Idalia Salsamendi, Director of Business Development at Chriselle Inc., also the founder of The Realization Podcast, shared her experience working in the ever-changing entertainment/fashion industry! Keep reading to find out what inspired her to launch her company, what was the worst piece of advice she’s ever received, and the skincare product she can’t live without!

You’ve been working in the entertainment/fashion industry since you were 8 years old. What inspired you to work in this space?
From a young age I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I loved performing when I was a little girl and was always looking for ways to realize my dreams in a bigger scale. With my mom working in two huge TV networks, the older I got the more I was also drawn to the business side of the industry. So I suppose it's always been my mother that has been my greatest inspiration in work and in life. She instilled a high ethical code in me that has hopefully translated in my professional life as well as my personal. That's why two years ago we also decided to become business partners and opened our jewelry line, LaHavane New York. It's so amazing now seeing her in action and us uniting forces on something we both truly love.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Perhaps the biggest challenge has always been the biggest adventure - always staying ahead of this ever-changing industry. In the past decade, I've seen so many changes including the launch of a new app (Instagram) that has literally changed the industry in a way no one thought possible. Now everyone is asking me, "What's next?" That's the challenge isn't it? What.. is... next? My business strategy company really focuses on that as the main question in order to propel businesses forward.

"I'm a firm believer that if you have an influential platform with an audience, there has to be more of a genuine message being sent out that isn't always revolving around your newest Prada bag. You feel me?"

Congratulations on launching The Realization Podcast! What inspired you to create this podcast?
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I've been itching to do a podcast for about two years now, so to see it live and have it be so well received has been beyond humbling! My intention with Realization is to create an authentic space where people aspiring to be in the industry, or those who want to get ahead in the game, can get straight-up, non-sugar-coated insight all while still staying inspiring. Empowering women and men is at the forefront of everything. I also feel that there's a lot of information out there about how to "get" things, but none really talking about how to "give back." I'm a firm believer that if you have an influential platform with an audience, there has to be more of a genuine message being sent out that isn't always revolving around your newest Prada bag. You feel me?

What was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
HA! Love this question. I don't think I can pinpoint a particular "bad advice" moment. What I can say, however, is every time I've ventured into something new in my life, there's been a lot of people that tell me that it's not worth it, and to stay put where I am. I'm not a creature of comfort, and I've personally have found my version of success by diving into the unknown with unwavering faith and immense research into what I'm actually diving into. Anyone that wants to better their lives and the world around them, has to operate from a place of doing what isn't conventional. Doing what other people consider crazy. And this of course reverts back to the Realization podcast and making sure people have access to inspiring advice that uplifts in a kind, real and genuine way.

Do you have any morning routines or evening rituals to help you stay balanced?
Yessss... Being fortunate enough to live in Barcelona, every morning I head to the beach to do some yoga and meditation. At night, I always do stretches and meditate again. If I'm traveling, I try my best to keep the routine no matter the location.

Super cheesy but my boyfriend and I always talk about our day before we go to bed and doing that puts things into a whole new perspective. His insights on life are so refreshing, and I've found such "balance" just by being in his presence and talking things out with him.

What’s  one skin care product you can’t live without?
A month ago I got the Skin Inc "Optimizer Voyage Tri-light" and it's been the biggest game-changer I've seen in a while. It has three different types of light (blue, red, amber) that tackles different skin issues... and let me say the difference it's made in my skin this past month has skyrocketed this product to my "can't live without" product. I feel like I sound like some infomercial when I talk about it on my Instagram, but I'm always like, "I swear they're not paying meeeeee. It's simply THAT good!"

Learn more about Idalia.
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If you liked this interview, you might like our recent interview with Ju Rhyu, founder of Hero Cosmetics.