From Armenia to Hollywood: TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli’s Story of Determination and Triumph

TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli’s journey from Armenia to the heart of Hollywood is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. As a child, she excelled in various fields, from ping pong to piano, showcasing an innate talent that would shape her future. Despite her early successes, TereZa faced significant challenges when she moved to America at just 20 years old, armed with only $300 and a fierce ambition to succeed. Her passion for storytelling and filmmaking became her guiding light, leading her to make a name for herself in the competitive world of entertainment. 

With each project she undertakes, TereZa draws from her diverse background and unique experiences, crafting documentaries that resonate with audiences on a profound level. Her journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s a powerful narrative that inspires others to pursue their dreams against all odds. As Vice President of Lolli Brands Entertainment, TereZa continues to break barriers, proving that with grit and passion, anything is possible. Join us as we delve into the remarkable life of this documentary filmmaking powerhouse and explore the stories that shaped her extraordinary path.

Your journey from a ping pong champion and Armenian Idol finalist to a successful filmmaker and storyteller is truly inspiring. How did these early experiences shape your approach to storytelling and your drive for excellence? 

Growing up in Armenia provided me with a varied and positive upbringing, somewhat sheltered from heavy Western influences. My focus was entirely on outdoor activities, playing ping pong, and finding my passion for singing. These early experiences as a ping pong champion and Armenian Idol finalist played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to storytelling. Both pursuits required immense dedication, discipline, and a deep understanding of how to connect with people, whether through performance or competition. Ping pong taught me precision, focus, and the importance of strategy — skills that are equally important in filmmaking, where every detail counts. Being on Armenian Idol exposed me to the power of emotions and narrative, whether through music or personal stories, which has deeply influenced how I approach storytelling today. These experiences have driven me to push boundaries, constantly seek excellence, and tell stories that resonate with authenticity and heart. 

You moved to America with just $300 and a dream. Can you share some of the challenges you faced during this transition and how you overcame them to build a career in the arts? 

Moving to America with just $300 in my pocket and a dream was both exhilarating and daunting as so many immigrants experience. One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to a completely new culture and environment, far from the familiarity of Armenia and an extremely clean way of living. Initially, there were language barriers, financial struggles, and the uncertainty of navigating a career in such a competitive landscape. 

To overcome these obstacles, I leaned heavily on the discipline and perseverance I had developed through my early years, something which I look back on fondly as my family embedded into me and my sisters. I made sure to stay grounded in my vision while also being open to learning and adapting to new ways of thinking. I surrounded myself with supportive, like-minded people and seized every opportunity that came my way, no matter how small or big. Each job, connection, or opportunity was a stepping stone towards something bigger for which I strived. 

Most importantly, I kept believing in my ability. Whether through TV, film, music, or other mediums, I knew I had something unique to offer. That determination, along with a willingness to embrace the unknown, is what helped me build the success I have now.

After graduating summa cum laude, you chose to follow your passion for the arts over a prestigious offer from Deloitte. What was it that made you so confident in your decision, and how has that decision shaped your career trajectory? 

Turning down a prestigious offer from Deloitte after graduating summa cum laude was not an easy decision, but deep down, I knew my passion for the creative industry was where my heart truly belonged. What gave me confidence in that decision was the realisation that success, for me, would come from pursuing something that brought me fulfilment and joy, rather than following a traditional path that was laid bare in front of me. I had spent so much of my life invested in the creative process, that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, no matter what success may have come my way with and from Deloitte. 

Choosing to follow my passion has shaped my career most profoundly. It allowed me to stay authentic to my true calling and to create work that I’m deeply proud of. This decision pushed me to take risks, embrace the unknown, and trust that my dedication to the craft would lead to opportunities. In hindsight, I realize that this choice allowed me to explore creative freedoms that may have been stifled in a more conventional career, the typical 9-5, that was nothing like my upbringing. It shaped my path as a producer and storyteller, providing me the chance to work on projects that align with both my values and vision. 

You’ve had a diverse career that spans from acting and music to documentary filmmaking. How do you integrate these varied experiences into your current role as Vice President of Lolli Brands Entertainment and the Editor-in-Chief of Biohack Yourself Media? 

