We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isabel Grijalva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isabel below.

Alright, Isabel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My creative journey lately has been mostly focused in content creation posting videos on Instagram. However that’s not where my journey as a content creator began. People who have been recently following along on my content creation journey probably didn’t know I originally started out selling pet portraits. In 2020 I got my puppy Maggie a mini goldendoodle I made her a instagram account one day I came across people who made pet portraits and thats where it all began, I was inspired to give digital art a go creating pet portraits so I dug out my old tablet and practiced drawing eventually as I got more confident in my drawing abilities I made a instagram account @Izzygrijalvadesigns where I began to post my artwork. I posted constantly making friends with other artists and growing my audience along the way. Throughout this time I didn’t sell my artwork but one day I had someone reach out to me they wanted to pay me to draw there dog I said yes. I was so nervous because this was my first ever paid drawing so it had to be perfect I felt so proud and excited to see that someone actually wanted me to draw their dog it was such a honor. From there on out I started posting on Instagram with more confidence than ever it turned out there were more people wanting to buy artwork. I never imagined anyone buying my art before I earned my first ever $20 I was so proud I started selling my artwork I had many more people reach out to me. To this day I have sold over one hundred plus drawings and since than have opened my very own Etsy shop.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Izzy. I am 17 years old and a passionate content creator on Instagram. I love posting authentic and relatable content that resonates deeply with my audience. I take pride in being true to myself on social media, embracing my authenticity, and creating content that viewers can genuinely connect to.
My journey into the creative industry began with posting videos of my pet, Maggie. Inspired by other Instagram accounts showcasing their dogs, I realized I could also become a content creator by sharing similar content. I started posting consistently every day, gradually building a following and making many new friends along the way.
This experience eventually led me to open my own art business, where I sold pet portraits. Through this venture, I made more friends and expanded my audience even further. Throughout my journey, I learned a great deal and decided to create an account under my own name, Izzy, to share content beyond my art and pets. The support I received in making this account and turning it into a brand has been incredible.
I am extremely proud of the people I have met along the way. They have encouraged my creative journey and motivated me to keep going, even when I was hesitant. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. My followers are very important to me, as they have played a crucial role in helping me grow throughout my journey. Their encouragement and support have truly inspired and changed my life

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist and a creative is the opportunity to connect with people from all corners of the world through the power of social media. It’s incredibly fulfilling to draw people’s pets and create artwork that they love and will cherish forever. Additionally, knowing that I have motivated and inspired others on their own journeys in life has been extremely gratifying. Reminding people that they are loved and that it’s okay to be their true, authentic selves

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A couple of months after I started doing portraits, the tablet I used for my digital art began having screen issues. This sent me into a panic because I didn’t know when it might completely stop working, and I worried about how I would continue making meaningful pet portraits without a tablet. I remember researching different types of tablets and working tirelessly to sell as many commissions as possible. I even started walking dogs to earn extra money.
After a couple of long, hard months, I finally saved up enough to buy my very own iPad. No matter how difficult it felt when I thought I would never reach my goal, I had people beside me supporting and encouraging me to keep going. I persevered and worked hard to continue my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/trulymeizzy
• Instagram: Truly_me_Izzy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-grijalva-1443262b3?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@truly_me_izzy?si=mbErO0b43i6Pufcc