Sazan Barzani, 24, was born in Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Texas her entire life. Her parents arrived in the United States from Iraqi Kurdistan when they were in their early teens.
In 2012, she graduated with a college degree in Radio, Television, and Film from The University of North Texas.
Shortly after she graduated, Barzani decided to make the big move to Los Angeles to pursue her career. She currently manages a full-time business as a fashion and beauty consultant.
In this exclusive interview with BasNews, Sazan Barzani talks about her life and ambition and what it means to be a Kurd in Hollywood:
BasNews: How did you start as a fashion & beauty blogger, host & stylist? How did the journey start? What inspired you?
Sazan Barzani: I was always drawn to fashion and beauty as a child - even when my mom wouldn’t let me wear makeup until I was in high school and had rules for what I was allowed to wear. The passion never died in my heart. For me, fashion and beauty is an outlet of expressing my mood and inspiring others. My parents are traditional Kurdish parents who didn’t clap their hands when I told them I wanted to pursue a career in Hollywood as a television entertainment host and broadcaster. They kept telling me to be a nurse, a lawyer... you know the drill. No matter what, I knew that everything was in God’s hands and for me, there was a bigger plan in store that I could not ignore. I knew paving the way would not be easy but my parents saw how motivated and determined I was about my dreams in college, which ultimately led to their support for my move to Los Angeles. It wasn’t an over-night process but shortly after graduating college I discovered online fashion and beauty blogging. At the time, it was a hobby (nobody was really getting paid for it) so I didn’t take it that seriously. When I decided to move away from Texas and head out to Los Angeles I did not know what was waiting for me on the other side. I went to Los Angeles thinking I wanted to become a TV broadcaster, but I knew it wasn’t going to be that easy and I needed to find something else to do on the side. Well, that side job was building my blog into a brand and when it started to grow rapidly this side job became my main job. My blog fell into the market at the perfect time when social media was on the rise and the digital space was evolving. We are now living in the most exciting time for fashion/beauty with the internet and social media propelling a new era of digital influencers who are disrupting the fashion/entertainment industry. I am so lucky to be apart of that - especially as one of the first Kurdish girls. That has really inspired me to keep going with my blog and see where it takes me. Today I am amazed at what opportunities have come to me through my blog - this includes some really cool TV opportunities that I’ve been blessed with!
Pictures: bridesmaid dresses
BasNews: What do you do now?
Sazan Barzani: It’s hard to explain exactly what I do because it falls under an umbrella of many titles. Some say stylist, others say fashion blogger and some will call me a model. If we combine all of that under one hat, l am a Digital Influencer. I currently manage my blog www.sazan.me full-time with a team that is helping me build my personal brand in the digital space. I also speak regularly at conferences where I teach young girls tips for brand-building in the online market and how to create a name for yourself (and make money doing it!) in the comfort of your own bedroom. I love being my own boss. It’s funny thinking back to when I was a kid and my teacher would ask, ’what do you want to be when you grow up?’ I never said or thought there would be such a thing as a ’Digital Influencer,’ which shows how quickly society is evolving.
BasNews: What do you find as a common between American society and Kurdish society?
Sazan Barzani: Well it wasn’t been until this month that I’ve come back to Kurdistan to visit after 8 years so I don’t know if I’m an expert at this comparison. This isn’t necessary a bad thing so please do not twist my words. I don’t allow myself to think like America vs. Kurdistan or as ’separate societies’, I am not one to judge. Instead I can only speak for myself as a representative of both worlds because that is who I am. If we discuss it from a fashion stand point however, I’ve noticed the way I dress in the United States is not the same way as I’ve decided to dress in Kurdistan. However, this is a personal choice and I would do the same thing in other various parts of the world or occasions. It’s a cultural respect thing.
BasNews: What activities, festivals and films have you participated so far?
Sazan Barzani: I have participated in a number of big and international events like; New York Fashion Week, Meet and Greet/ Eva Mendes Shopping Event, The Kurdish Youth Festival 2014, Simply Stylist School, Beauty Con and the Fab Council.
