Meet Hanna (anya) Zalanskas | Content Creator, Entertainer, Jeepher & Owner of HiVelocity Jeep

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanna (anya) Zalanskas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanna (Anya), is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is a combination of passion, resilience, and a strong sense of commitment , all of which are beautifully captured in two of my favorite quotes: “The Show Must Go On” and “Live Life Fully.” Living with Type 1 Diabetes has taught me to embrace each moment and push through challenges, making these quotes particularly meaningful in my life.

I grew up in a small town in Belarus, Eastern Europe, where my heart was always drawn to the performing arts. From a young age, I sang, danced, and participated in various art and music schools. I consider myself a “wild child,” having spent my childhood outdoors—hiking, fishing, and connecting with nature. This blend of creativity and adventure laid the foundation for my aspirations.

After attending a linguistic university, I had the opportunity to work and travel in the United States, which is where I met my husband. Moving to the U.S. with our daughter in 2010 was a significant leap for me, not just geographically but also emotionally, as it meant leaving my family behind. By profession I am a Russian, English, and Spanish interpreter, but my true passion was always performing. After the move I continued teaching and performing Belly Dance, starting with small gigs at local restaurants and lounges. As I put my heart into every performance, word spread, and I eventually found myself in high demand performing at weddings, Super Bowl events, and larger scale venues.

Throughout this journey, I also ventured into the fashion industry as a hair model, combining my love for performance with modeling at events like Boston Fashion Week, Premiere Orlando and the International Beauty Show in New York. The competition in these industries was fierce, but I remained focused on my passion, dedicating myself fully to what I loved. This unwavering commitment to my craft, despite any negativity or pressure, has been a driving force in my success.

In 2019, we faced another significant life change when we moved from Massachusetts to South Carolina. Leaving behind nearly a decade of built connections and a flourishing career was incredibly challenging, but ultimately it was the best decision for my family. Adapting to this new environment meant starting from scratch, yet I held onto my mantra: “The Show Must Go On.” I transitioned to a full-time YouTube content creator for kids and families, but I still felt a part of my identity was missing—the thrill of adrenaline.

That’s when I decided to explore a new passion: off-roading. I bought a Jeep, which I named HiVelocity, inspired by its vibrant color and Jeep wave. My husband explained to me that buying a Jeep was more than just acquiring a vehicle; it was joining a community. This was a pivotal moment for me. I began to build my Jeep and connect with fellow enthusiasts who shared similar interests.

When I began off-roading, it was a completely new experience for me and learning opportunities . My goal has been to master various wheeling techniques, explore new terrains, and deepen my understanding of Jeep components. While I need to exercise caution in the wilderness due to my Type 1 Diabetes, that won’t deter me from surpassing my own expectations and pushing the limits of my Jeep.

I started an Instagram page to document my Jeep build and adventures, which allowed me to combine my skills in content creation and performance. Within the first year, I partnered with several auto companies as well as auto shop and showcased my Jeep at events like Jeep Beach in Daytona with Anthem Wheels and TrailBuilt Off-Road and the Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Invasion in Tennessee with APEX Chassis. Drawing on my prior experience as a model at various beauty shows, I now have the exciting opportunity to showcase my Jeep at car expos.

Despite the challenges of the automotive industry, my journey has been fulfilling and exciting. The support from my family, especially my husband Jeff, has been invaluable. He continually encourages me to believe in myself, stay positive, and focus on what truly makes me happy.

Ultimately, my success is rooted in my passion for performance, my resilience in navigating life’s transitions, and the strong sense of community I’ve cultivated along the way. I aspire to spread positivity and joy, remain humble, keep being a wild child at heart and let my HiVelocity Jeep fuel my adventurous spirit and creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Anya, Jeepher and owner of HiVelocity Jeep. Content creator, entertainer, model.

This question was answered/ combined with the first question of the interview. Please refer to Page 1.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbia, SC, is a picturesque and well-maintained city, offering a wide range of restaurants and activities.

One of our favorite destinations is the Soda City Market, held every Saturday on Main Street. This lively market features a variety of vendors offering food, beverages, handmade crafts, music, and performances, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for families of all ages.

The Five Points district in Columbia is another vibrant area, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife, all conveniently located near the University of South Carolina.

For outdoor entertainment, the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC, provides a stunning setting for concerts.

Additionally, Gulches Off Road Vehicle Park in Waterloo, SC, is a spacious park featuring trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy and intermediate to difficult and extremely challenging, including Badge of Honor trails. The park also offers beautiful camping on-site.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This section is dedicated to my Jeep and the partners who have contributed to its current build.

My HiVelocity Jeep is a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JLU with a Sky One Touch roof. All installation work and maintenance is performed at A2Z Customs, located at 150 Kitti Wake Dr, West Columbia, SC. This Midlands automotive source specializes in wheels, tires, and a wide range of repair and custom installation services for various vehicles. I know my Jeep is in good hands with Kevin, the owner , and the entire A2Z Customs team.

Current Build Partners for HiVelocity:

* Excessive Industries: Trailhead stubby stinger bumper
* Apex Chassis: 2.5-ton tie rod and drag link, polished aluminum
* XComp Gladiator: M/T 35×12.50R18LT tires
* Anthem Off-Road: Avenger 18×9, 5×5 wheels, offset 18, black milled (upgrade forthcoming)
* Combat OffRoad: Battle-ready front and rear inner fender liners, Mission Tube Doors, Tail Gunner Armor tail lights, off-the-turnbuckle hood latches
* Novsight: HALO series 3 LED pods
* R1Concepts: Slotted brakes
* Rough Country: 3.5-inch lift, 2-inch wheel spacers, rear adjustable track bar, tire relocation plate
* QuakeLED: Slim RDL fender chop kit with RGB
* Barricade Off-Road: 12,500 lb HD winch
* Miolle Gear: D-ring shackles
* Midland Radio: Ghost antenna and radios
* Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions
* Clix Auto: Windshield wipers
* Jaws Customization: Decals

It is essential for me to dress comfortably while off-roading, while also incorporating Jeep-themed apparel into my daily wardrobe. I have complete confidence in JedCo, an officially licensed Jeep apparel provider that offers high-quality clothing and accessories. My experience modeling and working with this company has been consistently positive. (https://jed-co.com)

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SWEETandCRAFTYchannel

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hivelocityjeep