We had the good fortune of connecting with Zuma Ayriyan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zuma, how do you think about risk?
I feel like my entire life has been about battling my fears and taking risks. Since I was fifteen years old, I wanted to travel and write about different people, places, and cultures. But when the time came to choose a career, the fear of uncertainty and failure scared me, and I ended up pursuing a much more conventional career, and I became a lawyer. That career choice did not fit me as well as I originally hoped, though, and after a few years of law practice, I started thinking about following my dreams. But again, whether I liked it or not, I already had a stable and familiar routine, and changing it to something unknown was too scary, so I ended up putting my dreamer-self aside for many years, until I just couldn’t do it any more. And yes, it was a huge risk to destroy what I’ve built and throw myself into the unknown. But with the help and support of my family and friends, I did it and never regretted it.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a travel YouTuber and am currently working on a series called Documenting America.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Every aspect of my life made some contribution to my success. My education, my career, my life experience. However, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, my boys, my sister, and my friends. Without their support I would NEVER dare to do what I do. And I am so lucky and grateful to have them in my life.
Website: https://www.zumaayriyan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zuma_ayriyan/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zumaayriyan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZumaAyriyan
Image Credits
Breanna Moore