Show business has always been one of the most intriguing and mesmerizing facets of the modern era, from the golden age of Hollywood, the beauty pageants, to Netflix reality shows and Instagram influencers. We working-class, anonymous Joes have always been interested in and fascinated by how celebrities think, feel, and behave.

21-year-old Janna has been in the industry since her first Coca-Cola commercial in Ramadan of 2011. Ever since then, her turbulent road to stardom has been overwhelmingly mind-blowing. You may recognize her from Al-Haya channel's newest hit TV show “Al-Helm,’’ or maybe you’ve seen her on Instagram – where she has approximately 200,000 followers. She was also crowned Miss Tourism World Egypt in the competition’s 2018 run in Malaysia and Miss Eco Egypt people’s choice in the same year, both when she was only 18 years of age. We had the privilege of asking Janna some thought-provoking questions.

When exactly did you find out you wanted to become an actress?

So I was around 11 years old when I went to my first ever audition. It was for a children’s play called “Donyetna.’’ The moment I got on that stage and started giving life to my lines, I immediately felt at home. Like I had found my calling. I may have been very young and still had a lot of evolving and growing up to do, but I was sure that I wanted more of that feeling.

What were some of the obstacles that you’ve faced in that process of trying to become an actress?

I would say my number one issue was not being a child of nepotism. I hate to say it, but the Egyptian arts industry runs on nepotism and does not include casting integrity. I had to work twice as hard as an actor’s or a singer’s child. With all due respect to all the talented young actors with already famous parents, I just wish people born into non-famous families like myself could be met with the same open minds as kids of famous ancestry.

So tell me about the beauty pageant world; was being on a TV show more demanding than competing in the Miss Egypt pageant?

I wouldn’t say harder, but it definitely included some unexpected elements. The pageant didn’t have as much “sisterhood” energy as the movie “Miss congeniality” had led me to believe, but it taught me a lot about beauty standards in Egypt, persistence, and responsibility. Working on the show while preparing for my senior year of college was a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of coffee. It needed me to connect to a deepness inside my character that took me to a very personal mental space. Nevertheless, it was quite educational and so much fun.

So what was your favorite scene to film on “El-Helm”?

Oh, definitely – and unexpectedly, I guess – the scene where my character Sara gets kidnapped. She gets taken to a camp in the desert and the director lets us fool around and ride beach buggies all day while they were filming us from a distance. It was just myself and my co-stars having a good time with the local Bedouins and enjoying their hospitality.

Well unfortunately our interview has come to an end; but before we go; may we ask: what advice would you offer a young, aspiring actress who dreams of making it in the Egyptian film and television industry?

I would say my main mottos are “good things come to those who wait,” and “you’ll never know until you try.’’ Don’t expect to be discovered and to find success while actively doing nothing. You have to take initiative and work as hard as possible for what you want. Also, rejection is a big part of show business; so don’t expect every role you audition for to be “in your pocket”. And most importantly, enjoy it. Being in the spotlight gives you a high like no other.

Janna’s words were inspiring and still carried a sense of vulnerability; which is refreshing for someone who has seen the dark side of show business. And take my advice when I tell you: to keep an eye out for Janna Abdel Moniem.

No matter what her next project/endeavor may be, it is likely a hit.