My diverse background in acting, music, and documentary filmmaking has given me a unique perspective that I bring into my role as Vice President of Lolli Brands Entertainment and the Editor-in-Chief of Biohack Yourself Media. Each of these experiences has taught me valuable lessons about different facets of storytelling and the entertainment industry as a whole. Acting helped me understand the emotional depth required to bring characters and narratives to life. Music taught me the rhythm and flow of storytelling, while documentary filmmaking gave me the ability to capture real, raw human experiences and present them in a way that resonates with audiences.

In my current role, I integrate these varied experiences by approaching projects with a holistic view — understanding the technical aspects of production, the creative elements of storytelling, and the business side of entertainment. Having worked in front of and behind the camera, I can see projects from multiple angles with a deep appreciation for every role involved in the process, this is not a solo event, it takes an army.

Managing the entertainment careers of your children Love and Legend and leading them to become young real estate investors is quite remarkable. What strategies did you use to balance their careers and education, and how did you guide them in making such impactful investments at such a young age? 

Balancing the entertainment careers and education of my children, Love and Legend, while guiding them toward becoming young real estate investors has been both a rewarding and carefully thought-out journey, and as any parent understands, nothing is easy when it comes to developing children into young adults. The key strategy I’ve employed is instilling a sense of discipline and time management in them from a young age. I make sure that their education always comes first, but I also believe that their exposure to the entertainment industry and real estate has been an extension of their learning — teaching them valuable life skills, responsibility, and financial literacy. I do believe children learn more out of the classroom than inside it. 

I involve them in discussions about their projects and investments, ensuring they understand the value of their work and the impact of their decisions. In terms of real estate, I’ve learned everything from my husband Anthony Lolli, who has been a real estate developer and mogul for most of his life. I playfully guided Love and Legend step-by-step through the process, showing them how to analyse opportunities, understand basic financial concepts, and most importantly, to think long-term about their futures. I want them to succeed, but I also believe a level of failure is what keeps us learning, and how we grow strength and emotional resilience. 

What’s been critical in balancing everything is maintaining a structured “Free” routine while giving them the space to enjoy being kids. I encourage their creativity and curiosity, whether in front of the camera or learning about investments and make sure that their education remains holistic, encompassing both traditional learning and practical life skills. What’s been critical in balancing everything is maintaining a structured “Free” routine while giving them the space to enjoy being kids. I encourage their creativity and curiosity, whether in front of the camera or learning about investments and make sure that their education remains holistic, encompassing both traditional learning and practical life skills. 

Your work with Lolli Brands Entertainment has resulted in several successful documentaries. Can you share some insights into your creative process and what you believe makes a documentary impactful? 

“At Lolli Brands Entertainment, we’ve been fortunate to create several successful, award-winning documentaries, including “From Fat Lolli to Six Pack Lolli,” which followed the transformative journey of my husband from an obese entrepreneur to an award-winning bodybuilder. Next up was, “The Super Lollis,” which captured my journey of rebuilding my body inside and out after having our children, Love and Legend. We also produced “Skin Deep,” documenting the remarkable transformation of our friend Alex Porro as he lost 300 and rebuilt his life. 

Most recently, we released “The Guru,” the most star-studded bodybuilding documentary to date, focused on the life of George Farah, the most decorated bodybuilding coach of all time. 

Currently, we are in the final stages of post-production on “Biohack Yourself,” a groundbreaking 5-part documentary series that has evolved far beyond its initial concept as a feature-length film. This project is poised to become one of the most influential health documentaries of our time. We embarked on a journey into the world of biohacking, to unlock the secrets of longevity and vitality, and how to make them accessible to everyday people. 

We also have a slate of projects planned for 2025 and 2026, including the documentary “sHEALed” focused on women’s health from birth to post-menopause. 

My creative process begins with finding a story that resonates with my husband and me on a deeper, human level — one that has the potential to inspire, challenge, or educate the audience and something that my whole family cares about. I believe the key to making a documentary impactful is authenticity. Audiences connect most with real stories and genuine experiences, being relatable is, now more than ever, crucial. 

Projects like “Biohack Yourself” and “sHEALed” aim to make significant changes in societal perspectives. What motivates you to focus on content that addresses such transformative themes, and what impact do you hope these projects will have? 

