Today we’d like to introduce you to Zia Sanders.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Dream. I started modeling in 2014 when I went to a friend’s event, and her photographer/videographer wanted to shoot more of me. We scheduled a shoot, and when I released it, I started to get inquiries via social media to host events. So, I was put on a few flyers, hosted a few events, and at them, I networked with different people and landed some model opportunities for small fashion shows. Upon doing some fashion shows, I got more opportunities to work with small brands on brand ambassador opportunities. As my social media grew more and more, I began reaching out to venues to do my own events as I had always dreamt of being in the entertainment industry. I had a lot of friends in the industry, so it was easy to kind of get my shows promoted. Or so I thought lol. I realized I needed to grow my network more with promoters, other event hosts, and venue owners. I started to move around in 2016 after working 2 jobs and going to school for the in-between years until I had enough money to expand. I moved to Houston for the first time. Worked with some really big promoter groups and some agencies on development and expansion. I took a few master classes on social media marketing and management. I moved around a few more times for work; I went to Ohio, to Florida, to Mississippi, to Atlanta, and to California and ultimately ended back up making Houston home even though I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana, born and raised. I am now settled in Houston with my fiancé, Pennie Austin, an aspiring artist. Currently, I am in process of some really big moves in reality, management, and development.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh, god no. hahahaha. it’s been twists and turns all along the way. From figuring out the right people to work with to shady interactions with selfish people with ulterior motives and sometimes just being extremely tired. As I stated, I always work a job or even 2 at a time bc, let’s be honest, the money as an upcoming talent does not cover life lol Some of my struggles include carefully planning and working with the right people. I’m very meticulous on who I work with, and for the better, that caused me to pace a little slower. I’ve accomplished the things I’ve accomplished thus far with no team. Finding work was a struggle. Work to actually advance, but networking kinda helps with that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I classify myself as a Socialite. I am on all ends of the entertainment industry spectrum. My ultimate goal is to own my own talent management agency and record label. I am a model, event hostess and coordinator, brand ambassador, aspiring PR and AR, lifestyle influencer, content creator for Amazon and Walmart, artist manager to my fiancé, and up-and-coming reality tv star and AP. I’m also trying to get into youtube, but man is it a stretch lol. I specialize in business and networking. Making connections and providing opportunities to those I know will take proper advantage of them. I am known for my shark business skills in marketing, management, and negotiations. I have always been the one my independent creator friends have called upon to help with matters discussing partnerships and contracts, but again school helped with that. I took up business management and administration of entertainment enterprises, minor in communication. I am most proud of my ability to keep pushing through and working hard. I’m still going strong, I’m resilient and determined. I have been able to maintain a clear tunnel vision of my goals with minimal to no distractions. What sets me apart from others is that I stand tall on my own and always make sure not only that I benefit from any and every connection that I make but that the people around me benefit and eat as well. I have a genuine love and care for everyone around me to grow, and unfortunately, that isn’t so common in the industry as the times grow and I am proud that I’ve been able to maintain pure hearted despite being put in situations that should’ve hardened me.
How do you define success?
Success is defined by a person’s ability to grow, evolve, learn, and apply what they have learned. Success is knowing better and doing better. Success is accomplishment of all natures.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/dosesofdream
- Facebook: facebook.com/zia.sanders.56
- Other: tiktok.com/@iQueendream
Image Credits
House of Dymes
TaylorMadePhotography
P Dubs Models Management
