threeโ Creators on Identity, Portrayal, and the Power โof Storytelling
We spoke with three dynamic AAPI creators – Dhar, Michelle, and Lauren -โ about how their backgrounds shape their work, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the importance of inclusive โฃstorytelling. โฃHere’s what โthey shared:
1. What drove โyou to become a storyteller, โand how โdid your upbringing influence that โคdecision?
Dhar: Growing up, I noticed a notable lack โขof representation โin mainstreamโข media. Seeing so few people who reflected my โขown experiences led me to understand โthe โprofound impact storytelling has on shapingโค perceptions and possibilities. Myโข cultural heritage instilled core values – hard work, resilience, a strong senseโ of โขfamily,โค and humility – and these valuesโฃ are now woven intoโค the fabric of every narrative I create. I’m committed to building content that is genuinely inclusive, ensuring diverse voices โคare not only present but truly seen and respected.
Michelle: My parents, โas immigrants, demonstrated the power of relentless effort and meticulous planning.they always responded to my ambitions with a practical question: “What’sโ the plan,โ the backup plan, andโ the backup toโ theโข backup?” โThis instilled in me a unique approachโข – pairing big dreams with unwavering attention to detail. That instinct directly informs my workโฃ on Challenge Accepted, driving my obsession โwith production quality andโข ultimately โขbecomingโข a key differentiator for our team.
2. โขMany individuals grapple with definingโ and embracing their identity.โ How has your journey been, โand howโ does it manifest in โขyour creative work?
Lauren: For a long time, I hesitated to fully embrace my AAPI identity, feeling I didn’t “fit โฃthe โmold” or meet certainโค expectations โof what it meant to beโ Asian american.โ I mistakenly believed inclusion was reserved for those who appeared more visiblyโค connected to their culture. โIt took timeโ to realize that identity isn’t about performance; it’s about lived experience. I still โoccasionally question if I’m โ”enough,” โbut I’veโ chosen to openly โขexploreโฃ those feelings, connectingโ with others who share similar experiences as a โmixed-ethnic individual.
3. What message do you hope your work conveys to audiences, particularly to other AAPI individuals?
Dhar: I โคwant my stories to โdemonstrate that success can โbe achieved while staying โtrue โto your values. I hope to inspire audiencesโ to embrace their own unique backgrounds and to see themselves reflectedโ in the narratives they consume.
Michelle: I hope my work shows the power of preparation and the importance of a strong work ethic. I wantโ to demonstrate that meticulous attention to detail, combined withโข ambition, can lead to exceptional results.
Lauren: โI want toโ encourage โothers, especially those with mixed heritage, to be proudโ of their full โฃselves. It’s okay to wrestle with questions of identity,โ and it’s vital to honor the resilience and sacrifices of your ancestors. โฃYour story matters,โฃ and you โฃare enough.