Meet Trina Sanchez of Izma Entertainment in DTLA

Trina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Trina Sanchez from Carson, CA Founder and CEO of Izma Entertainment established in 2006 which is a hybrid branding company whose primary focus is bringing together the elements of fashion, film, events models, music and celebrity. Having both hands in the industry’s ever-evolving state, the Izma brand embraces the multi-platform elements with its unique management style and overall approach to project or brand development. I started as a fashion designer in high school and use to design prom dresses for my friends. I produced by 1st fashion show at Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood, CA and this was my big break. One of my high school friends mothers owned her own talent agency called Cassundra Models and Talent. She gave me my 1st opportunity to assist her with a music video casting for 50 Cent and The Game “How We Do” and my duties were to bring talent options for the video. I already inspired so many of my friends so they rode the wave with me and became my models. I was always known to have beautiful friends. After that video I worked on Nelly, then Usher Raymond and so on and so on where I then start working with legendary casting director Anissa Williams. She gave me the opportunity to work on BET Awards and on a few other projects. After so much blood, sweat and tears, Izma Entertainment has worked on several projects and known as one of the most popular boutique management and production company here in Los Angeles. From producing high end private events, photoshoots, campaigns and tv productions.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, this has not been a smooth road. I have been homeless, profiled, scammed and abused during this journey. During the beginning years of building the Izma brand, I became pregnant and had to take a pause and focus on motherhood but also domestic violence at the same time. Right after that set back I went back to the building and grinding harder because I had another human to care for as a single mother, so as I was accepting any and every opportunity that came my way, but I was also SCAMMED!

There were a person that defamed my name and tried to destroy my character from jealousy because I was so busy teaching models to NOT use their bodies for sexual favors in exchange of work to be on tv or in a magazine. This was another set back because it hurt my business. Years later, I was hired with another BIG opportunity and was sabotaged because of hate and being a minority aka WOMAN. That project was the one to put Izma back on the map but I learned that only the strong survive which is the name of my new non profit organization. These struggles and challenges was necessary if I am aiming to become a leader and a successful entrepreneur. Being your own boss is not all peaches and cream but its a journey. No matter what I gone through I will not fold.

Let’s talk about business. Tell us about Izma Entertainment – what should we know?
Having both hands in the industry’s ever-evolving state, the Izma brand embraces the multi-platform elements with its unique management style and overall approach to project or brand development. We specialize in talent booking, talent management and talent development but we also do event production. We are known to book the hottest artist music videos and evente. Izma provides photographers, casting directors, directors, advertisers, marketers and designers all over the world with the highest caliber male and female talent. Izma has booked some top social media and celebrity talent such as Christina Milian, Liane V, Debby Gommeren, Jessica Killings, Vanessa Simmons, Milan Christopher, Jodie Joe, Caitlin O’Connor and many more. Izma has casted on a wide range of projects with celebrities such as Nipsey Hussle, Jay Z, Beyonce, Jlo, Tyrese Gibson, Jessica White, Christina Milian, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Justin Bieber, YG, Far East Movement, Kevin Hart and many more. Our company also provides attractive, friendly and reliable promotional staff for nationwide events, promoting brands such as Coca Cola, Grey Goose,Telemundo, Macy’s Stores, Red Bull, Guess, YSL, Nakeah Cosmetics, Lady J cosmetics, Nike, Adidas, Corona Extra, and Rosenberg Diamonds. Izma have been featured in Magazines such as FHM, MAXIM, LA FIRM, ERM, numerous music videos (some artists include Trey Songz, Dr.Dre and Jay Z), Fashion Shows for Mercedes Benz Fashion week, Hair Ads for L’Oreal, models for BET & MTV Awards, commercials for brands like Virgin Mobile, Reebok, Coke Zero and many other world-leading brands. Some of the events we produced was Rocking Sizzling Fashion Show with appearances by singer Tank, Eye on Glam hosted by Erica Mena, Beauty and Brains hosted by Nazanin Mandi, Jasmin Jaye, Angel Brinks, Jessica White, Jackie Christie and Vivica A. Fox and 1-on-1 Entrepreneurship hosted by NBA player Rashad McCants,  Beauty and The Beats with Ro James and Olivia Pearson. Izma has supported homeless and domestic violence organizations such as LA Mission, Midnight Mission and Model 1-on-1 Domestic Violence and Rape Program. I am most proud of the fact that I built my own company from the ground up.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Yes! I live by climbing to the top like a L.A.D.D.E.R

L.oyalty- stay true to the game

A.mbition- aim high

D.etermination – live your purpose

D.edication- make a commitment with yourself

E.ducation- knowledge is power

R.eal- dont be fake

• $250/hr Business Consulting
• $500 Photoshoot
• $1000 Casting/Talent Booking
• $3000 Music Video Production