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

Hi Shreya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a woman in the film industry, I often felt a disconnect with the stories that were being told. It felt like there was something missing—stories that mirrored my own experiences, stories that mattered deeply to me. So, Window Dreams Productions Inc. wasn’t just about business; it was about bringing authenticity and depth to the screen. I wanted to take the driver’s seat, to bring stories to life that not only reflected genuine experiences but also sparked conversations. Since launching, I’m thrilled to say our projects have done more than just succeed. They’ve touched hearts and opened eyes. It’s been an amazing journey, showing just how powerful storytelling can be when you’re truly connected to it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From the age of 6, I was enchanted by the world of fashion. Inspired by summer memories of my mother dressing me up, snapping photos, and introducing me to fashion magazines, I set my heart on the industry. Leaving university and my home country, with not a single connection in the fashion world, was a daunting challenge. But as I believe, without taking risks, we can’t truly chase our dreams. The path wasn’t handed to me; my parents, while supportive, couldn’t guide me through an industry unfamiliar to them. They also had their apprehensions, often associating success in entertainment with wealth and connections.

Yet, my determination led me. Learning from mistakes and failures, I carved my niche, eventually gracing over 600 runways across Asia, the Middle East, and North America, and working with iconic magazines like Vogue and Grazia.
My journey in the fashion world, however, intersected with profound moments of realization. Volunteering with the Make A Wish Foundation in both Canada and India, I was confronted with stark disparities: while children in Canada dreamed of meeting celebrities or visiting Disney World, those in India longed for basic necessities. Witnessing these contrasting realities, coupled with heart-wrenching sights at government hospitals in India, I felt an overpowering need to amplify unheard voices.

Returning to Canada, I pursued documentary filmmaking. My debut, “Girl Up”, which I single-handedly shot, edited, and produced, spotlighted domestic human trafficking issues. While its release faced hurdles, the documentary garnered acclaim, screening at esteemed film festivals and sparking critical dialogues about human trafficking at events like the Civic Action Summit which was partnered with Toronto International Film Festival.

With my production company, Window Dreams Productions, I aim to produce content that not only entertains but makes a tangible impact. Our recent documentary, “Unity – #LOVESPREADS Faster Than A Virus”, created during the pandemic, is a testament to our vision, capturing human resilience across 66 countries. Additionally, I’ve ventured into directing viral music videos, writing scripted TV series, and honed my acting skills at Second City Conservatory and many other institutions. My two most recent features as a lead actress are “Strangers in a Room” and “The Intersection.”
In essence, my journey embodies my belief: Dream, take risks, and forge your path. And while you’re at it, ensure your work resonates, impacts, and uplifts and pull others up too because there is plenty of room for everyone up here.

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?
My shoutout undoubtedly goes to my parents and my brother, Ankit. I was raised by an artistic mother and an engineer father who tirelessly worked to offer our family a better life. Given their backgrounds, it must have been unexpected for them when their daughter decided to venture into the entertainment world and pave her own path. Even though they might not have fully grasped my journey from the outset, they never hesitated in their support and always fostered a growth mindset within me. Back then, I might not have fully realized it, but looking back now, I can clearly see the profound impact their unwavering presence and belief had on my life.

Website: www.imshreyapatel.com / www.windowdreams.ca

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imshreyapatel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/imshreyapatel

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