An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
There is no such thing as the perfect singer, vocalist, musician, etc. we all have a specific role to play within the bigger picture and our own unique essence and special sauce.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Isa Marina.
Isa Marina is a Bronx native of Dominican and Afro-Cuban descent, a songwriter and classically trained dramatic soprano whose work blends reggaetón, R&B, and pop with vocal techniques shaped by her operatic background. Fluent in English and Spanish, she writes and performs songs across languages and styles, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and cultural roots. She began her career in 2011 with an internship at EMI Virgin Classics and later founded Norwood Entertainment, an independent label through which she develops and releases her music. Her discography includes the EPs Montage (2013), Mirrors, Vol. 1 (2016), and True Colors (2019), along with singles such as “Take It Slow,” “Good for Me,” “Down,” “Paid Up,” “Dangerous,” “Guaya,” and “No Grey.” Isa Marina has performed at venues including Madison Square Garden and has been featured by CNN en Español, Nylon, and Remezcla. Her upcoming EP, Eros, is scheduled for release in October 2025.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
Music has always been a major part of my life. My dad used to say that when I was born, he just knew I’d be a singer because of how I came out screaming LOL. Ever since I was a little girl, I was drawn to performance, music, musicals, writing, and drama. I was constantly daydreaming, imagining music videos and little scenes in my head to whatever song was playing.
My grandmother, Isaura Mendoza, was a respected Cuban actress and singer — she even had a supporting role in the iconic novela Guadalupe con Adela Noriega, as Catalina. Whenever we visited her in Miami, I saw her as this huge star. I have so many memories from my childhood that center around music and creativity — it was always just in me. I knew from a very young age that I was going to be a singer, and I claimed it early on.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
The funniest and silliest mistake I made when I was starting out was thinking that all I had to do was work hard, show up, and BOOM — I’d be discovered. Just like that, I’d be a teen pop star living out my dreams like the amazing artists I looked up to. When that didn’t happen, my teenage heart was crushed.
But looking back, I’m so grateful for that reality check. It taught me something important: there’s no need to sprint to the finish line. My time would come when it was meant to. My job was to remain disciplined, keep growing as an artist and as a person, and really learn to embrace the journey.
Everyone’s path is different, and that’s the beauty of it: it’s all by divine design. My journey has been long, and I’ll admit, aging used to scare me. I felt like I had to “make it” by a certain age, which is such a harmful and limiting belief. The truth is, we’re expansive beings. Every day we’re alive is a new opportunity to begin again, regardless of our age or circumstances.
That toxic idea that women — especially young women — have an expiration date on success? It’s complete nonsense and just another patriarchal lie I’m happy to help dismantle.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I would advise them to believe in themselves with their entire being — their entire soul. Learn from every experience and continue to study your craft and grow, as a creative and human-being.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
Yes, my new vocal coach, Laura Castrillon. Working with her has honestly helped me reconnect with my passion for singing. I was starting to lose that spark after being so focused on marketing, promo, and the constant grind of digital media (which tends to cause burn-out). Our sessions remind me why I fell in love with music in the first place. I’m very grateful for her guidance, especially in helping me embrace a more holistic and healthy approach to my growth as a vocalist.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’ve always believed in using my voice for more than just music. In the past, I’ve performed at orphanages and mentored students, and now I’m looking to align with causes that support feeding the homeless and helping young people( especially in underserved communities, to pursue their dreams). That’s where my heart is: I really want to remind the youth that they are important and so are their goals. I had so many key mentors in my life, including my parents, assisting me in the pursuit of my goals and dreams at different points in my life..
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I come from humble beginnings, so I know what it’s like to not always have access to certain tools or support. That’s why I feel called to give back, whether it’s helping feed those in need or mentoring students who just need someone to believe in them. I’ve been that kid with a dream, and I want to help others feel seen and supported too.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
Students I mentored years ago still share their wins with me to this day! Knowing that my guidance helped them believe in themselves, even just a little, reminds me why I do this. Those are the moments where testimony and purpose align.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Yes, absolutely! Supporting local organizations that have done the groundwork, investing in arts and education programs in underserved areas, and simply showing up for others with time, resources, and/or mentorship. All of it adds up and makes a real difference.
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Music is a literal collection of vibrations that can shift our brainwaves. It absolutely has an impact on how we think, how we see our world and others; it amplifies our emotions. It can even create or inspire new ones within us! So it is an absolutely powerful tool and we must use it wisely.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
- Life and your music career don’t end at 25 or 30 years old
- You are your only competition
- There is no such thing as the perfect singer, vocalist, musician, etc. we all have a specific role to play within the bigger picture and our own unique essence and special sauce.
- BE RESOURCEFUL!
- A set back is the perfect set-up for a greater comeback
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I’d start a movement centered on radical self-worth, teaching people, especially young women and creatives, that they are enough as they are and worthy of taking up space. Most of my journey has centered on tough, yet purposeful lessons regarding the latter. When people believe in themselves, they move differently, dream bigger, and uplift others along the way. Don’t shrink yourself to fit into the expectations and vision of anyone else!
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
One of my favorite quotes ever is, “Do what you love and the universe will take care of you.” I truly believe that. There will be quiet moments in your life and career — seasons of stillness where it feels like nothing is moving, but you must trust those moments. Be disciplined, stay the course, and if you need to slow down, do it. Just don’t stop. Every small step you take toward your dreams matters. Even the tiniest action helps bring the bigger picture together. Do your part, and trust that the universe — or whatever higher power you believe in — is working behind the scenes to support you and bring it all to life.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Is it okay if I have four? Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Lauren London.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at HYPERLINK “https://thewayofexcellence.com/”https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Isa Marina Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.