At just 23, Goa-based lifestyle creator Aanaa has carved out a unique space for herself online, one that’s equal parts relatable, aesthetic, and unapologetically real. Known by her social media handle @aanaahahaha, she describes herself as “a very observant person with a kind of delusional optimism about life”, a quality that shines through every post she creates. Whether she’s talking about Gen Z culture, coffee, or daily life, her content blends raw honesty with a visual style that feels effortlessly modern. “I might not look perfect in every post,” she says, “but I love keeping things candid while adding subtle commentary about what I observe and believe in.”
A Voice Rooted in Experience
Having worked in marketing for over four years, Aanaa’s background naturally informs her creative process. She leans toward the creative industry, often drawing from her personal experiences to craft content that feels intimate yet insightful. Her feed is a mix of café explorations, coffee culture, lifestyle reflections, and relatable observations about modern life. “My posts often reflect my love for coffee, cozy cafés, and nuanced discussions that make online conversations more meaningful,” she shares.
From Musical.ly to Modern Storytelling
Aanaa’s content journey began long before Instagram. She first found her footing on Musical.ly (now TikTok), where she built a following of 11.9K before the platform was banned in India. It was during those early years that she learned the essentials of editing, lighting, and transitions, skills that now define her distinctive style. While she enjoys creating short-form videos, she’s drawn to long-form content for its sense of community. “The connection on YouTube is unmatched,” she says, reflecting on her love for deeper storytelling.
Keeping It Real
Aanaa’s audience engagement philosophy is simple: authenticity over perfection. She shares snippets of her real life, from travel diaries to behind-thescenes moments at shoots and restaurant visits, keeping things raw and relatable. Her marketing expertise plays a key role in understanding her audience. She relies on data like Instagram reel runtime to refine her approach and measure engagement. “It’s my favorite insight because it shows if your hook works,” she explains. Among all her posts, her funny commentary videos and 30+ kg weight loss journey stand out as fan favorites,
Creating with Intention
When it comes to ideation, Aanaa prefers spontaneity over strategy. She lets ideas flow naturally, jotting them down as they come. Music is integral to her process, she only uses tracks she genuinely connects with, not just what’s trending. “I pick trends that fit my vibe, not the other way around,” she says. “I create as if I’m the only one who’ll watch it, that’s what keeps me authentic.” Her equipment setup remains minimal, just her iPhone 13 and good natural light. Her editing style, inspired by Gen Z culture, is fast-paced, expressive, and full of personality. “It might look chaotic to some, but the ones who get it, get it.”
Balancing Work and Creativity
While she once posted frequently, juggling her professional commitments and multiple clients has made her more selective with uploads. She doesn’t view her personal page as “work” but as an outlet for expression. “I prefer experimenting with unconventional ideas that feel fun and authentic,” she says. Although she doesn’t follow a strict posting schedule, she ensures to stay consistent, even if that means posting a few times a week or collaborating with clients who feature her on their brand pages.
Building a Community, Not Just a Following
Aanaa’s connection with her audience goes beyond likes and views. She believes in nurturing a sense of community rooted in shared values. Her love for Gen Z is evident: “We’re often labeled arrogant or lazy, but I believe we’re the change this world needed, bold, self-aware, and expressive.” She channels that spirit through her personal style, favoring linens and khadis as symbols of individuality. This mindset has helped her attract a like-minded audience that resonates with her message of authenticity and freedom.
Adapting to Change
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, Aanaa admits that keeping up with Instagram’s constant updates and algorithm shifts is a challenge, especially since she manages marketing campaigns professionally. But rather than resist change, she embraces it, adapting her strategies while staying true to her creative essence.
Evolving Through Feedback
For Aanaa, feedback, whether from friends, family, or critics, is a valuable part of growth. “Content can never be perfect; it’s just about being better than yesterday,” she says. She prioritizes lighting, visuals, and a cohesive color palette, ensuring her feed maintains a clear visual identity. Before posting, she asks herself one key question: Why am I posting this? If she doesn’t feel a genuine connection to the content, it doesn’t go up.
Defining Her Brand
Warm, lively, opinionated, and a little crazy, that’s how Aanaa describes her personal brand. Her content embodies individuality, curiosity, and optimism, reflecting the beautiful chaos of being in your twenties. Through her work, she aims to make her audience feel seen and understood. “I want my audience to know they’re not alone in figuring life out,” she says. “I want to encourage them to think critically, develop media literacy, and take pride in who they are.”
Looking Ahead
As she continues to evolve, Aanaa hopes to meet more like-minded creators, travel the world, and spark meaningful conversations that empower her generation.
Her dreams include giving a TED Talk, hosting panel discussions, and being featured at YouTube FanFest, milestones that would allow her to connect with her audience on a larger stage.
Authenticity Above All
When asked what she’s learned from her journey so far, Aanaa doesn’t hesitate: “Authenticity always wins. Trends fade fast, but when your audience connects with you, it lasts.”
Her advice to aspiring creators is simple yet powerful, “Just start. Don’t worry about who’s watching or how you look. Build a routine you’re proud of, focus on growth, have fun, and never lose sight of your values.”
