Inspiring Conversations with Zariyah Ortega of Amaranth Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zariyah Ortega.

Hi Zariyah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing when I was six years old, and over the years I trained in multiple dance disciplines while also learning poi performance. Performing and creative expression were always a huge part of who I was.
In my late teens through my mid-twenties, I went through a very difficult period in my life. I was in an unhealthy relationship that left me isolated and questioning my worth, to the point where I truly believed my dreams and performance career were over before they had really begun.
Everything started to change when I connected with strong, supportive women who encouraged me to believe in myself again. After leaving that situation and gaining clarity, I discovered fire performance, which became a huge turning point for me. It helped me reconnect with myself, rebuild my confidence, and rediscover my passion for dance and performing.
From there, my creative journey really expanded. I moved into burlesque, glasswalking, and eventually producing shows as well. Today, I’m in a place where I feel deeply connected to my artistry, my resilience, and the community I’ve built around performance.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Some of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced were unhealthy relationships, isolation, eating disorders, body image struggles, and constantly questioning my own worth. For a long time, I felt like I had to people-please and prove my value just to be accepted, both in relationships and within the industry. I also experienced being surrounded by people who only valued what they could gain from me, which led to a lot of heartbreak, rebuilding, and starting over from scratch more times than I can count.

There were periods where I genuinely believed I wasn’t good enough to pursue my dreams or share my talents because of how others made me feel about myself and my body. Don’t get me wrong, I do understand how things work and how much of a saturated industry I’m in, but that’s what I want to change. Rebuilding my confidence and learning to trust myself again was one of the hardest parts of the journey. Overcoming those struggles and reconnecting with my passion for performance ultimately became what pushed me toward growth, resilience, and finding my own voice as an artist.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What people should know about me and my brand is that I’m the real deal! Amaranth Studios is my umbrella company for my other companies within. My performer profile being The Lady Amaranth, my production company being The House Of Amaranth and more!

I’m incredibly driven, and nothing gets in the way of the life and career I’m building. Everything I’ve created has come from passion, resilience, and a genuine love for performance and artistry.

I’m a dancer, fire performer, producer, artist, and entrepreneur, and I’m probably best known for my high-energy fire performances and confident stage presence. Performing for me is more than entertainment, it’s empowerment, storytelling, and helping people reconnect with confidence within themselves.

What sets me apart is my authenticity. I truly mean what I say, and I don’t believe there’s such a thing as being “too ambitious.” I’ve built my career and creative projects from the ground up through hard work, self-discipline, and believing in my vision even during difficult times.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of being able to create independently and build opportunities not only for myself, but for others as well. I want people to know that when they work with me, they’re working with someone who genuinely believes in people and their potential.

One of the things I care most about is helping others step into confidence. Whether someone is experienced or completely terrified of being on stage, I love helping them grow into performers who feel powerful, seen, and proud of themselves. No matter someone’s background, abilities, or disabilities, I always lead with equity, respect, and inclusivity.

At the end of the day, my goal is to inspire people to go after what they truly want and show them that their dreams are possible too.

I want readers to know that my brand is centered around empowerment, healing, confidence, and transformation through performance art. I offer experiences and training that help people reconnect with themselves, step outside of fear, and discover strength they may not have realized they had.

My offerings include fire performance and glasswalking experiences that can be deeply healing and empowering, as well as instruction in skills such as fire eating, fire breathing, and a variety of dance styles. Beyond teaching technical skills, I focus on helping people build confidence, stage presence, and trust in themselves.

Whether someone is looking to learn performance arts, push past personal limitations, or simply express themselves creatively in a safe and supportive environment, my goal is to create a space where they feel seen, encouraged, and capable of more than they imagined.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d just like readers to know that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, it’s never too late to reconnect with yourself and go after the life you truly want. A lot of my journey has been about rebuilding, healing, and learning to believe in myself again, and that’s something I try to bring into everything I do.

I want people to feel inspired to take up space, be unapologetically themselves, and chase the things that light them up! Even if it feels scary at first. Growth happens outside of comfort zones, and some of the most beautiful transformations come from taking that first step.

Like the amaranth plant, I’ve learned that resilience is about surviving what was meant to destroy you. Amaranth doesn’t burn: it withstands fire and continues to grow, symbolizing healing, strength, and endurance. In a world full of roses and daisies, never be afraid to be amaranth: bold, resilient, and impossible to extinguish.

More than anything, I hope my story reminds people that resilience, passion, and authenticity can take you farther than fear ever will.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amaranthstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theladyamaranth/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofamaranth/

Image Credits
Sabrina Caya, Flying Lion Cabaret,