An Interview With Food Network Star Louisa Sharamatyan
I recently caught up with the beautiful Louisa Sharamatyan -a contestant on Worst Cooks in America Season 20 on the Food Network, as well as last year’s Worst Bakers In America. She was happy to share some of her experiences being in the entertainment world, as well as some exciting projects she has coming up. Here is what she had to say:
Hi Louisa, first of all, how have you been coping with quarantine and the lock down being in LA?
Quarantine was definitely a time for all of us to slow down and appreciate the little things, it was very shocking for all of LA to be on lock down. I work in Hollywood as an entertainment correspondent so for me, it was very strange to not be out covering carpets and attending film premieres. It was a moment for everyone to be still and restart.
Give us an introduction as to when you first got into the entertainment industry:
I got my start in the entertainment industry with an internship for Entertainment Tonight at CBS Studios and that is where I fell in love with production sets and television. After wrapping up the internship, I decided to leave the industry and finish school. I attended CSULA and got my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a Focus in Law and Society. After I graduated, I got a HR assistant job at Deluxe Media, the world’s largest post-production company. That is where I realized that the clerical admin office life was not for me.
I quit to pursue my true passion in the entertainment world and I started interning and hosting after shows at AfterBuzz TV -and freelance red carpet reporting for different media outlets. This is also where I picked up several social media habits, which then turned into a job and people started to hire me to manage their page. I am a jack of all trades, so it has been a fun ride so far! I have met so many incredible people throughout the years that led me to this moment now.
How did you become involved with the Food Network?
I first got my start with the Food Network while appearing on ‘Worst Bakers in America’. ‘Worst Cooks in America’ makes it my second show on the network and I am so grateful. This experience has changed my life. I never thought I would want to learn how to cook and actually enjoy it. My mom is the best cook I know and I just want to make her proud. Being Armenian, cooking and baking is a big part of our culture and I am so proud to say that I am now confident enough to bring something to the table…literally.
As a woman in the entertainment business, do you feel like you have grown a lot more over the years, through your experiences?
Absolutely. I have learned to love and accept myself on so many levels. As a woman, I realized that it all starts with self love and the importance of setting boundaries.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far?
This has! ‘Worst Cooks in America’ is by far the most fun of all, I had the time of my life! It was truly an honor to learn from both Chef Anne Burrell and Iron Chef, Alex Guarnaschelli. Oh, also, taking a selfie with Morgan Freeman and meeting Robert De Niro, Al Pacino (at ‘The Irishman’ Premiere) and Leo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt (‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’) -was not bad either! Just the perks of being a red carpet correspondent.
What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?
To be on two network shows, with ‘Worst Cooks In America’ being one of their highest rated shows.
Who have been some of your favorite people you have worked with so far and why?
I love people who allow me to be myself and value my authenticity. I have a few I can mention -Fernando Escovar (CEO of Fab TV. Com), Maria Menounos and her husband Keven Undergaro (CEO of Afterbuzz TV), Raffi Boghosian (CEO of Bogos Entertainment) and of course, all the talented, professional staff of Food Network.
What other projects do you have coming up?
I am so excited to announce that I am going to launch a YouTube channel with my mom, who is the best cook I know. I will be hosting and learning a few things along the way and it will focus on Middle Eastern Cuisine. Armenian food is very delicious and popular and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists
First and foremost, work on self-esteem and confidence. Know your strengths and focus on that. Get to know yourself and say yes to opportunities that scare you because that is what will make you grow. Keep reading, evolving and asking questions. Also, have side hustles to make ends meet, so you can pursue your passion.
Follow Louisa on Instagram below:
https://www.instagram.com/louisasharamatyan/
Tune into watch Louisa on ‘Worst Cooks in America’
Season 20 on the Food Network -6/21 at 9/8c
