Meet Karishma Devnani | Editor and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karishma Devnani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karishma, what principle do you value most?
Kindness, respect, persistence, and openness are the values that matter to me the most. Kindness, because I believe that you never know what someone is going through and that your kindness can get people through their difficult times, even if it doesn’t. I have always believed that kindness can take you a long way and that it always comes back to you in unexpected ways. Giving and receiving respect has helped me feel safe and express myself more efficiently. In all honesty, persistence has gotten me a long way, so I do believe if you want something and are persistent enough, you will achieve it. Openness to everything, especially constructive criticism but also compliments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Initially, when I started I was only an editor but as I kept moving forward with my career and my creative part I discovered that I also enjoy writing poetry, writing stories and producing stories that explore mental health, diversity and body image. I was a shy girl from India not knowing how to even order food that I wanted to eat however moving to Los Angeles and getting out of my comfort zone has made me a much better version of myself as in I am more open to adventures and trying something that’s out of my comfort zone. One of the best things that has happened to me after starting my new life in Los Angeles is that I love networking with people, making new friends and knowing what others are working on. I’m very excited about an upcoming project I am working on which is very close to my heart and my digital poetry book on body image. It definitely wasn’t easy and there were a lot of breakdowns and venting but I gave myself a break has been my to go. What I learned along the way is that I don’t have to be hard on myself. I am only human and I need breaks but also being disciplined, meaning while I should take breaks I should also stick to my deadlines.

What I want to do with my stories is remind people that they are not alone and that it’s okay to feel what you are feeling. It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to go through it all alone. I want people to remember that you don’t always have to be strong and being strong sometimes means letting yourself feel whatever you are feeling and being honest with yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh! I love this question! Los Angeles is a vibrant city with a lot to offer so I would have my best friend list first head to Griffith Observatory to take in panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign then grab a casual lunch at Tocaya. Disneyland would definitely be one of the places I would want to take my best friend. Explore the Getty Center and also go to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Phew! There’s a whole list of people who have helped me become who I am and what I am today. However, this is a big shoutout to my boyfriend, Anthony, who has been super supportive, reassured me and has encouraged me to explore my creative side more and more every single day. It’s also a shoutout best friends, Vaishnavi, Nipun, Rafaela, and Ajithsah, who have always helped me get through my creative blocks or my difficult days and remind me why I do what I do. They always push me to be a better version of myself, but they also accept me for everything that I am.

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