Meet Ariana Molkara | Actress and Singer/Songwriter

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

Hi Ariana, how do you think about risk?
I think we can all agree that to a certain degree, it’s important to take calculated risks in order to move further along in our career and life, but I think that the practice of risk-taking is even more crucial in the world of entertainment. I mean, to be honest, everything down to the bare bones of being an artist involves risk. There is vulnerability and risk when it comes to sharing a piece of creative work. When I write a song or when I bring a character to life on the screen, I run the risk of being publicly scrutinized and people not liking my work, of crashing and burning… but I have to take the leap anyway. In my creative process, I must be comfortable and open to taking risks when it comes to making bold decisions. Every time you put yourself out there, you risk rejection, but I think the best work is created when you’re completely unconcerned with validation. Even if we fall flat on our face taking a risk, we will learn and grow from it.

I truly believe that the reason I’ve made it this far is because I was unafraid to take risks, make brave moves, and create opportunities. I have found that the most successful people in this industry are those who are not afraid to look ridiculous and make a fool of themselves. It takes guts to let your guard down in this way but at the end of the day, it’s attractive and effective. It’s a risk in and of itself pursuing a career where nothing is guaranteed and there’s no singular roadmap to follow, but as Rhonda Byrne beautifully put it, “it may seem like a big risk to follow your dream, but isn’t the greatest risk of all to miss your life?”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
People always ask me if I prefer singing or acting and it is an impossible question for me to answer. I started out as a musical theater kid so I feel like my foundation was built upon the combination of music and acting. I am the sum of two parts. I will say, however, that releasing original music is not something I thought I would ever do, let alone that anyone would actually connect to my songwriting. Songwriting has always been a coping mechanism for me, a very private thing. When I found out that people were listening to my music to cope with their own lives, it was the most amazing feeling. It feels equally bizarre and incredible to be the originator of a piece of work and for it to be received well. I recently performed at The Hotel Cafe Writer’s Block showcase with my band and it was such a surreal experience. When I was on the stage, it suddenly hit me that I was at an iconic venue performing songs that I wrote the lyrics and composed the music to, two talented musicians were up there playing my music with me (shoutout to my amazing producer and guitarist Nando Costa and my awesome pianist Ivo Senra), and people were actually responding positively. At that moment, I got goosebumps. Since I’ve been so independent on my music journey and I’m a self made recording artist, I think it’s what I’m most proud of. I really love being more involved in a project’s conception and production. One of my dreams is to be able to write, produce, direct, and act in my own films and tv shows one day.

I think one of the things that makes me unique is that I love trying new things and daring to explore something unfamiliar to me, even if it scares me. Another thing that I think has allowed me to progress professionally is that I’ve never waited to progress professionally to create. Someone recently gave me a beautiful piece of advice that I wrote on a post-it note and stuck to my dresser mirror: “Do not let anyone take from you what they did not give to you in the first place.” I love what I do and I’m not going to wait for someone to give me the opportunity to do what I can already be doing. I’ve learned to believe in miracles, but not to wait for them.

“Challenge” is written all over my story, but sometimes I feel like it’s in invisible ink. I try to be as transparent as possible, but people don’t see all of the sweat and tears, the conflicts and fears. Despite the many heartbreaks and setbacks, I feel so fortunate. I have had the kind of experiences in my twenty years on earth that I could only dream of having in a lifetime. My hardship has only made me stronger and wiser. Last week when someone told me that one of my songs helped them get through a really tough time, I think my heart burst with joy. This is why I do what I do and I hope that when people consume my art, it’s my heart that shines through.

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?
One of my favorite spots to hang out is the Original Farmer’s Market and the adjacent outdoor shopping place, The Grove. It’s the perfect place to shop, walk around, and grab a bite to eat. You can even catch a movie at the AMC. I think it’s one of the most happening spots in LA and you can find live music there on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays! If you’re a movie lover, then I would highly recommend visiting the Academy museum. The Academy Museum houses some of the coolest treasures in cinematic history like E.T. and the shark from Jaws! I just went to the Academy Museum on the night of the Oscars to celebrate the nomination and win of Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, which I lent my voice to. We got to watch the Academy Awards live from the David Geffen Theater, where the museum always holds super cool screenings and panels. It’s a really fun and unique experience, an LA must-do in my opinion. Because I’m a total foodie, I’ve gotta share some of my favorite places to eat. Miceli’s is a cute and classic Italian restaurant with singing waiters and waitresses. You’re enjoying your meal and suddenly your waiter/waitress whips out an Italian aria or musical showtune! Craving delicious Cuban food and pastries that are just to die for? Go to Porto’s! My favorites are the cheese roll, coconut strudel, and cheese and guava strudel. Expect a line, but trust me, it’ll be worth it. I have some of my best memories watching a show at the Pantages theater (just saw Six the Musical), going to Universal Studios and the Universal City Walk, hiking at Griffith Park, and hanging out along the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. While you’re in LA, I would also recommend making a stop at Urth Cafe and grabbing some ice cream at Saffron and Rose Persian Ice Cream in Westwood. Thank you VoyageLA! I’m hungry and ready to go out now! Hahaha

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?
While I have many people to thank, I have to take this moment to recognize my real life superhero: my mom. My mom has been there for me since day one. She saw something in me and she made it her mission to help make my dreams come true. She believes in me more than anyone, even more than I believe in myself sometimes. My mom dedicated her whole life to helping me and I will never be able to repay her for all the sacrifices she made for my happiness and success. Even in regard to matters unrelated to me, she is the most selfless person I know. From spending hours on the road driving me to auditions to helping me record self tapes to being my supportive (and constructively critical) audience, she devoted all her time to go on this crazy journey with me and I know for certain that I wouldn’t be able to do it without her. To this day, she still lies awake, wide-eyed at night trying to brainstorm how else to help me be heard and seen. She is more than a mom. She is my mentor, my life coach, my cheerleader, my best friend, my stylist even! Going on this adventure together actually brought us closer and helped us create a really special bond that I’m so grateful for. Since I was a little kid, she told me that no dream was too big for me to achieve and she’s still right there to remind me of that whenever I’m floating adrift. I also really appreciate how she took off the stress and pressure of the industry, always making sure that whether there were highs or lows, I was only left with positive memories and valuable lessons. She taught me to find joy even in the midst of adversity. Her bright spirit, tenacity, compassion, and unwavering faith in me is what has anchored me all these years. Any awards or accolades are as much hers as they are mine and when all the stars align one day, I can’t wait to say, “Look mom, WE did it.”

Website: https://www.arianamolkara.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianamolkara/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arianamolkara

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arianamolkaraofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwIrnq-cV-jaR3jvaXCzRA

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kBZPKigAm085sDRyebHmY?si=GeZCeEEoSqSoh0RswnAUFw

Image Credits
Jonny Marlow Mad Muse Studios