Hello! I’m Shreya Balaji, the designated listener of my friend group—a role that pretty much sums up who I am in general. I mostly listen, offer support, and prefer to stay comfortably submerged in the shadows. The twist? I somehow ended up interested in what might be the least ideal career path for an introvert: Marketing. I love the idea of creating content that impacts (or, let’s be honest, manipulates) viewers into considering whatever is being marketed.
 

What really hooked me, though, is the limitless potential for storytelling. Having lost touch with my love for writing, I never expected to rediscover it in a field like this. My ability to connect with people on a deeper level has become a surprising asset in networking—despite preferring as little contact with any human as possible. My love for storytelling is strong enough that I’m willing to trade the solace of my room, hidden from all forms of interaction, for the need to meet and connect with multiple people for networking and inspiration.
 

My interests in singing Carnatic and Western songs, dancing Kathak, and painting have exposed me to unique lessons from each art form, which I now weave into my storytelling. What I love most about art is the freedom it gives me to create without being questioned about its validity—there is no right or wrong. This gave me the comfort to explore art without doubt, and it naturally expanded how I express the stories I create, blending elements from all the art forms I’ve learned.