Meet Asma Ansari

We recently connected with Asma Ansari and have shared our conversation below.

Asma, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

My confidence and self-esteem were built step by step, through resilience and a willingness to grow in the face of challenges. Two years into my career in TV production, I made a life-changing decision to move back to Canada after over 20 years. It was humbling to leave behind the career momentum I’d built and start over. I began volunteering and working part-time, all while continually upgrading my skills through education. Each small step forward taught me the value of persistence and adaptability.

As I gained experience, I noticed gaps in the arts and entertainment industry—areas where I could make a difference. Recognizing those gaps gave me the courage to start Spotlight Social, a small business built on helping artists thrive in a space where they’re often overlooked.

The journey has taught me that confidence isn’t about knowing you will succeed but trusting yourself enough to try. I’m proud of where I’ve come from and how I’ve grown into someone who can empower others to share their voice and creativity with the world.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of Spotlight Social, a consultancy dedicated to helping performing and visual artists grow their social media presence and, most importantly, build vibrant, engaged communities around their art. With over a decade of experience in the arts and entertainment industry, I noticed a recurring gap: incredibly talented artists often struggle to present themselves effectively on social media. That realization inspired me to start my own consultancy.

At Spotlight Social, everything I do revolves around helping artists foster real, meaningful interactions online. Whether through social media audits, tailored strategies, or setting up brand-new profiles, my goal is to empower artists to connect with their audiences in ways that feel genuine and impactful.

What excites me most is seeing artists thrive when their digital spaces become places where their community feels seen and inspired. Social media, for me, is not just a tool for marketing—it’s a platform for creating lasting relationships and amplifying the stories that make artists unique.

As for what’s new, I’m thrilled to have recently launched Spotlight Social’s services as of January! It’s been an exciting start, and I’m already working with incredible artists to help them grow their reach and build meaningful online communities. On socials, I’m continuing to share insights, practical tips, and updates, and I’d love for more artists to join the conversation and discover how Spotlight Social can support their creative journey.

At its core, Spotlight Social is about empowering artists to build communities that celebrate their art. If you’re an artist ready to connect, grow, and thrive online, let’s start a conversation!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Empathy and Listening
Understanding the unique challenges that artists face has been key to shaping my approach. Social media can feel overwhelming, especially for those focused on their craft. By truly listening to artists’ concerns and goals, I’ve been able to create strategies that feel authentic and achievable.

Advice: Spend time understanding your audience or your clients deeply. Ask questions, listen without judgment, and adapt your solutions to fit their needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. Storytelling
Having a background in the arts taught me the power of a compelling story. This skill has been crucial in helping artists craft narratives that resonate with their audiences, whether through an Instagram bio, a caption, or a brand story.

Advice: Invest time in learning how to tell your story in a way that feels personal and impactful. Practice translating emotions and experiences into words or visuals that others can connect with.

3. Adaptability
Social media is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable has been essential. Whether it’s navigating algorithm changes or exploring new features, being open to learning and pivoting has allowed Spotlight Social to stay effective and relevant.

Advice: Stay curious and open to change. Test new ideas, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you go. Learning and evolving are part of the journey.

For anyone starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to focus on progress, not perfection. Embrace learning as you go, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and don’t underestimate the power of community—whether it’s a supportive network of friends and colleagues, or the one you’re building through your work.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

The past 12 months have been an incredible journey of growth, both personally and professionally. Starting my own business was something I considered several times over the past few years, but it came with its fair share of fears. Overcoming the fear of stepping into the unknown and battling imposter syndrome were some of my biggest challenges. I often questioned whether I was qualified enough or if I was making the right decisions, but I learned to trust in my experience and education the value I bring to artists through Spotlight Social.

A huge area of growth has been learning so many new skills and embracing a “student mindset.” From conducting market research to carefully investing in tools that align with my business needs, I’ve become more intentional about making decisions that are both practical and impactful. Staying disciplined and organized has also been crucial—not just for managing the business but for maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

Through it all, I’ve prioritized family over everything else. It’s been a learning curve to juggle personal and professional commitments, but finding that balance has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve realized that success isn’t just about business achievements—it’s also about creating a life where I can thrive in all areas that matter to me.

If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Taking that leap, even when it feels scary, can open doors to possibilities you never imagined.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @spotlightsocial.media
• Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/asmaansari1
• Other: Threads: @spotlightsocial.media

Image Credits

Kenda Al Yakobi