Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Nalbandi.
Hi Kia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in San Dimas, California. I attended Webb High School where I focused on basketball. My dream at the time was to play college basketball, however I decided to reroute and find a new passion that I can work hard at. I started on TikTok about a year ago after the passing of my childhood best friend, Tommy. He had posted a YouTube video years ago about how he wanted to be in film when he gets older because he loves to edit as well as loves making videos. His love for filming and video creating motivated me to get started with content creation. For this reason, I took the time to learn not only everything there is to know about acting, but I also spent a lot of time editing and working with cameras. A year later, and I am making videos full time for a living and I dedicate it 100% to my friend Tommy.
I am currently at over one million TikTok followers, and I focus on high-quality comedy skits. This has opened up a lot of doors for acting opportunities in films and shows. I am currently working on multiple pilots for TV shows in the works. My dream is to be the biggest face in Hollywood and direct movies as well as act in them. I would like to be able to cast all my friends in my movies as well as give opportunities to those who might not have them otherwise. For example, be able to cast and give jobs to homeless people who can not only be in my movies as extras but also have the opportunity to make money off it as well and put them in a better situation. I strongly believe that everything I do is not for myself but heavily focused on making someone else’s life better than it is. This is the most important thing because if I were doing everything for myself, someday I would not be motivated to keep going. My motivation to making other’s lives better is the reason I can grow the way I am.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been for the most part a smooth road, however the struggles will always be there. I left my parent’s house about six months ago to pursue my career in Hollywood. This was the toughest part for me because it was super unexpected and a last minute decision. Family is the biggest thing for me in my life, so having to be separated from them has been very difficult. On top of that, it is the most stressful thing to do because of the perception on me from friends back home. This is something that was not fully supported off the bat when it came to making videos, but once people started to see the outcome and the amount of time I spent on it, people started to change the way they saw me. However, it is still difficult for me to feel “normal” around people because of the fact that the road I am chasing is not one that will ever be seen as “successful” until you “make it.” This struggle really pushes me and I am able to use it as motivation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create short comedy skits. I am known for various series I do. For example my biggest series on my TikTok is my “Girls be like” series which has grown over 20 million views (and still growing as I create more to the series). What sets me apart from everyone else is the quality of work I do. All my work takes hours each, and I am working on transitioning to larger short films. What I am most proud of: Being from a Persian household with lots of Persian family friends, the normal thing that has been known is to: go to school, graduate with a high degree, and get a high-paying job to live comfortably. I have been able to pursue something that is seen as a “negative” route to take and build something very big that can grow even bigger. The reason this is the thing I am most proud of is because my goal is to show the kids in my community that you don’t need to follow the norm or do what people tell you you should do. By doing this especially being from where I’m from, I am able to show kids with dreams that their dreams are never too far out of reach.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents have played the biggest role in my life. My dad’s childhood stories about how he got to where he’s from motivate me everyday to keep pushing. While the route he took in life was different than the one I am taking, his push and determination to always keep going is the reason I put the amount of effort I put in everything I do. The passion I have comes from him. My mom on the other hand, is the reason I have tough skin and make sure I can push to get whatever dream I have. Their support in what I do has been great and I thank them for all they have done. My friends in Los Angeles have all been there for me everyday and even though we all met through video creation, we have all grown so close to one another that our friendship is more important than anything. They motivate me to keep going everyday and they are always there when I need them whether in videos or just someone to talk to.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianalbandi/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmXlvqur3rH-f39LWwZazhw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kianalbandi?lang=en
