Today we’d like to introduce you to Kanika Lal.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Maryland in a household that allowed for creative and scientific expression at all times. My parents encouraged me and my two siblings (older brother and younger sister) to work hard but never fail to find time to enjoy life. The motto of soaking up every day like it’s our last has stuck with me today, so much so I moved to Los Angeles to pursue “the dream.” Of course, I woke up from that dream and was hit with the realization that it takes a lot more than blood, sweat and tears. Yes, I commend my high school and my university (shout-out to Holton-Arms School and Boston University) for teaching me discipline, organization and preparation. However, the real test was how much I could live on my own, be my own and keep fighting the good fight every single day. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for nearly seven years with accomplishments, disappointments, isolation yet also belonging. I’ve always been a communicator and a performer, and it’s the fine line of juggling the two passions while making a name for oneself. Every opportunity that came my way, I made sure to put my all into it and anticipate the greatest outcome.
After graduating in broadcast journalism from BU, I moved to L.A. to pursue my goal of becoming the Indian version of Ryan Seacrest. I started writing for the online magazine, The Hollywood Reporter. My writing and interviewing skills landed me on red carpets and Hollywood events where I gained the confidence, quick-thinking skills and stronger communication skills that took me further after that. I learned backhand of what a talent agency was like while I was the assistant to talent manager, David Gardner, at Artists First (then called Principato Young). Some of his clients being Ken Marino, Judy Greer and, Jonathan Liebsman where I handled the day-to-day operations of clients’ massive careers. With the blessings of my boss, I moved on to pursue what I was passionate about and started landing more on-camera and producing positions such as Maria Menounos’ Afterbuzz TV, Larry King’s Ora TV, Fab TV, Red Carpet Report and Lip TV. While I gathered an impressive reel that showcased hours of footage of interviews, podcasts, original Youtube videos I made and hosting jobs, I also was simultaneously stretching my communication skills as a performer as well, landing spots on Nickelodeon, Wells Fargo commercial, independent theatrical productions as well as webseries. I am now a SAG-E performer as well as journalist. I worked as a writer/reporter at DailyMail only soon to be called in to appear as a reality show contestant on a LA-based reality show, Made in America.
I was fortunate to win the competition and walk the New York Fashion show several months later. My love for communicating and performing continued as I landed my dream role for Tastemade on Snapchat TV as a producer and correspondent. I produced original 3-5 minute videos on food trends and restaurants for the widely viewed channel. Over the last two years, I’ve continued to freelance as a host/producer and writer while also working to build my own production company/network. It’s a struggle still, especially with the hit of COVID. My last gig was covering the death of Kobe Bryant for network France24. After reflection and spending time with family, I’m back in Los Angeles actively seeking hosting/producing/writing work for media and marketing companies while continuing to adhere to my love for communicating and performing by launching original work created by yours truly. As the Indian-American I am, I will continue to represent east and west with my work.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest struggle is remembering why you are in Los Angeles in the first place and sticking to that. In a land full of creatives, it’s easy to get distracted and lose sight of oneself. However, this city is magical in that it always brings you back to yourself in ways you least expected. With so many individuals pursuing similar dreams, it’s competitive. One may question their self worth and not stay true to their unique capabilities, but once that is mastered, then it’s possible to stand out in the crowd. Coming out here, my look was exotic, however it was hard for people to place me. People are quick to put one in a box, and now that’s changing, so I have to make sure I never have to doubt my talents. I also have to stay positive and aware that it is not always steady, work and life in L.A. is a rollercoaster, but staying sane through the lull periods and finding ways to keep active and keep working is the key.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My business is still a work in progress. I’m always evolving as a person and in turn, my business is always changing. The business is a reflection of who I am as a professional and person. It’s a hub where creators and thinkers like myself express their work and collaborate on pieces that they know to be important to inform and enlighten society. What sets us apart is the blend of balance that I think is lacking in today’s world. While we are on the quest for it, we are aware of what it means for happiness and health.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is overcoming fear, making a living by doing what you love, and living in peace despite the chaos that surrounds us. Success is when you’re truly living in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kanikalal.com
- Phone: 2406871460
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: youcanhaveitlal
- Facebook: kanikakonnects
- Twitter: kanikalal
Image Credit:
Jeremy David Creative, Flyingbeard Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
