Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Mendez.
Isabella, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started dancing ballet when I was really young and worked my way up to being in a professional company for many years before retiring in May of 2021. When I was 15, I moved to Boston by myself to attend the Boston Ballet School, where I finished my last two years of high school. I then went to Orlando Ballet for almost a decade where while dancing, I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science, started a blog and also started my own business, The Company Collection which launched in March of 2020. I had always known how to sew because of my mom and got inspired when I wanted to save money and make my own dancewear. I was able to partner with a great company to design leotards which are named and inspired after my professional dancer friends as well as create and hand make items that are affordable and loved for dancers of all kinds. Once I retired, I learned how much I was capable of and how many skills that career left me with. I allowed myself to have the confidence to try new things and use those skills to pursue other passions. I currently work as a marketing manager at The Bar Method in Winter Park which I have done for three years and for Whitney Carillon Events where I get to assist in creating larger than life weddings/events for our clients. While I miss performing, this new career path shows me that you don’t have to be on stage to be a performer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I launched The Company Collection, it was March of 2020 – right before the pandemic. I was worried at first since all studios and schools were being shut down but in fact, MORE people were joining the love of dance due to the huge availability of online classes and videos! I actually had a very profitable year and am so thankful for the support. When I retired, I was worried that because I no longer had “dancer” attached to my name, that would waiver but I think having that in your background gives dancers a lot more credit than they realize. I was also worried that I would struggle to find my way once I was done doing something I had done my whole life but am so thankful and proud of what I have accomplished.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do a variety of jobs – I like to be busy! Currently, I am the Marketing Manager at The Bar Method in Winter Park, FL. A fitness studio I have worked at for three years and love every minute. The entire community is filled with love and support and I love my job there.
I own The Company Collection where I hand make and design dancewear to make dancers of all kinds feel, look and dance their best!
I work for Whitney Carillon Events where I help to create bigger than life weddings and events for our amazing clients looking to celebrate. I love the creativity and the glamour that comes with working in events.
I also write a blog and focus a lot on my Instagram page where I help brands promote products and share my lifestyle, beauty and travel tips for those on a budget with a bit feminine inspiration. I love sharing my fashion tips and finds – it is just a fun creative outlet for me!
I think I am mostly known for being the girl who is always busy! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am most proud of how my skills from my career as a professional ballerina have guided me and helped me become who I am and where I am today!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love the most about Orlando is the variety of opportunities there are for people of all kinds. You can have a dream job in mind and most likely Orlando will have it! I think what I dislike the most is that as a New England girl, I miss the snow…maybe one day!
Contact Info:
- Email: imendez726@yahoo.com
- Website: www.thecompanycollection.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/izzy_mendez
Image Credits
Dancers + Dogs Jessica Carvajal Photography Yanita Ninett Photography Michael Cairns