Projects like “Biohack Yourself” and “sHEALed” are deeply personal to me because everything I create is first rooted in my experiences with my family — my husband and two children, Love and Legend. As a mother, I want to ensure that the world they grow up in is one where they have access to the knowledge and tools to lead healthy, empowered lives. This personal connection drives my passion to seek the truth and implement change through the stories I want to tell. 

What motivates me to focus on transformative themes is the desire to provide people with the knowledge and power to take control of their health and well-being. In today’s world, so many individuals feel disconnected from their bodies, and these projects aim to bridge that gap by bringing forward information that can inspire people to take action and improve their lives. 

With “Biohack Yourself,” the goal is to demystify biohacking and show that everyone has the ability to optimize their health, not just a select few and most importantly to provide real tools and solutions to cut the learning curve for our audience members. Similarly, with “sHEALed,” it’s about empowering women, addressing the unique health challenges we face, and promoting self-care and healing from the inside out. 

I hope these projects challenge societal norms, reshape how we think about health and wellness, and ultimately, make people feel more in control of their own lives. 

The success of your projects often evokes deep emotions and thoughts. How do you approach storytelling to ensure it not only entertains but also provokes meaningful reflection and change? 

Storytelling, for me, has always been about more than just entertainment. My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that the stories we tell should always evoke emotion and provoke meaningful reflection, whether it’s a harsh reality or not. I want viewers to walk away not just feeling something, but thinking differently about the world around them and those that they cherish and care about. This is especially important for projects like “Biohack Yourself” and “sHEALed,” where the goal is to inspire real change in how people view their health, wellness, and self-care. 

I believe people connect most with stories when they see a piece of themselves in the journey being told. Whether it’s the triumph of overcoming personal challenges, the quest for truth, or the pursuit of a better life. 

Balancing a successful career with family life can be challenging. How do you manage to stay grounded and find fulfilment in both your professional achievements and personal life? 

Balancing a successful career with family life is challenging, but for me, it’s all about staying grounded in my priorities, keeping a strong sense of purpose and most importantly making a game out of everything. My family are my foundation and my purpose. They remind me daily of what truly matters, and I draw a lot of strength and motivation from them. This is why anything I do professionally is always connected to my values, values which have been with me since my childhood. My career is an extension of what I want to create for my family and the world we’re all living in. 

In terms of managing both, it comes down to careful planning and setting boundaries. I make sure that when I’m with my family, I’m fully present, and when I’m working, I give my projects the attention they need. 

My professional achievements bring me immense pride, but nothing compares to the joy I feel in being a mother and a wife. It’s about constantly checking in with myself, making adjustments where needed, and remembering that success is not just about career milestones, and dollars in the bank but also about the love, support, and happiness I cultivate at home. As long as we are all working together, having fun together achieving and bringing change to the world TOGETHER as a family, I will continue to create magic. 

Looking forward, what are some of your upcoming projects or goals with Lolli Brands Entertainment, and how do you envision continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and impact? 

Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about the future of Lolli Brands Entertainment and the opportunities we have to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling, especially within the health and wellness industry. One of our most ambitious projects is the development of Biohack Yourself Media, a natural evolution from the “Biohack Yourself” documentary series. Together with Anthony, I serve as joint Editor-in-Chief of what has now become the #1 health and wellness media outlet. This platform allows us to expand beyond the documentary format and create a wide range of content that empowers people to optimize their health and well-being, a global directory for all of mankind.

Through Biohack Yourself Media, we are reaching a global audience with cutting-edge information, expert interviews, and the latest innovations in biohacking and wellness. Our goal is to not only inform but also to provide actionable insights that can improve lives in a real, tangible way. I’m passionate about continuing to explore transformative themes that challenge societal norms and inspire personal growth, whether it’s through film, articles, podcasts, or other forms of media. 

As we move into 2025 and beyond, my focus will be on expanding the reach of Biohack Yourself Media, developing new documentaries like “ByeOl’ Dentistry” and “FurEver FaithFul” – a pet longevity documentary, and continually seeking ways to innovate in the way we tell stories, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries, creating content that entertains, educates, and truly changes lives.