Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Marshall
Hi Isabella, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Digital Detox began as a student-produced Senior Portfolio Project, originally known as No Service Events. The event was created with a simple goal: to encourage people to disconnect from the virtual world and make genuine, face-to-face connections. With only a little over a month to plan and execute, we pulled off our first live event at Attic Nightclub. It wasn’t without its challenges—there were ups and downs along the way—but it taught us a lot. While the event wasn’t a huge hit, it was a valuable learning experience that helped us grow as entertainment students. And more than anything, we found that we loved the process.
After reflecting on that experience, we realized something important. We wanted to move away from the typical club atmosphere and towards something that felt more authentic to our vision—an alcohol-free alternative where attendees could connect without the noise of loud music, intoxication, or the pressure to dress up. By doing this, we’re creating a space where people can simply be themselves, engage in meaningful conversations, and feel safe. We’ve made it our mission to provide an environment where genuine connections can flourish.
Our hope is that Digital Detox will continue to grow into something much bigger—a company where people can step away from the digital world and experience connection in its purest form.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been anything but smooth, and it’s fair to say the challenges were amplified because I didn’t have a strong team to support me at the time. We encountered several obstacles, ranging from networking difficulties to struggles with securing sponsors and converting sales. Every step of the way felt like an uphill battle—whether it was finding the right funding for our project or simply getting our name out there in a competitive space. Without a cohesive team to divide the workload and share the vision, I found myself juggling multiple responsibilities, which made the path even more exhausting.
One of the biggest challenges was navigating the sponsor landscape. Getting sponsors on board is never easy, and without a well-connected network, it took a great deal of persistence and trial and error to convince potential sponsors that our project was worth their time and resources. Finding funding was another hurdle, especially when you’re not widely recognized or don’t have a proven track record. You’re constantly trying to prove your project’s worth while facing rejection or skepticism, and that can take a toll. But in the end, all of these difficulties taught me valuable lessons in resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of having a reliable team. These lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape how I approach projects today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always been someone with a deep passion for event design and production, whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a large-scale event. What excites me the most is the process of taking a simple idea and transforming it into something extraordinary that leaves a lasting impact on people. My brain naturally gravitates toward creative solutions that others might not see right away. It’s almost like I’m constantly thinking of ways to elevate the ordinary and turn it into something unforgettable.
One of the projects I’m still most proud of is the work I did back in high school. It’s funny because people often underestimate the capabilities of high school students, but we managed to pull off something pretty amazing. For homecoming, we took the concept of themed hallways and turned it into a fully immersive experience. We created different worlds in each hallway, filled with detailed props, lighting, and music that aligned with the theme, and we transformed the space into something magical. It was a collaborative effort, but I led the creative direction, and seeing our ideas come to life in such a tangible way was incredibly fulfilling. That experience left a lasting impression on me and solidified my desire to continue working in event design and production. Even now, I still draw from those early experiences whenever I work on larger projects. It reminds me that, no matter the scale of the event, the power of creativity can bring any idea to life.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely—finding the right mentor can make a world of difference, especially in a field like live entertainment where hands-on experience is crucial. My best advice is to look for a mentor who not only has experience in your field but also genuinely believes in your potential and pushes you to grow. For me, that mentor has been my professor, Christopher Goyzueta. He’s been instrumental in my development, both professionally and personally. His teaching style is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in academia because he’s not just focused on theory—he’s all about practical, hands-on learning. Under his guidance, we weren’t just studying live entertainment production; we were actually producing it. We had real projects, deadlines, and the opportunity to work in a way that mirrored the industry.
Before meeting him, I struggled with networking and lacked confidence when it came to putting myself out there. But he encouraged me to get involved, attend events, and make connections. Because of him, I’ve networked more than I ever thought I would, and I’m now more involved in school and the industry than I ever imagined. He’s the type of mentor who doesn’t just teach you what to do; he shows you how to do it, step by step, and that’s been invaluable to me. His support has been a game-changer, and I’m certain that without him, I wouldn’t have made the same strides in live entertainment production. If you’re looking for a mentor, seek someone like that—someone who is truly invested in your journey and can offer you real-world experience. It can make all the difference in your growth and confidence.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitaldetoxorlando?igsh=eTYwdHNrOXZseHM%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaldetoxorlando?_t=8qekPjvH3Us&_r=1
