IN CONVERSATION WITH TIM DEMIRJIAN
interview by JANA LETONJA
Tim Demirjian is stepping into a breakout moment with his role in Hulu’s dating series Love Overboard, which premiered on 26th of March. Already generating major buzz and fan excitement, the show marks a new chapter for the Boston native, who has built a dynamic career across digital media, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. With a following of over 1.6 million and a background managing celebrity partnerships in the creator economy, Tim has a sharp understanding of modern influence, one he’s translated into both his personal brand and through his entrepreneurial spirit, which landed him on Boston’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Now, as audiences get to know him on screen, he’s emerging as a standout personality to watch.
Love Overboard has generated a lot of buzz. What made you want to be part of the show?
I received a random text that said: “Do you want to be with hot sexy singles on a yacht this summer?” Initially, I thought it was spam, but it turned out to be a casting director. When I found out more about the show and it being Alex Cooper/Unwell’s first reality TV dating show, I was in.
How would you describe your journey in the series?
My journey on the series was all about putting myself out there, being my authentic self and taking a risk. I put myself in some positions where my fate on the show was unknown, but it was all worth it. I wanted to give the experience 110% of my effort so that I left with no regrets and made the most out of my time on the yacht.
What do you think sets Love Overboard apart from other dating shows?
The structure. The topside vs the downside. Having to break up a couple to get access to the topside and all the amenities on the boat. The physical challenges. Love Overboard really has a little piece of different reality shows that we all know and love, and when you combine them all together, on a yacht in Malta, you get good TV.
Reality TV can be unpredictable. What surprised you most about the experience?
I had never watched much reality TV before this show, so I didn’t know how I was going to react to being on camera and being mic’d up 24/7, but I ended up feeling so comfortable and had no problem just being me. I forgot the cameras were there after the first 48 hours.
How did being on the show challenge you personally?
I’m typically a pretty reserved guy, but the show forces you out of your shell, and it forces you to put yourself out there. You can’t hide from the cameras so you might as well just lay it all out there.
You’ve built a strong digital presence before this. How does being on a TV series change that dynamic?
I don’t know if it really changes the dynamic very much, but it definitely allows people to see a whole side of me that I had not really shown on my social media platforms. People are able to see how I am on a day-to-day basis, how I navigate stressful situations, how I approach relationships and love, and everything in between.
You managed celebrity and influencer partnerships early in your career. How did that shape your understanding of media and branding?
Working at a tech start-up and managing those partnerships at the start of my career really allowed me to see how important it is to be authentic online. It is crucial to be able to learn how to build your own personal brand because, at the end of the day, you are your own brand, and you need to show your audience how and why you are differentiated from everyone else that might be pursuing the same goals.
With over 1.6 million followers, how do you stay authentic while growing your platform?
It can be a bit complicated at times, especially when you are first starting out. I started out posting content that I originally just thought was funny. I would just laugh at myself. But once your platforms become more established, people follow you because they like you, they like your content, or it’s a mix of both. I think the most successful creators are the ones who have a mix of both and are able to create content that just feels authentic to themselves as individuals. It’s important to let your audience into your personal life a bit. Community is everything when it comes to building a strong social media presence.
Health and fitness are a big part of your content. How do those passions show up in your daily life?
Health and fitness are huge parts of my life. I’ve always been active. I grew up playing all different sports as a kid, and I think it’s important to maintain a healthy, fit lifestyle. That is a big part of who I am, and I like to show that on my platforms. I think health, wellness and fitness can also go a long way when it comes to maintaining good mental health.
You’re also an entrepreneur who has launched a brand and landed on Boston’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list. What inspires your entrepreneurial spirit?
My dad instilled the work ethic in me. He made me start working as a caddy at 11 years old. I’ve always wanted to blaze my own trail, and I think there is nothing more fruitful than tapping into your creativity and making your visions become something real, tangible and fruitful. I love a healthy lifestyle, but I do also love to socialise, so that was part of my inspiration for my first company, Dezo, an all-natural vodka seltzer with coconut water.
How do you balance your roles as a creator, entrepreneur, and now a television personality?
I think being a creator and a television personality are somewhat within the same vein, so it has been really fun to blend the two of those. I love showing all the behind-the-scenes of the show on my platform. As an entrepreneur, I am investing in start-up brands, consulting, and exploring more investment opportunities to build out a larger portfolio. It’s a blessing to be able to have a platform that also helps give these brands more exposure. So, basically, it’s really amazing to be able to tie being a creator, entrepreneur and television personality into one.
How do you handle the pressure that comes with increased public attention?
I just stay true to myself and be who I am, and I remind myself that the right people will not only recognise it but also will remain in my life. Whoever doesn’t wasn’t meant to stay or be there in the first place. There is always going to be positives and negatives in everything you do, and there are always going to be people who don’t like you. It comes with the territory. Most importantly, I lean on my friends and family when necessary, and I make sure to surround myself with good, solid and grounded people.
Looking ahead, how do you see your career evolving from here?
I am definitely interested in more reality TV, modelling, hosting opportunities, potentially a podcast, and, further down the line, giving acting a shot. And one of my larger goals is to continue to blend my business acumen and business background with my social media and reality TV presence. The sky is the limit.
TEAM CREDITS
talent TIM DEMIRJIAN
photography RAUL ROMO
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
