Meet Akira Tashi

We recently connected with Akira Tashi and have shared our conversation below.

Akira, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

Certainly! Here’s a refined and structured version of your response suitable for a magazine interview:

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I attribute my generosity to the loving and giving environment I was raised in. My family instilled in me the importance of helping others from a very young age. We were taught that if we have the means to assist someone in need, we should do so without hesitation. The belief that being a blessing to others often leads to becoming blessed ourselves was a core principle in our household.

My grandmother, who played a significant role in raising my siblings and me, emphasized the value of thinking of others while not neglecting our own well-being. She taught us to pour into others without depleting ourselves, ensuring that we could continuously be of service. Her wisdom has profoundly shaped my approach to generosity, encouraging a balanced and sustainable way of giving.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a screenwriter and have been passionate about writing since I was about 10 years old. It started with short plays for the neighborhood kids to perform for our families. The most exciting part of writing for me is the ability to draw from my life experiences and observations of the world to create unique worlds and the characters that inhabit them to connect with my audiences. I often write on topics that many might consider taboo or are afraid to touch on, but I believe in addressing the truth fearlessly.

I graduated from film school in 2021, and the past three years have given me amazing opportunities to work with Netflix, Paramount, and HBO as a Script Supervisor. This “day job” has been invaluable while I navigate the film industry, with the goal of getting my projects on one, if not all, of the networks I currently collaborate with.

In addition to my own projects, I also write short scripts for others, which provides another source of income. I’m excited about the future and eager to see where my journey in screenwriting will take me next. Currently I am working on a documentary called “Minding my Business” about the rise of women business owners and the affect that positive role models will have on the younger generation of girls coming up.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities and skills have been the freedom to use my imagination, the ability to connect with others on multiple levels, and clear communication. Being encouraged to use my imagination from an early age allowed me to explore creative ideas without boundaries. This freedom has been essential in developing unique and compelling stories. The ability to connect with others has helped me understand diverse perspectives and build meaningful relationships, which enrich my storytelling. Lastly, clear communication is crucial in articulating my vision and collaborating effectively with others.

These skills have guided me to forge my own path, take the road less traveled, and trust in myself.

The most important advice is to stay true to your creative vision. Along your journey, you’ll encounter people who might try to reshape your ideas or steer you away from your original path. It’s essential to respect and consider constructive feedback, but don’t allow others to erase your vision. Trust in your instincts and continue to nurture your imagination, build genuine connections, and communicate your ideas clearly. Remember, those who truly support you will respect and enhance your vision, not diminish it.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was allowing me to be my own person and find my own way. They encouraged me to discover who I wanted to be in life, which led me to uncover my innate talent for writing and develop the resilience to overcome obstacles. They also taught me the importance of speaking my mind while being mindful and respectful of others’ ways of thinking and their beliefs. This combination of freedom and guidance has been foundational in shaping who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: iamakiratashi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akiratashi/

Image Credits

All photos were taken on my phone