BasNews: How often have you visited Kurdistan Region? And when?
Sazan Barzani: I am currently here. It has been 8 years since I was last able to visit! I visited in 2004, 2006 and now 2014. It has changed so much (in a beautiful way). There are so many amazing malls and the culture and technology has advanced significantly. I am very proud to see this and looking forward to Kurdistan continuing to evolve.
BasNews: How do you see and Asses fashion in Kurdistan Region?
Sazan Barzani: I see fashion here evolving and becoming more modern. It’s so amazing because the more malls that are opening, the more options people get to choose from. I am so inspired by the beautiful gold jewelry and usage of color. Fashion is personal, so I am not one to judge the style here whether it’s my personal taste or not, but I’ve been very inspired on this trip seeing so many beautiful Kurdish women not hiding behind heavy fabric and instead they’re stepping out more confidently wearing what they want and creating trends.
BasNews: Your family name being Barzani is very famous name in Kurdistan, has the name helped your career or it has been an obstacle?
Sazan Barzani: I simply want to show young girls that each and every single one of us has a purpose that can change the world. I hope my work will inspire women to chase their own goals and dreams and know that if they do not set limitations, a small passion is never too small or silly to pursue. The biggest thing is to understand that regardless of where you come from, I believe you can achieve greatness with hard work and determination. That is how I did it. Because you asked, I will be honest in saying I have accomplished my goals because of my hard work and that alone. Nothing has been handed to me as some may suggest because of my ’last name.’ This is so silly for me to hear because I live in the United States where ’Barzani’ is just another last name. I deeply respect my name and I appreciate that I have support from my Barzani leaders. I understand the history behind my last name but I’m also making my own history. I’ve never tried to get ahead by using my name to achieve success. Everyday I am working towards building a name for myself in the U.S and it is not easy, trust me. For me, fashion and sharing my life is a way to connect with so many girls around the world and that’s my focus. I love being able to express my individuality - it has truly brought me so much joy and happiness that I would never trade it for anything. Sometimes, you have to take risks to do what you truly love. Big dreams require big work no matter who you are! I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t work hard for it myself.
BasNews: Kurdistan is stepping toward independence, what does independence mean to you? What can Kurds achieve through independence?
Sazan Barzani: There is no greater feeling than being free and independent. It has been a long time coming as many of our ancestors have fought for this land we stand on today. I am very excited to see Kurdistan achieve its independence in my lifetime and believe it is coming soon!
BasNews: What do you think of Women’s role in Kurdish society? What should Kurdish women do to become stronger person like western women?
Sazan Barzani: I think the role of women in Kurdish society is just as important as the role of men in Kurdish society. There isn’t a formula or ’how-to’ I can share for how to become like western women. We cannot see it that way, as both societies have polar opposite worldviews. Not all women in western society are strong either. Regardless, change is good. Change is growth. Change is a decision that one has to make. It requires knowledge, courage and most importantly faith. In my opinion, the women who take risks here in Kurdistan should take comfort in knowing that standing up for change in this part of world is harder than in the western world. I can only imagine, as I’ve been very blessed to live in the United States my entire life where I am free to make my own choices. I strongly believe that the women here in Kurdistan do have strength so strong and inspiring that isn’t given the recognition it deserves. It’s important for us Kurdish women to take a stand and stick together spreading our strength to other women who need it. Whether it’s big or small, I encourage women to express their voice in Kurdistan, their small community, or maybe even in their family household. For any woman who may be suffering in silence, I encourage you to know that your voice is not weakened in silence. We all have a powerful spirit inside that each and every single one of us can tap into. There is not difference between me and you or him and her. I believe we are all one and when someone is struggling it is our responsibility to help our neighbors. Fear is paralyzing and cannot be the reason for silence.
BasNews: Do you want one day come to Kurdistan and start your own fashion business in Kurdistan?
Sazan Barzani: I would love to and that is part of the reason I am here on this trip to get to know Kurdistan today and the opportunities in this market. I still have a lot to accomplish in the USA before I can expand my brand and business internationally, but hopefully yes.
Also see: evening gowns
