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

Hi Isa, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Investing in yourself as an up and coming Indie Artist can be extremely stressful, time consuming, and financially draining. One can also be prone to making terrible financial decisions (especially in the very beginning of your career). After entering a period in which I found myself in a large amount of debt, I knew it was time to get serious about my financial health moving forward, in order to properly sustain a life-long career. I came to the realization that while also being my soul’s purpose, music was 100% my actual business and I had to treat it as such.

I became educated with best business practices while attending workshops, seminars, and working with a solid accountant. I founded my record label, Norwood Entertainment, and organized my finances. I was also able to rebuild my financial health and fully pay off all of my debt (woohoo). It took a lot of time and discipline, but it was a well learned lesson that has made it easier for me to maneuver better as an artist and business woman.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a singer-songwriter, actress, model, and the founder of my record label: Norwood Entertainment. On an artistic level, I’m a cross between the classical world and the mainstream world. My background and training in opera, in combo with my own personal family history and origins, and my own life path, have definitely given me a solid worldview and foundation that crosses all borders.

I’m a classically trained Dramatic Soprano; my voice was naturally Lyric Soprano – but as my range grew, my voice grew darker in color. My vocal range spans from F6 – C3 (3 1⁄2 octaves). I studied musical theater in high-school and can sing in a multitude of languages other than English: Spanish, Italian, and French. I’ve also co-written 95% of my songs.

On a business level, I’ve always worked hard and fought for what I’ve wanted. Nothing was handed to me, and because of this, I’ve been blessed with major experiences within the corporate world (particularly on the tech side) that have given me a business edge and holistic understanding of what the music business truly is and how to navigate it.

I’ve experienced it all, you name it, it’s happened! But, the experiences truly helped me grow and gave me knowledge that could never be taught from a book. A big part of my goal now, is to share all that I’ve learned with other up and comers that are learning and growing within the music and entertainment industry.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect for me, is the ability of being able to inspire and heal others with my art, while also healing myself. It’s like an endless cycle of connection and understanding; being able to understand someone else and vice versa, without necessarily having a “matter of fact” conversation. It’s understood in the sound and the lyrics.

Music genuinely makes me the happiest. It truly makes my heart feel a warmth and a series of emotions that are so hard to explain. When I think about the love and passion that I have for music, it brings me to tears. There have even been moments, where even the slight thought of the possibility of music not being a part of my life, to the capacity that it’s been I can tell you right now: immediately, my entire soul felt deflated. That is why I’ve never given up on my dreams, goals, or my career. I’ve truly held on to faith.

I knew and affirmed my purpose from a very young age, the age of 5. Despite all of the storms I’ve endured, I’ve endured them knowing that my voice and journey are a key testimony to those that follow me, that you can be successful, that you can do things from your heart, with perseverance, with faith, without hurting or stepping on others, and eventually still come out on top. What is for you, no one can take away.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the toxic notion of thinking that I had to “do it all on my own”. I truly had to learn to be okay with asking for help instead of driving myself into the ground with work, and then consequently burning out.

That notion stems from experiencing certain traumatic events that forced me to live in survival mode, during the time(s) they were taking place.

Being self- sufficient is necessary, but life is so much more fruitful when in community. There are times to go solo and times to ask for help. Both are needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamisamarina.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/iamisamarina
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/iamisamarina
• Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/iamisamarina
• Youtube: https://www.Youtube.com/iamisamarina
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamisamarina

Image Credits
Darren Talent