Read the whole article here: https://shoutoutla.com/meet-nina-hajian/
We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina Hajian and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
About seven years ago, while living in New York, I fell very ill. After a long and challenging journey, I discovered that a food allergy was the culprit—I’m allergic to red dye! I used to buy watermelon from the bodega every morning, and it turns out some of it was injected with red dye for coloring. This wreaked havoc on my body. This experience sparked a deep interest in using food and spices as medicine. I began gravitating towards the flavors of my childhood, like cardamom, which I used to reduce inflammation. This obsession soon transformed into a way of life and ignited a passion for natural healing.
During the pandemic, I was living in Chicago and once again faced health issues and heartbreak, which manifested in skin problems like breakouts, dullness, and discoloration. One day, while drinking my cardamom tea and watching the Avengers on my big red couch, I had an idea: to apply the cardamom leaves directly to my face. Remarkably, the inflammation almost instantly subsided. This discovery propelled me to research and apply my knowledge of food and spices to skincare. Given that our skin is our largest organ, it made perfect sense to me to heal it naturally.
Though initially unsure about turning this into a business, I moved to Atlanta and perfected my formula. The “Women, Life, Freedom” movement was particularly prominent at the time, which made me embrace my culture with both pride and pain—pain for the struggles of women in my homeland and pride in their strength and courage. It felt as though my ancestors were moving through me, and I realized that being mixed allows me to embrace all parts of myself simultaneously, which is my superpower.
This journey led to the creation of my Persian T Oil, which healed me both inside and out, helping me feel whole. My mission for this business became clear: I want to help people embrace their entirety, feel empowered by looking and feeling their best, and create a community where everyone is welcome to thrive together.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started working in radio when I was 19 and still in college. I’ve always been a dreamer. Initially, I got into radio to learn how to get my song played on the air because, at the time, I thought I was a singer. I wasn’t terrible, but my love for music introduced me to my passion for storytelling and creating community. It’s hard to pinpoint what sets me apart, but I like to think it’s my commitment to staying authentic and honest. I’ve grown up in front of a microphone, and there’s not much I won’t share. I believe sharing stories brings people together and helps some feel less alone.
I’m proud that I’ve never given up on anything. That might be my toxic trait, as there have been many tears along the way, but I always find my way eventually. Did I manifest it? Maybe, but I know I’ve always put in the work with passion and remained a good person along the way. I’m proud of that.
The biggest lesson for me has been to listen to my heart and my body. They tell you everything you need to know if you allow yourself to tune in. That might sound cheesy, but throughout my career, I’ve moved a lot and spent a lot of time alone. Tuning in helps me feel less alone and gives me the confidence to move forward. And now I’m a founder too!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t live in LA. I live in Seattle but the idea is the same!
The week would consist of beautiful walks to stay active because food and drinks will be a big part of the rest! I always say the best way to learn a new place is through food! Live music is a must, as well as girl time with facials, rom coms, and lots of deep conversations!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my parents! They’ve come around to support me through another “delusional” endeavor—haha! Working in radio and entertainment has had its ups and downs, with stability being a rare luxury. While this uncertainty has never scared me, I know it terrifies them. Now, as I go all in on this business, they’re letting me live with them to save money while we build. Transitioning from radio to skincare and owning my own business makes them proud, but I’ve definitely given them whiplash a few times.
I feel incredibly lucky to have parents who love me unconditionally. I think their unwavering support is why I’m unafraid to take big risks, and I love that about myself. Plus, they’re pretty awesome, so having them be a part of this journey feels just right.
Jenna McGinnis deserves a HUGE shoutout! She is my business partner, sister, and friend, and there is no way I could do any of this without her. We met randomly at a St. Patrick’s Day party a little over a year ago, right after she quit her corporate job. She mentioned wanting to help build small businesses, and I said, “I have a small business!”—and the rest is history. T Bazi started as my baby, but it has now truly become our baby. Jenna believed so deeply in me, my vision, and my product that she went all in, and together we are building something truly special.
I also have to give love to Lindsay Kenna and Sydney Mintle, two believers who round out our team and help us feel unstoppable!
Website: https://mytbazi.com
Instagram: @mytbazi. @ninaontheair
Twitter: @ninaontheair
Facebook: Nina Hajian/ Nina On the Air
Image Credits
Brett Lupfer Alejandro Sanchez Ochoa Victoria Ramirez