Rising Stars: Meet Nargis Bahaduri of West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nargis Bahaduri.

Hi Nargis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey in the social media talent management industry right after graduating college in December 2020. Like many new graduates, I was searching for my first full-time role when I came across a job posting for a position I had never heard of before. Up until then, I had always imagined myself working in the fashion industry, either as a stylist or in marketing for a major fashion brand. But as soon as I read the job description for a Talent Manager, something clicked. I knew instantly that this was my dream job and the path I wanted to pursue.

Growing up in an Afghan household, traditional career paths were often emphasized, and the world of social media, especially talent management, felt far outside the norm. Pursuing a career in such a new and unconventional industry wasn’t something I ever saw modeled around me. Yet, that upbringing combined with being raised by a strong, single mother taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community, all qualities that have shaped me into the manager I am today.

At first, I thought this career would simply be fun and exciting. But now, nearly six years later, I’ve realized how deeply meaningful this work is. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping creators grow their careers, guiding them through opportunities, and championing underrepresented voices in a space where visibility matters. Being able to support talent and help people feel seen, especially those who share similar cultural backgrounds or experiences, has made this journey more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.

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?
Self-doubt comes with any job, but it can feel especially heavy in talent management. When I first entered the industry, I noticed how little diversity existed on the management side. I didn’t meet other Muslim managers especially not at major companies and that made me question whether this path was even possible for someone like me. Without role models who shared my background, it was hard to envision myself belonging.

Over time, I realized something important: if no one before me looked like me, then I had the opportunity to be that representation for the next person. Instead of seeing my uniqueness as a barrier, I began seeing it as a responsibility and a strength. If I was going to be the only one in the room who looked like me, then at least I was in the room and that alone can open doors for others.

Thankfully, I was raised by an inspiring mother who constantly reminded me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Her encouragement, strength, and resilience shaped the foundation of who I am today. I’m also deeply aware of the privilege I have as a woman living in the United States. I have access to opportunities that many women in Afghanistan, including members of my own family are not afforded. Keeping this reality at the forefront of my mind motivates me to push forward, even when the journey feels challenging.

My day to day struggles often feel small in comparison to the hardships women face back home in Afghanistan, as well as in places like Palestine, Sudan, and across the Middle East. Their strength reminds me not to take my opportunities for granted and to use my platform and my work to honor the resilience of women everywhere who are still fighting to be seen, heard, and free.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Digital Brand Architects (DBA) is the industry leader in influencer management and marketing. We represent a world-class portfolio of social-media-driven personalities, creators, and publishers with a combined reach of more than 500 million, and an impact that extends far beyond the digital space. Since its founding in 2010, DBA has been the first to recognize the rise of new media voices and support them as individual talent, pioneering a dynamic digital landscape that continues to shape real-world culture. (Direct from DBA’s website)

As a Talent Manager and the first Muslim Talent Manager at the company, I’m proud to represent a roster that reflects diversity in every sense: roughly 90% Muslim talent and 100% talent of color. When I tell people what I do, the most common response I hear is, “Wow, I’ve never met a Muslim talent manager before.” What I once feared might be a disadvantage has become one of my greatest strengths. Many of the creators I work with seek a manager who truly understands them, not just professionally but personally. That sense of shared experience and cultural understanding builds trust, connection, and confidence.

While I welcome talent from all backgrounds, I intentionally leave space on my roster for creators who value that personal connection and feel empowered when represented by someone who understands their lived experience. My background shaped by cultural nuances, religious considerations, upbringing, and a deep understanding of community-driven audiences allows me to support my talent in a way that is both meaningful and deeply informed. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every creator I represent feels seen, supported, and authentically championed. I want their voices to be heard and their struggles with generational trauma to be understood. Most importantly, I want their passion for speaking up for what they believe in to feel just as important to their manager as it does for them.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is uplifting people of color and supporting them in the most meaningful ways I can. I’ve seen firsthand how underrepresented they are in the influencer space, and I feel deeply passionate about advocating for greater visibility. I want young girls to see influencers who look like them thriving, so they can believe in their own potential and feel empowered to take up space in this industry.

Growing up, I rarely saw Islam portrayed positively in the media. I often felt “different” as a Muslim because there were so few public figures I could relate to. Today, thanks to social media, younger generations can see their favorite influencers who happen to be Muslim and appreciate them just like any other creators they admire. I want to contribute to that positive change and help create a media landscape where everyone feels seen, represented, and respected.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nargiszb_/?hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nargis-bahaduri/