By Zoya Nasir is primarily known for her acting in drama serials such as Zebaish and Hania. But she’s also a beautician opening up her own salon, and a youtuber. To learn more about her, scroll down to read her interview with one of our lovely followers, Farah Khan.
Farah: Females often face criticism and negativity when they choose to pursue a career in the media industry, especially in Pakistan. Did you face any hardships when starting your acting career?
Zoya: I always wanted to be an actress but I was never allowed by my family. So, the other profession was the beauty industry. Both the passions were in me, but the first one was acting.
At first, I was discouraged by my brother, then my dad, and then a lot of friends that discouraged me because they said you are entering really late in the industry. Bur I was encouraged by a lot of people as well. I have received more encouragement, more love, and more support than the former.
It is the words of encouragement that help because as an actor you are putting yourself out there for people — they are judging you. It takes a lot of courage to have thick skin. Just little words of encouragement I think takes you a long way.
Farah: I heard you are venturing off into the entrepreneurial world and opening your own salon? Tell me a bit about that.
Zoya: I put my heart and soul into opening up my own salon. I was training my staff, I started slowly moving clients in and I was going to do a big launch in the first week of March. Everything was planned and then the lockdown happened. I’m just waiting for things to get better. I can’t wait for you guys to see it!
Farah: You seem to be balancing a lot on your plate right now, with your acting career, managing your salon, and recently you started a YouTube channel. How do you manage it all?
Zoya: I’m a workaholic. I can’t sit alone with my thoughts; I need to do something otherwise I will go crazy. When you’re a workaholic, sometimes there’s too many things and you forget about them. Organization is key. I have this app called Color Notes that I use. At the moment whenever I have something to do, I just write it. Every day I wake up and look at the notes. The ones that are highlighted red, I try to get them done. I have little goals every day and I try to accomplish those little goals, eventually it will lead you where you want to be.
Farah: Out of all your jobs (actress, beautician, youTuber), which is your favourite and why?
Zoya: Acting is my favourite. I can’t stay in one place. I can’t go to a nine to five job and that’s what salon became to me. It’s the same routine dealing with the same kind of people every day. But being an actor, you meet different people and get to live so many different lives. It’s the uncertainty and possibility that’s really exhilarating.
Farah: I know you are a beauty guru, so I must ask. What are your top skin care tips for the summer season?
Zoya: Exfoliation is necessary. What I do is add sea salt and coconut oil.* The sea salt acts as granules and coconut oil as a moisturiser. To balance the oiliness, I put aloe vera gel on my face afterwards. Your skin becomes perfectly balanced. Also, you have to put sunscreen on no matter what. No matter if it’s summer or winter, you need to apply it.
Farah: What advice do you have for all the girls or women who are struggling to achieve their dreams?
Zoya: Mehnat kabhi zaya nahi jati. If you love what you do and you know that you are good at it, just have your faith, have your belief, and give it your 100%. Be persistent, keep on doing it, find ways and make it happen. Don’t just wait for things to happen, you have to make it happen. Find that passion, follow through, and you will find success.
Farah: What is one message you would like to give to your fans?
Zoya: Stay home. Stay safe. You do not have to stop living your life, but there’s nothing wrong with taking precautions. Don’t be careless.
Disclaimer: Some skin types are sensitive to certain ingredients. Please patch test on another area – such as the inside of your elbow or hand – before applying anything on your face.
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