Spotlight Sunday: Isra Shatat

Today is Spotlight Sunday. This Sunday I am interviewing the CEO and founder of ISConexion (ISC), an upcoming Chicago-based marketing and agency company. Below is the biography of Ms. Isra Shatat and her accomplishments thusfar, taken from her website.

CEO and founder of ISC, Isra Shatat, is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois in Urbana- Champaign studying Communications with a focus in Pre Law. Isra decided to start an establishment her freshman year in college when witnessing several talented individuals seeking to pursue their dreams but unaware of where to start.
 Before ISC, Isra gained experience in the field of promotions working with nationally recognized R&B group Kwiet Storm and promotions company S.H.E Promotions. From day to day street promotions to social media promotions Isra’s resume was gradually building.  In 2008, Isra received an opportunity to promote for Terrell Taylor, CEO of Positive Entertainment by promoting one of the biggest events in Chicago, Showtime in Chicago and decided to make Taylor an official client after a successful outcome. ISC has teamed up with Positive Entertainment and have thus far promoted many successful events.  For Isra, Terrell Taylor was a major influence on her career choices and decided to seek guidance from him by requesting his mentorship in which he accepted.  Isra soon went on doing promotions for Chicago pop artist Demi Lobo, R&B singer Kenny T, and entertainment company Get Phresh.
In the summer of 2010, Isra received an opportunity to intern with Dream Careers and Universal Music Group/Interscope Records in Santa Monica California.  As a pop marketing Intern, Isra worked on stat sheets for artists such as Lady Gaga, MIA, and N.E.R.D as well as clerical work for her supervisor, Marketing Director Miles Arnay.  This opportunity helped legitimize Isra’s aspiration for the music industry and thus motivated her to start her own company.  The company was officially launched after Isra Shatat received a management position request from singer Drey Skonie.  
Currently ISC is building and now represents not only Drey Skonie, but also dancer/choreographer Latreece Pearson. ISC now offers styling/photography services credited to our client Bry Delicia. The latest addition to our clientele is the trio production team NOSPEAKERZ. The three man production team are reputable for their work with Drey Skonie and platinum recording artist Obie Trice. 

The Music Tourist: So, when and why in the world have you decided to enter into the crazy and unpredictable world that is the music industry? 
Isra Shatat: I don't recall an exact date, but it hit me when I realized that I can't be without music. Ever.  I can't make music so I want to offer the next best thing. I want to make a way for good artistry to shine. Plus, I love the adrenaline. I love the excitement. It's consistent yet unpredictable.

MT: How is it juggling college and trying to do what you do?

IS: The hardest most stressful thing in the entire world. I get absolutely NO SLEEP. Sometimes I want to give up, but the love of it keeps me going. 

MT: I hear that. What do you ultimately want to accomplish in the music industry?

IS: I want to expand my company ISC first and ultimately I want to go into entertainment law. Then I want to open my own music foundation charity, that gives to the underdogs who do not have the funds it takes to advance in their career.  I know money has unfortunately prevented me from so many opportunities. I want to change that for others. I want to be that connection. I want to be that resource.

MT: Why do you think you are going to "make it" in this industry? What does "making it" mean to you?

IS: Making it to me means being fulfilled.  Being a difference in someones life and being that connection that changed someones life.  That's when I know I've made it. I know I'm going to make it because I'm not going to give up. 

MT: What are your thoughts on the music industry today? Do you think it is easier or harder to establish a successful and lasting career in music?

IS: It's alot harder now because everyone wants to do it, and everyone thinks they can do it. But many fail to educate themselves on how. There's not a set way to get in the industry. That can be a good thing. 

MT: Why did you create ISConeXion?

IS: ISConeXion was created for one purpose: connecting individuals who need each other to advance.  I want it to be a network that many can use our service to get in contact with people they may need to help them advance.  I want to help people achieve and be motivated.

MT: So how did you lead to representing "Chi-Troit" r&b sensation Drey Skonie?
IS: I used to promote for Drey Skonie while he was a member of Kwiet Storm.  I saw him on Making the Band 4 and I was really impressed. After the group broke up, I stopped promoting for them but Drey Skonie reached out to me while I was in California. From there we established our business relationship.  Chi-Troit represents the unity we have for Detroit (Where Drey and our producers NOSPEAKERZ are from)

MT: I reviewed his mixtape on this past Monday. Soooo, what did you think?

IS: I absolutely loved it. It was my favorite review I've read of his mixtape. You broke it down, very detailed. And you did research too. It just shows that you have a good ear for music.

MT: Aww thank you. I wanted to do the mixtape justice. 

IS: And you did. I appreciate it. 

MT: Can you tell me a little bit about some of the moves that some of your other clients are making in the entertainment world?

IS: Well Drey Skonie is currently in ATL working with photographers, acting coaches, and doing shows almost every day.

NOSPEAKERZ are working on Platinum recording artist Obie Trice's album "Bottom's up"  They have recently moved to ATL to work on Drey Skonie's upcoming project as well as expand their opportunities. They are amazing. "It's not what it sounds like, it's what it feels like." That's their motto. 

Bry Delicia our photographer/stylist is currently in LA branding her company and working full time. She's like my mentor in many ways. 

GimmeabeatShwty is a dancer and choreographer and model. She is currently in LA working with several different artists and even recently did an international video with one of her clients.

MT: What has been the most exciting thing to happen to you while pursuing the industry? Any quick stories you want to tell?

IS: The most exciting thing to me is the impact that I have made on my team.  I have had the opportunity to meet people like Rhymefest, Dr. Dre, Obie Trice and many other entertainers and executives who all have given me a push of inspiration whether they tried to or not.  I also met who has helped create Lady Gaga's image and brand. That was awesome. 

MT: You also told me of another moment before. My roommate is a huge El Debarge fan and when I told her that you had some sort of contact with him, she damn near fainted on my room. So she wants to know what that was like lol. 

IS: Hahahaha. I didn't get to meet him. I didn't get to see him. He sang three or four songs in the studio. It was like a concert. I was simply enjoying it. 

MT: That's so awesome. So, what is the next step for ISConeXion and Ms. Isra Shatat?

IS: The next step for us is moving to NYC in December and really go full throttle with my expansion.

MT: You want to do law school?

IS: Yes in Fall 2013. Possibly in L.A. though.

MT: Any questions or comments you want to ask/say to little old me?

IS: Thank you so much for this opportunity.  I really appreciate you taking an interest in me and publishing it on you blog. Why interview me?

MT: I interviewed you because you are always on 110% all day everyday 24/7. Doing what you do. I see the same drive and passion in you  that is in the people that "make it." 

IS: I really appreciate it that you saw me as interview potential.

MT: Of course. Thank you.

IS: I just want to share with the world that anything is possible.  As long as you want it bad enough, your passion will flow and your heart will follow it.  Just stay positive and make your dreams a reality.  We all have something to share. let's be heard the best way we can!  I love music! 

To find out more about Isra Shatat, check out her website at http://www.isconexion.com/.