Emily Shah is an actress, content creator and entrepreneur specializing in lifestyle, travel and fashion. With a multicultural background (being half American and half Indian), she embraces diverse traditions and perspectives, which she makes an effort to incorporate into her work.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I'm passionate about storytelling, whether through film, social media or personal experiences. Working on sets between Bollywood and Hollywood, both in front of the camera and behind the camera, have given me an understanding and appreciation for filmmaking on an international level. I'm a Jersey Girl currently living on the West Coast with my rescue shepherd Bageera and my fiance, Mena. My family and I started an alcohol business right before the pandemic. Ever since, I have been running the company. It’s the world’s first ever Indian Dry Gin that uses botanicals inspired by ancient Ayurveda. Dharma Gin has gained a following over the last few years, with fans enjoying the complex, aromatic flavor profile.
You’ve worked in so many different fields, all with such elevated levels of entrepreneurial challenge! How/where did you get started?
My father started his film production company in 1999 so I really grew up on film sets. I was very lucky to have an understanding of production at such a young age. He was always quite entrepreneurial and so I guess I got that from him. All throughout my teens and early twenties, I was told that I had to pick a career path and know what I wanted to do and it wasn’t until about a year ago that I figured out that I really love creating. I love to create stories, films, content, gin. That’s what I do best.
“It’s like that saying, when you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life. I feel that way very much about acting.”
How would you describe being an actress? Is it all glamorous, or what unforeseen surprises have there been?
Being an actress is indeed very glamorous. Even the roles that are nitty gritty are still a dream. At least for me. It’s like that saying, when you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life. I feel that way very much about acting. I have been on the other side of the camera, working on production. I like it but I enjoy acting way more so if anything is not exactly glamorous, I would say it’s production. Nonetheless, you’re on set, creating movie magic, telling stories and making people feel. I think that in itself is so glamorous.
What does education mean to you, and how has it influenced your work or approach to accomplishing your goals?
Education has always been a core part of my upbringing. Being half Indian, of course, my family stressed the importance of going to school and getting an education. My mom’s also a flight attendant and, although she always agreed with prioritizing school education, she also stressed the importance of learning through travel and experience. I think a combination of being educated through books, schools, teachers are equally important as being educated through traveling, learning about different societies and cultures and having experiences in places outside your comfort zone. That in itself has shaped who I am and has given me an understanding of how to work with people from all walks of life.
Did you envision your life trajectory leading up to where you are currently?
Yes and no. The industry and artists have really taken a hit since the pandemic, and then along with the strikes. So that in itself slowed down a bit. However, my content creation career and my path in the alcohol industry has just continued to soar.
Can you tell us a little bit about your entrepreneurial endeavors? What is the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur? What is the most rewarding?
The most difficult part about being an entrepreneur is having to go through the rough patches along the journey, while having to show face, smile, stay positive to still sell your brand and act like everything is great (even if you are dealing with something behind the scenes). However, on the same hand, that is the most rewarding part of it as you come out of challenges stronger, wiser and therefore more successful as long as you can push through.
What role does style play in the work you do?
Style is everything. If I am playing a role, whether while doing a tape or on set, how I am dressed is entirely dependent on the time period, the character, the genre, etc. If I am out selling my gin, my style leans on the more professional side with a hint of chic, elevated finess. I want to show that I mean business, but that I am the owner and that my brand, Dharma Gin, is sexy, sophisticated, fun, approachable. Which is exactly how I try to style myself. When I am filming content, my style is dependent on the brand I am working with or the feel / message I am wanting to convey. Often, I am in my comfy clothes while telling stories to have an approachable and chill aura to my videos
What is your favorite piece from your Marcella Capsule?
The Eloise Sheer Turtleneck has to be my all-time favorite. It’s elegant yet sexy. It’s quiet luxury with a bold edge. The sheer fabric with the turtleneck design is just stunning. It’s a staple for my closet!
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