Meet Karen Isabella Set: Music Enthusiast, Photographer, and Inspiring Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Isabella Set and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen Isabella, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I don’t think there is one answer to the question. There are countless reasons one can provide about giving up, but there is only one answer to keep going. The most important question one has to ask themselves instead is: “Will you be happy? Will it make you happy?” If what you are pursuing makes you happy, then you will always find a way to achieve your objective. Your passion for what you love will still exist and that determination is all you require to keep pushing forward. A person’s happiness for their endeavor is the most important ingredient. Often times I find myself questioning the choices that brought me to where I am, but then I remember in that precise moment, my choice was solely based on “I did it because it was what I wanted and in that moment I was happy.” Holding that in mind, even though the result was not what I was expecting, it still brought me peace instead of regret and endless wondering. Instead of giving up, there is always the option of readjusting plans and conducting a different approach. Often times when we encounter a bump in the road or sometimes in my case an enormous pothole, we retreat slightly by simply dividing up the risk factor, to input part of our time to our passionate endeavor and but also trying something else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Previously, I was situated at an upcoming record label, now, however, I am on the verge of becoming a financial advisor. Although my current career path has shifted from the music industry slightly, my perspectives and goals remain the same: helping people. Offering assistance to someone has always been instinctual for me. Transitioning into a new field and a new industry is both terrifying and exciting, but I am also intrigued to see where it will take me. As an result of a my new occupation, I still intend to see what contributations to upcoming artists I am able to provide. The journey for any career is ever-changing. From internships to part-time opportunities, no path to success is easy or clearly defined. As challenging as finding a career, in general, can be, discovering an occupation that you truly feel rewarding, is probably the most difficult aspect. With any job experience, I ask myself if I can make a difference or make an improvement in the industry at this job position. Staying optimistic and reminding myself what I desire out of a career, helps me to refocus what I am truly looking for. Although, I have had to shift occupations I still make time for promoting music, organizing photoshoots and writing from time to time. One of life’s greatest challenges that is rarely mentioned with success is, trying not to lose yourself in any industry you decide to pursue. I remember asking people to keep these questions as reminders: “Why you started your work?” “Remember what is important to you and what you value.” I have come to realize that no matter what path you decide to take, your passion will always take shape in your work. For me, wherever I go, it will always returns to music and supporting artists. That is what I want others to remember and to hold true for themselves: that passion is one trait that demands to be seen and can never be disguised.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Escaping the usual hustle of Los Angeles can be challenging sometimes. but there are a quite a few my favorite haunts that help me relax and de-stress in Southern California. First cuddling with cats at Crumbs and Whiskers is a place I highly recommend. How can you resist the perfect duo of playing with adoptable cats and enjoying coffee? As a poet and avid reader, I would also take you to the Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles, where not only would you find literature becomes a visual appetizer, but a bunch of local artists in the mezzanine. A definite-must at the Last Bookstore is paying a visit to one of my favorite artists and inspirations: Liz Huston. A second bookstore recommendation would be The Ripped Bodice in Culver City, a bookstore that only carries romance novels. Places that transport me to a different time are always intriguing and some of the best places to escape to. For my witchy friends, I give a shout out to Mystic Museum and Beared Lady Vintage Oddities, a gothic dream for occult lovers and fans of classic horror. Their ever-changing musuem exhibits are always the best go-tos. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The band Night Riots, has been my biggest influence and a major stepping stone for me into the music industry. I also owe a lot of inspiration and gratitude to Adam Young of Owl City, the seven artists of GOT7 and the girl group Itzy. Music has always been that invisible companion that anyone could relate to on some occasion. Where in a single moment, a song or a piece of writing, can voice what you, yourself can’t speak. – they are ones who are definitely worth giving credit to. I also have to thank the pillars of inspiration outside of music: My mom, Janet Xu, has also been a whirlwind of guidance and giving me the various avenues to pursue my passion for the music industry. In addition, I also have Antonio Mata, Jess Curbishley, Lauren Foltz, Rebecca Nguyen to thank. They have guided me in countless ways of encouragement, introducing me to the different horizons of music and providing me a safe environment of self-expression.

Website: https://karenisabellaset.wixsite.com/karenisabella
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenisabellaofficial/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hersonac

Image Credits
Karen Isabella Set. Michael Kane