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Podcast

As a child, I was enthralled with history and biographies. I struggled in Math and Science, but one rainy Friday, my 4th grade teacher pointed out I was good in History and my life changed at that moment. I decided that day I would major in History. So that’s what I did 9 years later, I entered university in Washington, DC to study History- a continuation of learning and analyzing people’s lives and decisions. I interned in the US Congress, at The White House, and for NGOs; and volunteered on political campaigns, and worked in the city after graduation. But moving to London to study for my Masters changed my worldview. I’ve lived in 9 countries and have found myself in a completely different arena: fashion. Over the past 6 years, I have developed an eye for couture craftsmanship, learning how to put intricate and detailed collections into words. As a result, I have developed relationships with some of the world's most leading brands, covering Paris, Milan, New York, and Riyadh Fashion Week shows. I also have a faith and lifestyle magazine, Seele that I founded. I decided to launch ‘The Soulful Side Of Life,’ an amalgamation of my experiences, where I interview people in areas that have touched my life in: fashion, faith, entertainment, music, business, and entrepreneurship. The podcast is an extension of my interests in discussing people’s stories.

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please follow.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysonlolitaportee/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoulfulSideOfLife

Seele Magazine: https://seelemag.com/

Episode 2: Tenacious Egyptian Actress Tara Emad Opens Up About Her Journey From Modeling To Film, And Why Almost Giving Up On Her Dream Was Not An Option

Photo Credit: Batool Al Daawi

Photo Credit: Batool Al Daawi

 
 

Tara Emad is an Egyptian actress and model. Her father is Egyptian father and her mother comes from the former Yugoslavia.

Tara started her career when she was 4-years-old, appearing numerous TV commercials, and she started working as a clothing model at the age of 14. In 2010 when she was 17, Tara participated in the Miss World beauty pageant for teenagers in Brazil, winning “Miss Africa” and the first-runner up for Miss World for Teens. After high school, Tara began studying Business Administration at American University in Cairo and pursued “acting workshops” with actor Ahmed Kamal and online with American organizations. Her first acting experience was in 2011 in the TV series “El Gama’a” (University) directed by Hani Khalifa in which she acted alongside other young actors. 

I sat down with Emad at her hotel room during the October 2020 El Gouna Film Festival in El Gouna Egypt to do this interview. We talk fashion, her acting work, the festival, and her charitable work.