In Conversation with Content Creator Hira Faisal

“Sometimes You Have to Entertain Even When Being at Your Lowest”

In Conversation with Content Creator Hira Faisal

With a vision to entertain that allows her to relate and present her ‘true’ self to her audience, Hira Faisal is one of five sisters who charms her followers with content that speaks individuality but is as real as it can get. While many know her from the popular YouTube channel ‘Sistrology’, Hira has been taking on her individual projects too, which allow her to shine with sheer confidence through whatever she takes on. In an interesting conversation with Social Diary, she shared more on how her journey began, what it means to bring her story to her followers, and whether she and her sisters have disagreements over what they show to their fans. Know it all:

SD: Share a little about your childhood and what it was like growing up.
Hira: I was a shy kid who wasn’t interested in studies; in fact, I used to get scolded by my mother often over my lack of attention. However, I remember wanting to join the army when I was younger.

SD: How supportive has your family been in your pursuit of making a mark?
Hira: The support I had gotten the most was from my parents. My father is the one who stood behind me and my sisters, providing us with the financial nudge that was needed. He used to encourage us to think ‘outside the box’. The same is the case with my mother; she has been more of my friend. Both remained steadfast in allowing us to explore our potential, not falling under pressure from relatives who suggested they have us married off soon.

SD: Your videos are passionate work. How do you keep your energy going?
Hira: From my videos, it may seem I have a lot of energy. However many don’t know that there are several videos I’ve made at my lowest point in life. I chose to keep going and not give up. People want to see you happy and spirited, but what is happening in the backhand is not always known by others. I kept my audience entertained, despite feeling so low sometimes. However, I believe, pain is your superpower which allows you to channel emotions and bring out better expressions.

SD: What remains your favorite project to date?
Hira: I worked as a junior artist on a project called ‘Hoay Tum Ajnabi’ about six years ago. I got to learn so much, including how to create a film, how to bring out expressions, and showcase my skills. For me, learning is everything.

SD: Do you feel there is a setback to being active on social media?
Hira: I am a professional and I know the more active you are on social media, the more people will be responding to you and interacting with your content. Your consistency matters and that goes for any kind of platform, be it YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Invest your time, work passionately, and present new ideas and new content.

SD: Where do you get the ideas for your content?
Hira: Earlier, I used to get inspired by content created by others. However, as I began gaining attention, I realized I needed to bring forth my own individuality. People want to see you as you are. Being genuine is what matters now. You need to interact with your audience in your raw form. What people see is my personality- no filters or anything.

SD: Do you ever had disagreements with your sisters over content shown on Sistrology?

Hira: We don’t have disagreements, but we do have variations. But we respect each other’s opinions and make it a point to work out how these different ideas will be represented on the screen.

SD: How is this platform paving the way for many to discover their potential?
Hira: We are living in a day and age where social media has unleashed a plethora of ways for people to unravel their potential. Stepping into the entertainment industry would mean you need to face political agendas, which I had to face as well. Life can be unfair, however, through social media, you are able to create content without needing to interact with anyone. The fact is if you have talent, social media allows you to express yourself without depending on anyone else.

SD: Do you feel there is unnecessary competition in this field?
Hira: It is important and healthy to have competition. It keeps you on your toes. It allows you to remain motivated, in any field, not just social media. But you need to unleash your potential through it, and not let it affect you negatively. You should admire your competitors, and have them inspire you, rather than being engulfed by jealousy.

SD: Would you consider venturing into our drama or film industry?
Hira: If I get offered something different from what is being shown these days, I will definitely consider it. Even if it is not the leading role, anything that offers me a good learning curve, I will take it on.

SD: Something that you can consider as a setback to your work?s
Hira: When it comes to any career field, people expect appreciation and respect. But I don’t think the field of content creation on social media gets that recognition. With my work, I am taking on every single role. Not just the content ideas; I am also responsible for the editing, writing and even focus on the photography aspect. And we are investing our time and heart into giving our viewers the best. So when people pass snarky comments over influencers and digital creators, it does impact us. Similarly, even having a single person approach you with compliments, gives you such a boost and makes it all worth your while.

SD: Your words of advice to those who wish to make a mark?
Hira: Anyone who wishes to start off in this field should know success will not come overnight. My sisters and I gained recognition almost after 6 years. So remain steadfast. Everything takes time. Your talent will resonate with your audience, you have to remain patient.

In a Glance
What is your absolute superpower?
My brain