Today we’d like to introduce you to (Izzy) Isabel Hirtelen-Booker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Miami almost three years ago, because I was looking for a change after my college experience in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so I packed up my stuff, drove 21 hours in August of 2016. Since moving here, I’ve been surround by the most amazing, creative, and supportive people I’ve come across in a while which is what lead me into modeling. I never really saw much interested in being a model because I prefer the behind the scenes creative process of shoots more than being a subject. But with the support of an amazing community, I’ve started this new journey and life with growing confidence and so far, it’s just lead me to meet even more amazing people and come across opportunities, I would have never thought would’ve happened.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Let me tell you about the struggle! Lol, I know a lot of people have very different experiences but for me, college was the complete worst time of my life. I went to a small private artsy high school where we all knew each other from the age of three, so I never really had to deal with I guess what you can say the “typical” phase teens go through. I ran track in college and I remember my mother warning me to go to a smaller school because I wasn’t used to a giant public university like PITT. But I assumed because I was such a people person that it would be cool. BOY WAS I WRONG. What I learned from college: people are just going to not like you, there isn’t anything you can do to change someone’s perception when it stems from their own self. A lot of people will befriend you for the wrong reasons, so always make sure you try to see everything with a clear view. And DON’T let anyone make you feel like you aren’t good enough in your own skin. The best thing to be is yourself and people will see that and love you for that. Be so unapologetically you and nobody else.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Right now, I model but I have plans to build my own creative team soon to expand on new adventures collating with not only upcoming brands but also artists and venues. I am very much about supporting local business and artists. I ride hard for NY as much ask the 305 because that’s where I am originally from. But my whole thing is if you show me love I will show love and support back forever. I think I’m most proud of how far I’ve come with confidence and my growth. In the past couple of years, life has not been the best because of unfortunate pain and losses, but those moments are what shape you. From going from not knowing if I should act like how everyone else acts and fit in but not be myself or be myself, but then dealing with no one really understanding me, to now where I know who I am and I am not and I am proud of every part of it. What sets me apart is I am here to try to tell other girls women and men that it’s fine to be different. It’s okay to be weird and have a personality. You do not have to fit into the current “trend” or stigma. Find what makes you different and instead of beating yourself up about it embrace it. Lead with it. You are your own biggest critic.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Things will always fall into place as long and you put the work and focus in. We live in an impatient generation where everyone wants everything right now and thanks to social media people think they should have their lives figured out by 20. Everything will happen when it’s supposed to happen but that doesn’t mean you fall back on your goals. Keep working, stay confident, and always make sure you have a good support team. Also if anyone on anything is poison to your happiness LET IT GO. You have to learn how to be a little selfish when it comes to your heart, soul, and mind.
Contact Info:
- Address: @thenotoriousiz
- Instagram: @thenotoriousiz
- Twitter: @thenotoriousiz
Image Credit:
@freexmoney, @xbryanphoto, @ctephotography, @smithdurogene, @misterduffey
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
