WEEN Academy Mentor Spotlight: Isis Arias

Why did you decide to be a WEEN Academy Mentor?
I was invited to do a session with WEEN for the summer program a few years back and it was a great experience getting a chance to really connect with young women interested in my field. I stayed in touch with one of the young ladies in particular that year and while I am available as a mentor role, we have also become good friends.

I was invited to come back this year and when the Mentor opportunity was presented, I definitely thought it was an important role to be in the life of a young lady trying to navigate her future. Mentorship is really important to me as I have been blessed with good people around me that have helped me in growing and I love the opportunity to give back. When you look back on your life, you want to know you did something to make the world a bit better, and I think my involvement with the youth is important.

Tell us one interesting fact about your personal/or professional background that served as groundwork for you to become a mentor?
I never thought I would end up HERE. Early on in my career and even on the college level, I can speak from the understanding of failure and embracing that that is not always a bad thing on the road to success.

I feel as though I have been through experiences that are true to what some of these young ladies may be dealing with or will go through in the very near future. While there is always room to grow, my background ranges from doing things I love with people and brands I love to the experiences of taking opportunities for the wrong reasons and being involved with projects I ended up hating. I also have successfully gone against the grain and have had the traditional 9-5 (or 10-6) corporate or office job but then also that of starting my own company and learning to be productive while working from various environments. There are different angles from which I can speak to from my experiences thus far which can be valuable for someone just going out into the world.

How did you build your personal/professional brand?
I Did Work. It sounds very simple but it really was very important to me to be business minded and produce good work whether it was a small contract role or a larger opportunity. Being a woman in the field often means people look at everything else first and judge, especially when you work in a male dominated field - I wanted my work to speak first and to build a professional rapport with people so they knew that hiring me meant I would get the job done. I’ve gained relationships now where people trust that when I come on board that I’m “about my business” and will make sure to do what’s needed to get to the final goal.

What are two gems that you wish someone would have told you about the business?
It can be an overwhelming place at times: Tune out the noise and focus. Be image conscious/aware but don’t let the opinions of others rule you.
There is no one way to get to where you want to go… So Dream Big- Really Freaking Big.

Who is/was your most significant mentor and why?
Its hard to say that there is only one as I have really been blessed to be around good people that have had positive impacts on my life and career (male AND female) and have always been supportive - whether vocal or not. Its important to know that you are surrounded by people that are on your team and genuinely want to see you do well.

I can say there is one person who no matter what has always looked out for me - I reported to her on a project and she had consistently been interested in what I was doing next or where I wanted to go - she’s someone I respect, who understands where I come from and wants to see me grow. There are few people who come into your life that constantly have your back and will push you and speak on your behalf and still let you get out your gripes without judgement and so I’m really grateful for her. Thank you!!

What are some things that you are doing to make the entertainment business a better place for women?
I’m constantly challenging the young women around me to do better. I am often available for professional and personal advice and I like to come from a side that is nonjudgemental since everyone’s path is and will be different. I also understand that some lessons just have to be learned by one’s self. I’d say I’m a bit of a pusher - I will push those around me further because I want them to succeed. Its all with the best intentions.

Who would play you in a modern day movie about your life and why?
Funny- I had to ask my girlfriends about this one… I think if we are just talking about current women acting and basing a lot on look and personality we came up with Lashontae Heckard. Its the half Asian/black thing, although she’s of Korean descent and I’m half Filipino. She seems fun.

What do you believe are important tools needed to survive in the entertainment industry?
Grace & Tact. Tough Skin. Ability to Communicate. A Strong Sense of Self. Clarity on your goals and what you want in life. The path to get there may not be as expected or as planned but I definitely think being clear on final goals is important. Also, it tends to still be a boys club, and even sometimes other women can be catty or challenging- so learning to not take things personally and/or doing your job well and “keeping it moving” is important.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
My daughter. She trumps everything. I think now being a working mother is an accomplishment in itself considering sometimes work is unforgiving as well as in my field, often needing to be out or on the road.
Outside of that, I would definitely say being out on my own with my own company. Not everyone can get used to that type of work but its an amazing opportunity to have that sense of autonomy and the ability to work on projects that you love.

Famous or not: Name one woman who embodies what you think a real woman is and explain. Dead or alive
I just read a piece on the late Mrs Maya Angelou and she really stood for something. The piece was partially on respect - the respect she showed others and the respect she commanded. I think in this day and age, we think less with respect in mind first and I believe if consideration and compassion was given thought that people would definitely be better to one another.

Tell us something about you that people do not know?
I met/reconciled with my biological father 4 years ago. Its something that definitely shapes you as a young woman and its a story that I think a lot of people relate to. Its not something I was very open or public about but the more I speak to people the more I realize how important that part is to share. Its definitely affected my life overall and of course recently as we learn to build a relationship after closing such an absence.

Social Media Handles:

Instagram: @isarias

Facebook: Facebook.com/Isis.arias

Twitter: @isarias

 

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