Sahar Kashi on navigating the entertainment industry and the importance of perseverance, and a support system serving as powerful tools for your mental health. A raw recipe that can guide you to achieving your dreams. 

Sahar Kashi grew up outside of Boston and studied Journalism and Communication from the University of Connecticut. She has extensive experience ranging from Production, to Fox Drama at the Network, Netflix Young Adult Series, Anonymous Content on character driven, female forward, diverse/marginalized stories with a lot of heart. Additionally, Sahar has joined Benoist's Three Things Productions as vice president of development. She currently lives in LA with her furbaby Charlie. 

 

1. Tell us a little about the Sahar who first moved to LA as opposed to the Sahar now?

 “I fell in love with Film/TV when I read my first Harry Potter book and saw it come to life. I moved out to LA after college without knowing exactly what I wanted to do in the industry, but would figure it out as I go.”

2. What do you think are the biggest struggles being a young womxn in the entertainment industry? 

“A lot of times as a woman, (and especially of color) I've felt that my opinions weren't taken seriously. It was always as if I was put into a box and could never be anything more. I found it really difficult to find any sort of mentor to help guide my path but I ended up creating my own. The friends I've made along the way were my guiding lights.”

 3. What were some of the tools that you felt helped you overcome these obstacles?

“I've made some life-long friends at each company I worked at, who were always my source of support. I don't know where I'd be without them. Also, learning to speak my mind in meetings without fear of judgment, and practicing not tying my worth to the validation of my superiors. It is all an ongoing practice!”

4. What helped you persevere through your most difficult moments?

“In one of my darkest times, I saw that what I feared most was right around the corner for me: failure.  It was then that I realized it wasn't actually something to be afraid of. At the end of the day, your career shouldn't be your only source of happiness. Learning to find worth outside of my career is the moment I found my power and joy that no one could take away from me.”

5. Looking back, how do you think the darker times encouraged you to achieve where you are now?

“Absolutely. Living with a fear of failure, and looking to others for my validation is what held me back. I tried so hard at times to conform to a certain work culture, which just wasn't my personality. It still didn't achieve what I was so badly hoping for. When I stopped letting my career define me, that's when my career took off. My drive has returned back to the root of what brought me to LA in the first place: to create magical content that will change another little girl's life, as it did mine.”

6. What are some things that have provided a source of light in taking care of your mental health? 

 “A good support system of friends is number one. But also, my dog Charlie constantly reminds me to stay and enjoy the present. I also always encourage therapy for everyone. It is so helpful to have a sounding board and someone to help guide your thoughts in a healthy direction.”

7. What would you say to anyone trying to get into the entertainment industry? 

“It takes a lot of hard work! I was an assistant for many years before I was promoted. No matter your position, take everything you can possibly learn from each company, and when you feel like you aren't growing any longer you can always find a new company to jump to next. Even if the position is ‘lateral’ each company has so much insightful information to offer. It takes a long time to develop your taste as an Executive or Producer and each of these experiences is invaluable.  Oh, and make sure you are kind and helpful to everyone along the way!”

8. What do you hope changes for the better in the entertainment industry?

“A few things!  However, I'll talk about the two biggest ones on my mind. If we want to make real and impactful changes in our industry when it comes to diversity, there needs to be more diverse decision-makers behind the scenes. We are thankfully seeing more and more filmmakers and talent of color but we also need diverse executives, producers, CEOs, etc. There can be a toxic culture in this industry where both men and women of a certain generation want to inflict or create a struggle for younger generations because of their own struggle or pain that they went through. This has become a never-ending cycle of abuse that I hope will end with my generation!”

9.  A huge part of the brand is talking about redefining body movement as a form of exercise. We are shifting away from that gym cycled environment and rediscovering the relationship between mind and body. What is your favourite choice of movement? 

 “I love to travel and explore new places on foot. Hiking has been my go-to activity lately being able to enjoy nature with my furbaby.”

10. We noticed you picked the Harmonia necklace from the Dea Collection. Why made you gravitate towards this piece?

 “There is something timeless about this piece, which can be dressed up or down and works with any style.”

 

Photography: Matt Creem

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