“Uptight” and “condescending” were just two descriptors used to critique North Toronto’s Arta Ghanbari during season one of reality web series The Avenue. The show, which follows four twentysomethings in Toronto, first aired in 2011 with Ghanbari playing the role of fashion editor and villain extraordinaire.
“At first, I did mind being portrayed as an antagonist,” says the 21-year-old, who was recruited for the series when she was just 17. “But after a while, I realized, if viewers are getting a kick out of it, to just let them have it.”
But when it came to signing on for a second season, Ghanbari found herself busy balancing her final year at Ryerson with her job as assistant editor at Lifestyler magazine. She knew things would have to change for it to be worth her time.
“I said, ‘Listen, I would really like to be myself this season.”
The show’s producers agreed to highlight her career as a journalist covering events for teen magazine Vervegirl. Ghanbari is excited to have her career be the focus.
“Before, I was convinced that I would end up in fashion journalism,” she says, a direction fans witnessed during season one as she co-created fashion publication Défilé magazine. “But now, I definitely want to do more news stories, special interest features and long-form journalism.”
Her shift from fashion may surprise some viewers, but Ghanbari has few fears about public scrutiny.
“I was always different at North Toronto Collegiate, and I didn’t mind,” she says. “I don’t ever want to give in to the pressure of the majority.”
It was during her time at North Toronto, that Ghanbari was encouraged to pursue her journalism dreams by her Grade 12 English teacher.
“Mr. Zohar always believed in me,” she says. “I was nervous when I heard how hard it is to get into Ryerson’s journalism program, but he bet me $5 that I’d get in. On the day I got my letter from Ryerson, I waited until I stood in front of him to open it. I got accepted, and it was the happiest $5 I’ve ever spent.”
So what can fans of The Avenue expect to see this season?
“I’ll be covering events and doing a cover shoot, but I can’t say much more without spoiling it,” she says. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”