Today we’d like to introduce you to Melina Kolani.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I always wanted to follow a law or medical career path. However, that never stopped the desire to have creativity in my life somehow, also. Deciding I was going to focus on law, I attended Loyola Marymount University where my inner creator fought hard, and I ended up double majoring in English and Screenwriting. However, this wasn’t long-lived. Both my parents, at separate jobs, both at their jobs for over 7 years each, got fired my first week at LMU. LMU happened to be the one and only college I applied to that didn’t provide me with any scholarship or grant money, and due to our new financial position, after my first year, I had to drop out.
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. When I was forced to take a step back from the path I had set myself on for wrong reasons, I was able to see, clearly, that wasn’t what I wanted from my life. It took a while for me to fully jump into the entertainment industry, worried about financial failure and dependence on others, worried about the fact that trying to ‘make it’ won’t stick to any sort of ‘plan’ you make, but once I made the leap, I couldn’t have been any happier with my decision. I am so beyond sure that writing, acting and in the future, directing, is what I’m meant to be doing. I couldn’t imagine struggling for anything else. At the end of the day, I can say, at least one good thing came from my parents losing their jobs — it allowed me to find my true path in life.
Great, 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?
Financially, this has been the most difficult and stressful experience. I spent a lot of money during times I wasn’t ready to fully commit to this, and it ended up being a waste. However, each step is a learning process, and I think those hesitations led towards me knowing this is exactly where I want to be with my career. What I always try to do is picture myself in the world I’m considering entering in to. When I picture my life as a lawyer, first of all, I have a hard time picturing it, and secondly, I never seem happy. Always push your mind as thoroughly as possible to see if your life, and all the things you want from this life, can be accomplished with this career path in your life.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I love modeling, acting, and directing, but I’d say my core as a human is a writer. I love to write novels, but screenplays are what I’m focusing on now. I have completed a short film script, but have decided at some point, I’d like to turn it into a feature. I tend to think I have a keen eye for storytelling, and this story is too deep for 30 pages. I love being able to write because it not only allows me to make my own content but it helps me understand other characters and stories that I might have to partake in acting-wise, as well!
Who have you been inspired by?
I would have to say, my mom. Growing up, she experienced a lot of trials and tribulations, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams to be a singer. Moving to NY, LA, whatever it took to follow her dreams. However, she got married, and pregnant with my older brother, who then was born five months early. His prematurity altered her life in a way nobody could imagine. It was extremely hard for her to continue pursuing music, but she never stopped pursuing success in any way. She learned multiple crafts, persevered through things one human shouldn’t have to ever go through, and has shown nothing but beauty and grace throughout it all.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @minaarosee
Image Credit:
James Pratt, Natalie Kagasoff, Quoc Kong
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