Today we’d like to introduce you to Pier Nirandara, a bestselling author, photographer, and traveler who also has a career working in the film industry.
Please tell us a little bit more about yourself.
Hi there! I’m Pier, and I’m originally from Bangkok, Thailand. Though I straddle a number of areas with varied interests, I consider myself a storyteller at heart. As a lifelong lover of the ocean and its habitats (fantastical or otherwise), I began my career writing children’s novels, which led to working as Brand Ambassador for the Bangkok Metropolitan/UNESCO, where I was lucky enough to speak at TEDx conferences, schools, and book fairs on the importance of literature. My involvement in Asia’s literary scene led to a job bringing stories to the big screen at a major talent agency in Hollywood.
Most recently, I took a sabbatical from the corporate world to embark on a solo backpacking trip across Africa. The goal wasn’t to go on holiday — it was to be challenged, embrace discomfort, and dispel myths regarding solo female travel. I also wanted to do things that scared me, like swimming cageless with sharks to photograph threatened species and advocate for marine conservation. To date, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to visit over 80 countries across seven continents — this isn’t a mere vanity number to me, but I genuinely believe that travel and literature (or travel through literature) are two of the best ways to increase empathy and understanding.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?Definitely not! The answer is two-fold. Regarding facing fears: There’s a saying, “We don’t develop courage by being comfortable.” Upon graduating from Tufts University in Boston, I immediately started working and quickly got sucked into the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. A scuba diving trip to South Africa changed everything. I spent a week on a small boat, whizzing up and down the rugged Wild Coast, hoping to catch some action and photograph the famed sardine run.
This is not your typical liveaboard scuba diving situation, but rather a pure, wild ride of an expedition. Nicknamed the “Blue Serengeti,” it’s an adrenaline-filled and heart-pounding activity — think swimming with sharks, dolphins, birds, and whales as they hunt bait balls of fish in frenzied feeding. For those with nerves of steel and who don’t mind jumping into shark-infested waters, there’s the chance to scuba dive the greatest shoal on earth.
I returned to California a different person, constantly feeling like my life was moving so fast, but I wasn’t really living it. I ended up making the conscious decision to take a break from a corporate career to focus on that. As someone who’s always liked being in control, this was incredibly nerve-wracking, as it represented stage 1 of facing my fears—a phrase that’s become a personal mantra since then.
Regarding solo travel as a woman: things aren’t always easy.
Following the #MeToo movement, it felt like the right time to empower women through solo travel. I wanted to prove that it’s possible to travel alone as a woman through Africa, and challenge misconceptions about the continent. The nature is simply stunning, the locals are genuinely friendly, and once you get out of major cities — Africa is WAY safer than you’d think. [Spoiler alert: I survived]
But with every grand adventure, there are obstacles along the way. Unfortunately, harassment isn’t an “African” issue as much as a universal one. I’ve been grabbed in bars, followed on the streets, and propositioned at gas stations. The kicker? 1. Harassment came from men of all nationalities, creed, and color. 2. What I faced wasn’t even bad compared to what other women go through.
But just because abuse is rampant doesn’t make it okay. Just because something is widespread doesn’t mean we should normalize it. As women, we should never allow these unfortunate incidents to stop us from traveling. It’s easy to feel afraid. But if we do, then these suckers win. Choose to keep your wits about you, surround yourself with good people, and be aware of where you are at all times. Carry the hope that new generations will raise men to respect women and treat them as equals…and until then, also carry some pepper spray — just in case.
Please tell us about PiersGreatPerhaps and your creative projects.
Pier’s Great Perhaps is an online platform that focuses on empowering women to explore the world on their own, with an eye towards underwater photography, diving, and writing. I run the website along with the Instagram handle, and always have various endeavors going on. Right now, there’s a focus on diving expeditions, including starting a scuba club for Hollywood professionals.
Meanwhile, I’m also juggling careers in writing and film. The 10th year anniversary box set of my YA fantasy trilogy just came out, so I’m doing press for that while working on a new novel, “Chasing the Rising Sun.” It explores what it’s like to solo backpack Africa as a woman, the idea of romance on the road vs. romanticizing the road, and the relationship between travel and love. Hopefully it’ll provoke some discussion on the privilege of strapping on a backpack, while also inspiring others to hit the road and embrace adventure!
I think the Pier’s Great Perhaps brand is unique because it seeks to evoke a certain feeling of profundity and empathy. You know that feeling after seeing a moving film, reading a book that seeps into your veins, or watching a blazing sunset over the ocean? Something stirs within your soul. It’s this transcendent, larger-than-life feeling I seek to convey — for myself, and others.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
There is a very notable difference in the way people defined success in, say, Africa, than in the West. It’s much more community-based than individualistic. There’s the famous Zulu word “ubuntu,” which translates to “I am because we are.” It’s the humanist notion of a universal bond, and was incredibly eye-opening and humbling to see practiced in real life. I think there’s such immense wisdom in that. Career success is one thing, but overall life success is derived not from the fleeting moments of instant gratification. It’s long-term satisfaction from working together towards something great.
Contact Info:
- Blog: www.piersgreatperhaps.com
- Photography: www.instagram.com/piersgreatperhaps and www.piernirandara.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Jeen Snidvongs
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
