Zahra Dada is a South African born content creator, host, actress, producer, brand strategist and CEO of Livalil Media & Productions.
Zahra has trained in Los Angeles and Mumbai for her career in the entertainment industry and has a degree in Brand Building and Business Management from Vega. Zahra was the lead actress in Appnesia, alongside various other short films. She has appeared in commercials for brands such as Old Mutual and Woolworths South Africa. She has also partnered with many respected brands as an influencer including Coca-Cola, Cotton On and Clicks.
Zahra has a love for connecting with people through her career as a host and has interviewed public figures that include Entrepreneur Maps Maponyane and Travel Journalist Valerie Joy Wilson. Thanks to her quirky and fun persona she loves MCing at various events.
Zahra aims to collaborate with the best talent from around the world and to work both locally and internationally in order to create entertaining, moving, quality content for a global audience showcasing her passion and talent.
Livalil (Live a Little) is a dynamic female led production company that aims to tell genuine human stories about women finding their voice which will captivate audiences.
Please tell us a little more about yourself and your journey thus far.
I have trained in Los Angeles, Mumbai and South Africa for my career in the entertainment industry and have a degree in Brand Building and Business Management from Vega. Recently, I played the lead role of Sameera Lamara in Identity; featured in The Power (Amazon series), alongside various other short films. I have appeared in commercials for brands such as Old Mutual and Woolworths South Africa. I have also partnered with many respected brands as an influencer including Coca-Cola, Samsung and Clicks.
I have a love for connecting with people through my career as a host and have interviewed public figures that include Entrepreneur Maps Maponyane and Travel Journalist Valerie Joy Wilson. Thanks to my quirky and fun persona I love MC’ing at various types of events which have included the Clicks New Elevated Beauty Experience being a highlight for me.
I’ve always aimed to collaborate with the best talent from around the world and to work both locally and internationally in order to create entertaining, moving, quality content for a global audience showcasing my passion and talent. I hope I continue to share my experiences through the content I create as each opportunity is fulfilled with the best of my potential.
Please tell us a little more about how your company came about.
Founded by Zahra Dada in 2018. LIVALIL BY ZAHRAD (Pty) Ltd is based in Durban, South Africa. The company aims to be a creative vehicle that tells female driven stories and illuminate storytelling in creative, enchanting ways to promote our stories and locations to local and international clientele through quality productions.
Should you be busy with any interesting initiatives, please tell us a little more about it.
Many organizations have provided the platform to voice my interpretation of creating awareness for brands and roles that I’ve taken on.
I believe giving back makes a big impact and helps to make a difference in the world. I believe that It is important to familiarize yourself with your community, which helps connect you to people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life.
My company have recently assisted/volunteered the following institutions:
* The KZN Blind and Deaf Society Ambassador
* St Martin’s Children Home
* Parkview Retirement home
* You’re Magical Down Syndrome Organisation
What is it that you are passionate about?
My aim is to entertain, educate and enlighten young women about life from a fresh perspective. It is vital to build connections and foster open and clear communication. Creativity is an essential ingredient which assists in my personal growth & transformation as an individual. I want to encourage others about the importance of Women Empowerment and how being Ambitious, Accountable and Adaptable have been key qualities on my journey towards sharing such knowledge with others. I’ve learnt to be comfortable with working out of my comfort zone as I continue to strive for the best possible quality and results . Empathy is imperative – we are human.
Who or What has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
Being able to draw inspiration from successful local and international content creators who inspire me and align to the #Livalil motto. Being attentive to the current trends that are constantly changing is a good way for me to keep myself motivated to do what I do every day and to never look back except to see for a moment how far I have come.
What is your personal “motto”?
Be your authentic self and live the best version of your life, unapologetically.
What advice would you give a woman wanting to follow her dreams?
Always focus on being real, have compassion and be courageous in every step you take forward in life. The balance one creates in life makes space for the quality of life that leads to longevity and authenticity to oneself. No matter how busy life gets remember that self-love is something you give to yourself when no one else is looking, this teaches you how important it is to be consistent with your actions and the words you tell yourself, daily. When in doubt, always remember why your dreams have been something you couldn’t lose sight of, you have a purpose, make every minute count towards this life of purpose. So, go on… Livalil… Follow your dreams!
Who or what is your inspiration and why?
Actress Deepika Padukone is an inspiration to me. Her values are aligned with my own. These include encouraging her audience to believe in themselves working hard, staying hungry, being your own individual, willing to commit, doing what you love, being prepared to make sacrifices, challenging yourself and defining your success for yourself. She also really inspires me with her authenticity, her relentless dedication to work and stellar onscreen performances.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be kinder to yourself and be your own best friend. Stay true to yourself, choose authenticity!
Your favourite daily affirmation:
I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself.
Your favourite quote:
‘Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.’ ~Brené Brown
Which book are you currently reading?
Unfinished By Priyanka Chopra Jonas
What are your top 3 business tips?
- Know your audience.
- Completely over deliver on client expectations.
- Empathy is imperative as we are human after all, strive for remaining real and relatable.
What would you say is your secret to success?
Hard work and Consistency.
One piece of general advice that you’d like to share:
Have the courage to live outside the traditional expectations of society whilst maintaining your core values and the principles you believe in. Chase your goals and your dreams fearlessly because too often we let insignificant stressors overrule life’s countless blessings. #Liv in your moment feeling energized and inspired!
Is there anything that Xtraordinary Women can do to assist you on your journey?
I’d like to build a consistent relationship with Xtraordinary Women and assistance with reaching as many people as possible with this feature! 😀
Contact Information:
Website Address: https://livalil.co.za/
Facebook Page: Livalil
Instagram: @livalilbyzahrad
LinkedIn: Zahra Dada
YouTube: Livalil
TikTok: Livalil
Submitted by: Clayton Morar Media
