The Saudi Arabian television presenter and social media personality is a force to be reckoned with. Branded as “Saudi Arabia’s Most Coveted Influencer”, Lojain Omran had a career in banking before shifting to television. Completing two decades in the media in- dustry, she has garnered an impressive following which has propelled her to the top social media influencer in the Kingdom. Notably, her younger sister is singer/actress Aseel Omran as she credits the support of her family alongside her hard work for her success story. TLN KSA’s editor-in-chief, Narges Raiss meets with the TV personality, social media influencer and advocate for humanitarian issues to learn more about Lojain Omran.
1. Tell us about your experience working on the various television shows that you have presented?
Each program helped me become a more balanced per- son, it’s all about finding that balance and keeping it as much as possible, that is when my experience comes into play. After 17 years in the media industry, having worked in 4 different channels, I can confidently say that I have gained knowledge and experience in prepa- ration, presentation, directing and everything sector or department related to the world of television and pres- entation combined with very special, almost intimate, relationship with the camera.
2. How each one of them impacted your career?
They all taught me skills somehow, thanks to my participation in each show, I have gained visibility and they have turned me into an expert in media and a public figure.
3. What is your favourite part of the job?
I like the commitment to my craft and learning something new every day , it expands my horizons and thanks to my professional experience, I have gathered confidence to hopefully inspire others to follow their path.
4. Can you talk us through your process in decision-making, how do you decide if a show is going to be successful or if a collaboration is worth it for instance?
There are a lot of criteria through which I decide. I usually have a set of questions that I ask myself and the relevant people. For example, who is the producer of the program, I will check his name and reputation in the market. Who are the other people who are part of the project, are there other names with me? I need also to understand what the is added benefit for me? Not only in materially-speaking but taking into consideration the general picture. Will this cooperation move on to something new bigger, can I reach new heights? Can I build something, or learn something for myself or is it just a waste of my time? Generally speaking, there are many accounts that I take into calculations before taking the final decision. Once I receive an answer to all those questions, I start seeing the bigger pic- ture, it becomes less blurry, and it is then easier to take a stand.
5. Your name has been mentioned in prestigious influential listings for your career achievements, whenever you travel abroad, what reactions or feed- back do you receive from foreigners?
The first reaction I get is surprised, especially when they discover that I am Saudi. People have a lot of misconceptions, they have a false idea about Saudi women that they are uneducated, weak, broken and imprisoned at home and do not have the freedom to make decisions concerning themselves or travel alone and rely on themselves. Therefore, I start correcting this idea and prove it to other people – as a living example in front of them.
6. You are also a philanthropist, how important is it for you to use your voice towards humanitarian issues?
When we have a loud voice, this is a blessing that we must invest and harness in everything that is good for others and for a better society. This is a way for me to use my platform to create or participate into a useful, helpful project or initiative and take it as far as possible.
7. Tell us a bit more about the cause that you support?
What concerns me most is the question and the importance of mental health in our society in general and particularly, for women. I always try to focus on psychological and moral support through my social media accounts. This is a cause very close to my heart and I am hoping that we can remove the stigma around it for a healthier society.
8. You have impeccable style, and you are often in the best-dressed list on red carpets and events, tell us more about the process behind your styling and public appearances?
I know very well that a lot of famous personalities turn to stylists who choose for them everything related to their image: clothes, jewellery, makeup style, hairstyle, even the way to walk on the red carpet is calculated. Instead, I think I may be one of the very few who still rely on my own taste, I like to look into every detail and do the styling myself because I know very well what suits me in terms of appearance that still goes along with my personality. I am happy and satisfied with the result thank God.
9. What does luxury mean to you?
The real luxury for me is the freedom to make my own decisions, in a way that suits me. Being self-sufficient, independent financially and knowing how to pamper myself without the need for anyone, whether physically, morally, or psychologically. This is my definition of luxury.
10. What is one piece of advice you received that you live by and who gave it to you?
Keep your project secret and do not over share – that’s what I learned from people the hard way, who were supposedly loving friends while they were the oppo- site – I am thanking them for this valuable lesson.
11. Who are your inspirations and what keeps you going through ups and down?
My family in general and my parents specifically. They are my inspiration and strength, and they are my compass in this life. They advise, guide, and support me and are the most important people in my life. We have a very close family relationship that I value deeply.
12. What is your vision for your country and for your people?
There is a different sun that shines on our Kingdom, carrying between its midst the great change and the great development of a future that competes with all the countries of the world. The most important factor is that we as a people, contribute to this change with all we can. To understand that freedom in an added value to our image and reputation. I believe that the future will be so bright, God willing, amazing and beyond imagination.
13. Is there anything that you haven’t touched upon yet and that you still would like to try on or achieve?
The world of acting, which I consider it more like an adventure, a journey that I am about to embark on. I am hoping that it turns out into a successful adventure and a fulfilling journey, God willing.
14. What are you the proudest of, career wise?
I’m proud of my name, my reputation, my success amongst the constant noise now, and how my fame, my achievement wasn’t served to me on a gold plate. I worked very hard towards it, got extremely tired along the way, and succeeded with my effort, work and fatigue. Also, when I ventured into the public scene, it was way more difficult, I had to work harder and prove my worth. I feel that now- adays it is much easier to gain visibility as we are now in the world of social media. I am proud of how I built myself from nothing at all and got to where I am today without compromising on my values, thank God.
15. What is coming up next in the pipeline for Lojain Omran?
I have previously entered the real estate industry as an investor and I have achieved great success that I am sat- isfied with – thank God and now my next step is that I am preparing myself to enter the business world, God willing.