Meet Paradise Afshar | Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paradise Afshar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paradise, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?

I disagree with a lot of “conventional wisdom,” because I think most of it is outdated.

This idea that you need to keep your plans a secret is completely bizarre to me. We all work hard maintain strong business connections, so why would I build up a network and not use it? My advice is to tell people about your plans and be open about your feelings.

There is no use in being secretive about your career aspirations, in fact it’s just counterproductive. A lot of job opportunities come from talking to your friends and colleagues.

Talking things out is also good for your own mental health, because truth is, people feel alone in their careers, and communication is one way to break through that loneliness. Maybe it’s just me, but I think there is a lot of comfort in knowing that I have a network that will be with me through my ups and downs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I cover immigrant communities, so there is a lot that is keeping me busy these days with that coverage. As an immigrant myself, want to share the stories about what life is like when you’re balancing between to cultures.

I am constantly staying on top of the latest immigration headlines, scrolling through social media, and reading books about the topic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Before I list my itinerary, I want to give a quick disclaimer, I moved here a few months ago, and since we’re in the middle of a pandemic, I have not gone out much.

That being said, Georgia has made me fall in love with the outdoors, and I love showing that off to visitors. I would take any guest to the bamboo forest, and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We would for sure hop over to the Georgia Aquarium, because the otters and the dolphin show bring me a lot of joy.

Food wise, I have celiac disease, which means I am forever on the hunt for good gluten free food.

Bantam and Bitty has one of the best gluten free brunches around. Their chicken tenders are amazing, and I live for their deep-fried okra. For lunch, it would 100 percent be at El Taco, because the tacos delicious. When I lived in Miami, I used to stop by there before flights and pick up tacos to bring home. Dinner would for be at Rumi’s, because literally anything off their menu is perfect. As a Persian, I can say their food reminds me of my grandmother’s home cooking, it’s that good. Oh, and their cocktail menu is divine.

When I would come to Atlanta as a tourist, I loved going to the College Football Hall of Fame, and I now insist that everyone visit it at least once. I also would also make sure anyone coming in from out of town gets tickets for an Atlanta Hawks or Atlanta Dream game, because win or lose, it’s a great time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would be nothing without my family.

I work in the news industry, so I have missed holidays, birthdays, baby showers and just about every other major event. My family has never made me feel bad for having to work. Even when I bring my laptop on vacation, or take an interview during a dinner, they’ve always been understanding. Since I have missed so many holidays and special events, I tend to go all out when those special days roll around.

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