We had the good fortune of connecting with Masooma “DarkSerenade” Rangwala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Masooma “DarkSerenade”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I would say that taking risks is really important in terms of growth. If you’re not getting out of your comfort zone you’re not growing. Taking risks and trying new things helped me become much more confident. I started pursuing new opportunities and trying different types of content which helps me continue to grow my brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always loved video games growing up and originally wanted to become a game developer. In highschool I started playing League of Legends with friends and streaming here and there. When I got to college I decided to pursue engineering and joined my college’s Gaming club. Although I had originally joined for fun, I started to network and realize this was a passion I wanted to pursue. I volunteered at events, streamed on Twitch 5-6 days a week and built up my social media.

I went from volunteering local events to working events like Dreamhack, interning at Evil Geniuses, to now being recognized as Industry/Press for my content and work at bigger events such as LA Comic Con and PAX.

I would say that pursuing esports, gaming, and content is never an easy journey, especially being a woman. I learned that no matter how successful you are, there will always be people trying to bring you down. I definitely learned to focus on myself and tune out a lot of negativity. I was fortunate to make so many friends throughout my journey that have supported me and given me advice, and to this day I still continue to meet so many talented and driven people.

I believe that pursuing your passions, even if you’re just starting out, is incredibly important. You never know where you can end up if you don’t try!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is the food capital of my heart.

Bellaire/Hilcroft are essential stops on our food tour. Huge variety of authentic Asian cuisine and definitely my go-to spot. Houston also has some of the best food trucks!
Some of my absolute favorite food spots/trucks are: Hokkaido Sushi, Nara Thai Express, Aga’s, Jones Fried Chicken, Diced Poke, Killen’s BBQ, Muiishi Makkiritos, Wokker Texas, Main Bird Hot Chicken,

My favorite dessert spots throughout the city: Sleek Chocolate, Aqua S, Kim’s Teahouse.

If you want to explore, definitely go to Buffalo Bayou Park for a view of the skyline, Hermann Park hosts tons of events and free concerts, POST Houston, The Galleria, Sugar Land Town Center, Museum District (most of them are free on Thursdays), The Houston Zoo, Aquarium, and always check to see if there are events going on in the city because there usually is something going on in downtown!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m grateful for all the support and love I’ve gotten from my family in pursuing my passions. They’ve stood by me and always support what I choose to do.

Uconnect Esports, without being involved with them in college I would have never pursued a career in the gaming industry or began to make content. Uconnect provides resources and networks for colleges to build their esports programs.

Dylan Liu, Brennan Settles, Peter Lam, and Kevin Huong ~ longtime mentors of mine that have done nothing but support me and help me find my way.

and last but not least, Furqan Riyaz, my content manager, best friend, and one of my biggest supporters.

Website: https://www.twitch.tv/darkserenade

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/music_expresses/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masooma-rangwala-78830b17a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Music_Expresses

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xdarkserenade

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEG-108MdwNoOLuR65Mbqw

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_darkserenade?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.