Nesrin Sanad talks on working in multiple industries, success and challenges, which change her life

“The little details can be challenging, but they matter the most”. Nesrin Sanad talks on working in multiple industries, success and challenges, which change her life

Do you love those unexpected moments of happiness that sneak up on us? These unscripted moments bring a lot of joy into our daily routine. Our next heroine knows exactly how to turn any event into bright and memorable moments.

Nesrin Sanad — multi-faceted Egyptian actress, model, influencer, brand ambassador, painter, and philanthropist — talked with us about her multiple career achievements, inspiration, success and challenged, which made her move forward.

You have had success in multiple industries, including acting, modeling, and painting. How have you navigated the different demands and expectations of each industry?

I must admit that I can’t always give each of these full, undivided attention. I’m only human, after all. But I try to balance as much as I can. It is never easy, but chasing your dreams is always worth it. It’s a sweet challenge, and with every achievement, it becomes sweeter.

With such a diverse set of talents and passions, how do you manage your time and prioritize your various projects and activities?

I put them in order according to importance and delivery time requirements. Some of my projects require immediate action and some have certain deadlines, so I try to manage them in that order. I must say that my hobbies suffer the most since I can’t do them as much as I would love to, but whenever I have some free time with my family, I try to dedicate a day to hobbies that we can enjoy together. No working professional should forget the importance of leisure time and family bonding.

Can you tell us about a particularly challenging project you’ve taken on in your career, and how you overcame any obstacles you faced?

Many things happen last minute in our industry. For example, I was only told about my appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where I closed the show for one of my designer friends, one and a half days before the event. I was in a different country, so I had to quickly shift my schedule and organize myself. I also have a puppy, and it’s never easy to leave her behind. I managed to make arrangements, so she wouldn’t be alone, then arrange my flight, so I could be present and support my friend. Sometimes, the little details can be challenging, but they matter the most. My husband and family are my greatest supporters and without them, I wouldn’t have been able to take on last-minute work like this.

How does your own creative process differ from your work as an actress or model? Do you draw inspiration from different sources?

My art comes from my feelings and my past experiences, whether it is performed or painted. Art cannot exist without inspiration, and the best inspiration comes from personal experience. I put myself and my thoughts into my paintings, hoping that whoever sees my art will feel them too.

As a brand ambassador, how do you balance promoting products or services with maintaining your personal brand and values?

I simply accept what goes with my moral code, lifestyle, and values and politely decline what doesn’t match. For example, I don’t smoke or drink energy drinks, so I wouldn’t be able to accept jobs promoting those products. It wouldn’t be fair or credible, and one of the most important parts of being a brand ambassador is your credibility because once you lose that, it’s a downward spiral from there. For this reason, I always advise people in the industry to stay true to their beliefs and values.

You have collaborated with several brands over the years. How do you choose the brands that you work with, and what do you look for in a partnership? 

I choose partnerships according to my personal sense of style. I like elegance and classy looks. I believe they reflect me the most, and I look for them in every brand that I approach or that approaches me. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much about upcoming collaborations, but keep an eye out for an exciting European and Middle Eastern luxury brand collaboration coming out in early May. I am also in discussions to appear in a few Hollywood movies, one of which is the first Hollywood movie to be fully produced in the UAE. I consider the UAE my home, so I would be honored to be part of this production.

Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career?

So many people have made me who I am today. I can’t mention one and leave someone else out; it wouldn’t be fair or true! From family members to leading women I’ve met in my daily life, I’ve learned so much just from observing and listening. Everyone has a story to tell, from the lady that sells me vegetables in my town to well-established actresses, politicians, and writers to my mother and mother-in-law, whom I love dearly

As an influencer, you are a role model for many young women all over the world. How does this responsibility feel?

I feel a huge responsibility. I believe social media and technology can be tools for bringing people closer together. I want to inspire others not only to be beautiful and stylish on the outside but also beautiful inside because someone’s character is worth more than their appearance. I try to be respectful of different cultures all over the world, since the world is becoming smaller by the day. It’s not easy to please everyone, but I want people to feel respected, valued, and beautiful no matter where they are from.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists, actors, or models who hope to have a similarly versatile and successful career?

Let your inspiration lead you to aim higher. Always reach for the highest star. Let your dreams scare you but believe in them. And most importantly, remember where you come from, remain kind and humble, and never ever break bad!

Finally, what are some of your personal goals for the future, both in your career and in your personal life?

To be better, kinder, richer, and wiser than I am today. And I sincerely hope that I can inspire others to do the same.