We had the good fortune of connecting with Isla Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isla, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I love this question. There are going to be many moments whenever you are starting a new venture, business, or putting your creative work out in the world, where you’ll want to give up and question every single thing you’ve done so far.

To start, I think it’s important to note that every person and business has their own set of challenges, nothing is perfect and it’s not supposed to be! The gift of life is learning, growing, evolving and the beauty is in the journey.

If you want to give up, spend intentional time in solitude in your home or sacred space, and reflect on the following: “Is my work bringing me genuine happiness?”

Speaking from personal experience, some time away from your business or work can be so good for the soul. In 2018, I read the book “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron and it completely transformed the way I look at creativity and Artists.

An “Artist Date” is a perfect way to escape the busyness of life and treat yourself to your favorite activity, hobby, or an opportunity to try something new. Schedule out one hour a week for this Artist Date, and do your best to explore this magical hour alone. The day-to-day life is often filled with routine, work, family, driving/ commuting, and responsibilities we simply cannot ignore. But when we step away from it, we come back renewed and filled with joy and love.

May you never lose the magic you felt when you first started your new creative venture or business! Continue to reflect on the milestones, your “I made it” experiences, pivot when you need to, and find time to continue discovering more of yourself and life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
From a young age, I really enjoyed storytelling, reading, and writing. I was the entertainment editor at my high school newspaper, which inspired me to major in broadcast journalism at California State University Fullerton. I loved connecting with new people, learning more about their personal stories, and, most importantly, allowing them to feel seen and heard.

In my early career, I interned at NBC, which was huge for me at the time. I am a First-Generation Mexican American college graduate, and everything I’ve done I’ve had to make happen on my own. My mentors and my community have supported me along the way, and I’m thankful to have met some really amazing souls in the last decade.

Anyone wanting to leave their comfort zone and try something new should start. I spent many years thinking I wasn’t “ready” when I had everything I needed. Every opportunity will teach you something new. Try it all! Be open to meeting new people. Be an active listener. Shine your light in every room you enter.

It hasn’t been easy, but I’m happy to share that the work I’m doing now is so fulfilling and magical. I host wellness, mindfulness, and journaling workshops with non-profits, women-centered organizations, and small businesses. I have been journaling for many years now and it is one of my favorite things to do. When you write from a place of honesty and authenticity, you can genuinely connect to the deepest parts of your soul.

In 2021, I went on a soul trip to Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France. I started writing my book on that life-changing trip, and now I’m finishing it with Alegria Publishing. It will be published soon!

If you ever want to have a deep conversation about the soul, you can find me on Instagram at @SoulSesiones and on LinkedIn. If you are looking for a workshop facilitator, I’d love to be that person for you and your business/organization.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Thank you for asking this question! Finding beautiful spots in Los Angeles and LA County is truly one of my favorite things to do. Let’s start at the top of the morning. For cafecito, I would take my soul friend to La Monarca Bakery & Cafe in South Pasadena. Their Cafe de Olla is so delicious that you must pair it with a concha!

Nature is a must, so we’re spending an entire day at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. If you are in the mood to admire nature, get your steps in, and connect to creativity, this is the spot for you. You have to visit the gardens in the spring or summer. Make an entire day of it, connect to your higher self, and you will be amazed at how calm and serene your soul feels there!

I’d want to make sure my friend leaves with a few soul goodies to take back home. We’d stop at a beautiful Latina-owned business, House of Intuition, in Echo Park or Highland Park and continue to browse the small businesses in that area afterward. They have everything from palo santo and crystals to clearing healing sprays and candles.

A few beautiful independent bookstores in Pasadena are Octavia’s Bookshelf and Vroman’s Bookstore, so another stop at one of these would be a must.

Small businesses in the Greater Los Angeles Area often get overlooked, and there are so many gems there! Some of the best Mexican food you’ll have will be in the 626. Don’t forget to support your street vendors as often as you can. I have my go-to’s for fruit, tacos, agua frescas, and more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shoutout belongs to my mom! She has given me so much for so long. My mother is a very passionate soul. When I was young, she enrolled me in all kinds of things: dance, music, volunteering, you name it. Having hobbies and a wide range of interests from a young age really shaped me into the person I am today. Her spark and zest for life have inspired me to pursue my passions and not give up, even when I was close to doing so.

I also want to take this time to Shoutout: Community. In the last year, I’ve hosted multiple workshops and partnered with organizations I love and admire. Thank you to the women of Latinas In Tech, Vroman’s Bookstore, 826LA, UCLA, and more. You believed in me, you offered me your time and care, and I will always be so grateful for that. Thank you for giving back to your community.

It’s important to express gratitude to the Beautiful Souls who offer us a seat at the table when we need it most.

Instagram: @SoulSesiones

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/islamartinez/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.