don’t have time to explore my other passions. I know this is just a season. I love Lagree Pilates, and walking. Moving my body always makes me feel so good. I love to read. It’s mostly been audiobooks, but I still love a traditional book. I did ballet my entire childhood, so adult ballet classes are also so fun! I think it’s a way to connect with my inner child.
We just heard you finally got approved for your Green Card! How does it feel after such a long process to finally be approved? Where do you plan on traveling first outside of the US? Does this mean you can finally go on brand trips? Anything else you’d like to add about the process and how it was for you?
Thank you so much!! The day my Green Card was approved was one of the best days of my life. I have lived in America for 23 years. 23 YEARS. To not be a permanent resident in the only country I know as my home felt awful. I have lived here since I was 2 years old. As an Iranian citizen, I wouldn’t be able to continue my career to this caliber if I was to be deported. It’s so much more than just not being able to travel. I finally feel safe and I finally feel secure.
I am so excited to go on brand trips. I have missed out on so many opportunities. The most recent trip I got invited on was to Paris in March. I was praying every night that my Green Card would be approved by then, but unfortunately, it wasn’t. The FOMO was real. Knowing I deserved to be in these spaces and that the reason I couldn’t be wasn’t even in my control made me feel so helpless.
To be in that position is incredibly humbling. That is why it is my mission to help fellow immigrants in their journey. I am currently working on a foundation to support immigrant women. Specifically, immigrant women in the entrepreneur space. There are currently 3.6 million Dreamers, with only 530,000 protected under DACA. Immigrants have been a vital backbone to our economy. Dreamers who currently have DACA will contribute an estimated $420 billion to the GDP, $60 billion in fiscal impact, and $12.3 billion in taxes to Social Security and Medicare if they can continue to work legally in the U.S.
(Fact Sheet: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – National Immigration Forum)
I know I was given this platform to be a voice for immigrants. I myself was a homeowner, high school graduate, business owner, taxpayer, etc., and was still not given a path to citizenship other than marriage. I hope to share my story to inspire other young women in my position.
What else?!
This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I can’t thank my followers enough for their love and support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you guys.
PHOTOS: Mel Wade
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