Being a digital personality allows you to create a strong following with content that is reflective of your perspective. This is why it is a definite surplus to see young content creators and influencers bring on the good vibes, by creating videos that provide feel-good moments. Zenia Mariam Khan knew she would have to face certain trolling for her work on social media but she remained steadfast and has been creating videos that are funny, relatable, poignant, and true. Speaking to Social Diary Magazine, she spoke on her vision and why it matters to have good digital creators with good content, now more than ever.
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SD: As an influencer, what part of your personality helped you the most in creating a successful platform?
Zenia: Adaptability is really important. You need to keep an eye on current trends. I used to do creative makeup videos, however after COVID-19, the hype for it went down. Now funny videos are really popular so I incorporated that into my content aside from doing beauty content. You just have to shift your focus onto what the audience wants to see.
SD: Do you feel there is unnecessary competition in the field?
Zenia: I wouldn’t say unnecessary however there are definite bits of both – healthy and unhealthy competition. However, at the end of the day, know that you are the brand so it does not depend on how well someone else is doing when you’ve managed a strong base for yourself. If you have a good following, it stays on regardless of who your competitor may be.
SD: You emphasize body positivity through your work, how important is it for you to encourage your followers to embrace themselves as they are?
Zenia: It is super important for me to encourage body positivity because I used to be overweight and lost the extra pounds for my health. However, I don’t want people to get the impression that because I lost weight, I am a better person or a real person now. I was a real person then as well with feelings and my own frame of mind. It isn’t just about physical looks; a person needs to embrace themselves completely in order to give out a positive and impactful aura. Aim to become a better version of yourself, for your own self.
SD: You often share videos with a comical touch- how do you think humor makes a difference in creating impactful stories?
Zenia: There’s just so much negativity in the world right now. Not everybody wants to continuously see the hard-hitting news updates which is why humor is needed, so to laugh and feel better. It’s a major coping mechanism for me as well and I even make jokes about my trauma which helps me to pull through the tough times. I think it’s a good way of spreading a message to others without offending or hurting them.
SD: How do you get your ideas for your content?
Zenia: The ideas come randomly and come at the most absurd times- sometimes I need to pen down something quickly at the oddest of times. Sometimes the ideas are an inspiration from others. It can be inspired by something I’ve seen and I can work out to give a more relatable version for my audience; I even ask my friends for help when I’m lacking inspiration. Anything can originate through any source.
SD: What is your policy for dealing with trolls and negative comments?
Zenia: Usually I don’t reply or respond as I don’t hold the power to change someone else’s opinion. However if someone is addressing me directly and they are being rude with an accusatory tone, then of course I am going to give it to them.
SD: How do you create a balance between your professional and personal life?
Zenia: I struggle to create one. There’s just no fixed formula for that. You need to prioritize some things over others. The good thing about this profession is that it gives me a little more room to be flexible with my time.
SD: Would you ever consider venturing into dramas and films if offered a good project?
Zenia: I haven’t ever thought about acting or going into films/dramas. Not sure if that is something I want to do. I did get modeling offers but haven’t given it much serious consideration.
SD: How do you visualize and aim for 2024?
Zenia: I do have a few plans but not really ready to share them with the world yet as I don’t want to be held accountable or answerable for what I’m coining up for myself. I like to work in silence till I show results.
SD: The biggest thing that happened for you in 2023?
Zenia: So far it has to be my graduation from IBA, majoring in Economics.
IN A GLANCE
What is your absolute superpower?
Turning every situation into humor
Your favorite digital personality?
Desi Perkins
Emma Chamberlain
If you weren’t a digital influencer, you would have been a…
Something related to my economics degree
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Bad smell
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone
Wallet
Hair tie
A comedian you would want to collaborate with?
Faiza Saleem
Morning Person or Late Night Enthusiast
A night owl nowadays
Desi Wear or Western
Depends on the mood, but Western gives more room for styling
Deepest Fear
Losing a loved one
Dropping my phone in the gutter
Biggest Regret
Embracing life’s journey
Most Prized Possession
My iCloud subscription
Biggest Strength
My supportive family
Someone you wish to meet
Ibrahim Ali Khan
Top 3 things on your bucket list
Traveling to as many countries as possible
Starting my own business
Living independently in a safe city
The best thing about your work
Impacting lives and mindsets positively
The worst thing about your work
Dealing with assumptions and scrutiny
Differences with fellow creators
Your favorite movie
No clear favorite
What people don’t know about you?
Family nickname
Different from my given name
Your dream destination
South Korea or Japan