Meet Melissa Shoshahi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Shoshahi.

Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I never dreamed or imagined that I would be a working stand-up comedian, it’s funny where life leads you when you just let go and decide to do things that make you happy. As an Iranian- American, my options were very limited into pleasing my parents; become a doctor, lawyer or disgrace to the family.

My family knew nothing about the entertainment industry and to this day, still really don’t understand it. I booked a SuperBowl commercial once and my mom told the whole family I was hosting it- the actual Superbowl…I proudly talk about this one on stage. I was doing acting all throughout high school and college, and as a  child, started doing impressions of my family at gatherings. So once I got into stand-up it all fell into place that this was a creative outlet that I could pursue not only for fun but somehow nine years later, pursue it as a career!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No career or journey is ever a smooth one. I’ve had crappy bar gigs to drunk hecklers, promoters that were sexist, bombing on stage, having writer’s block, trying to get friends to come to shows, losing friends to comedy, not having money, being on the road so much that you are never home. There are lots of struggles, but there are plenty of beautiful creations and memories that come with stand-up too.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m an Iranian-American stand-up comedian and actress, and I travel the world and country performing for not just the Middle-Eastern market, but corporate gigs, colleges, comedy clubs, and most importantly surprise birthday parties and reunions. I’m the only touring Iranian-American female comedian in the world, and I feel grateful to make people laugh every day.

What were you like growing up?
I was always shy believe it or not, but on stage – in theatre class or in plays I came alive. I would as a kid, do impressions…I’d have a huge camcorder set up in the living room and I would make up characters and just record them while my mom was in the kitchen observing me like I was on drugs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melcomedy.com
• Instagram: @Melshoshahi
• Facebook: Facebook.com/melcomedy
• Twitter: @Melshoshahi

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