Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Cara.
Irina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Venezuela. I decided to move to the United States when I was 16 to pursue my passion for the creative arts. I had never visited this country before, nor did I fully speak the language. Through perseverance and a burning desire to succeed, I got my Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design at 19 years old.
Today, I am the Creative Director at ICM Partners, one of the largest talent agencies in the world.
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?
The biggest challenge to overcome was my age. A few years ago, someone I looked up to told me I had all the knowledge and tools to attain an executive position. However, it wasn’t going to be given to me just because I was too young.
My advice to my younger self would be: there’s never a perfect age. You will be shut down because you are too young and inexperienced, and you will also be shut down because you are too old with too much experience. Use your age to your advantage. Being young means being innovative. Team up with someone in your field, who believes in you and has the experience you lack. When innovation meets experience, magic happens. I owe this incredible advice to my dad.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the Creative Director at ICM Partners, where I handle all the creative advertisement and marketing materials for each of the 18 departments in our offices in both Los Angeles and New York.
I also am a Motivational Storyteller, using social media to tell my story in an inspirational way to uplift others. My goal is to encourage millennial, females, and minorities on their road to success while being their authentic selves.
I am a creative woman in the business world – most proud of my ability to bridge the mindful and the successful through motivational talks. Being a motivational storyteller and creative artist in the business arena are all unique pieces of the puzzle that makes up my story.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
A pair of scissors changed my life. Every beginning of the school year, my mother could only afford the bare minimum of supplies. If I needed something later, I would have to wait until the following year to get it. After five years of having my precious pair of yellow scissors, I lost them. I cried uncontrollably because I knew it meant not having scissors for the rest of the school year. That day, I promised myself I would have the best grades and be the best version I can be so I could afford a life without worrying about the price tag. A few days later, my parents surprised me with a new pair of scissors because they knew how much the scissors meant to me. They worked so hard for me and inspire me every day to be the best version I can be.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irinacara/
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/irinacara
Image Credit:
Chyna Photography
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