Tijan Marei: Breathe In, Break Out

Tijan Marei’s story is one of relentless exploration. Starting her acting career at a young age, she’s long been driven by a need to push boundaries, both in art and in life. Along the way, she’s fused her passions for acting, yoga, and storytelling into a narrative that defies conventional expectations.

Her latest project, Tschappel, sees her portraying Melissa, a Berlin native navigating life in the countryside, experimenting with career paths, and questioning her choices. It’s a role that resonates deeply with Tijan’s own approach to adulthood: a tapestry of trials, errors, and new beginnings.

Below, in conversation with SLEEK, the multifaceted actress discusses growing through vulnerability, grounding herself with yoga, and why listening to your heart is the truest measure of success.

SLEEK: What does acting mean to you, especially given your early start?


Tijan Marei: While acting, or rather during filming, I suddenly found myself on equal footing with the adults. It was a precious experience for me as a child to be part of a team where my actions and words actively contributed to the overall project. I think it’s an important experience for children to feel genuinely needed – and not constantly judged or lectured.

My mom also contributed to that experience: she always communicated with me on an equal level, and I really appreciate her for that. Through auditions, I learned how to deal with my shyness – I didn’t blush as quickly anymore. I was always super nervous going into auditions, sometimes I just wanted to turn around and leave right away. But every time, I’d leave feeling really euphoric. That’s when I realized how much I enjoy interacting with people and showing myself – even if it takes a bit of courage.

S: Is there a role or project that has stayed with you or taught you something important?

TM: Some roles stay with you long after the cameras stop rolling. For me, Tschappel was one of those projects. Like Melissa I am always open to try new things. The final cut is something I’m deeply proud of. Another standout was Fall for Me (Netflix). It pushed me in ways I didn’t anticipate, forcing me to explore anger as a means of expression. I learned how to channel it into my voice and let it resonate. I haven’t seen the final cut yet, but I’m looking forward to it. It will be released August 21st on Netflix.

S: How did you start practicing yoga at such a young age?

TM: My mom practiced yoga when I was a kid and sometimes I’d join her. After finishing school at 17, my family insisted I branch out beyond acting. Since I didn’t want to go straight into university, I thought: well, I’ll just do a yoga teacher training. I found one in India. I literally googled “India” once and then booked my flight. The training lasted a month, from 7 AM to 7 PM every day, and I loved every single second of it. After that, I knew I definitely wanted to dive even deeper into the topic. So I did another yoga teacher training over the course of two years in Berlin, and I also did a training in Conscious Connected Breathwork.

S: How does yoga influence your acting, and vice versa?

TM: When I do yoga, I feel much more connected to my emotions and my body. That definitely helps with auditions and on set. Breathwork helps me regulate my feelings and my nervous system. And after intense shoot days, yoga brings me back to myself – it’s like a reset. Acting is about vulnerability, and my practice helps me embrace that fully.

S: You teach yoga classes at ANTI. How does leading a class compare to performing?


TM: Teaching my class ANTIdote feels like leading a ritual. I’ve been to so, so many yoga classes in my life and encountered many different teaching styles. I really enjoy creating the class exactly the way I always wished it would be. Everything is intentional – the mat alignment, the essential oils, the playlist. I always emphasize that students are also co-creating the experience. It’s never the same energy twice, and that’s what makes it truly unique and fun. It’s very fulfilling to me to see how well the class is received.

S: Your current role in Tschappel revolves around self-discovery. How does that reflect your own life?

TM: Melissa, the character I play, comes from Berlin and moved to the countryside because she wanted to try something different. She’s also studying social work, but she’s not entirely sure if she might want to change majors again. To support herself, she works at a gas station during the holidays. I think that’s exactly what growing up is all about: just trying things out, following your heart, making mistakes, taking new paths, turning everything upside down again – and fully living this life we’ve been given. I knew from an early age that I always wanted to act, travel, and practice yoga. Society sometimes pushes us to settle down early, but I’ve always felt the need to explore first. Things fall into place eventually.

S: What does success mean to you?

TM: Success is being authentically myself and growing in ways that challenge me. It’s about my relationships, the time I spend with loved ones, and the goals I set for myself. I use vision boards, and it’s amazing to see those dreams come to life. But it’s also about the courage to try things I was once too afraid to do. Success, for me, isn’t a destination, it’s a feeling.

S: Finally, do you have a message for anyone on their own path of discovery?

TM: Life’s more fun when you follow your heart and let go of the fear of rejection. Allow yourself to live fully.

Credits

Photographer: Moritz Deuerlein
Styling: Hanna Teglasy
Hair and Makeup: Florina Vyas
Photo Assistant: Ibrahim Cavas
Latex work “Gently Barred” by Paula Eberle
Set Runner: Marisol Ekamp