An Inspired Chat with Isabella Blake Thomas of Los Angeles

Isabella Blake Thomas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Isabella, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
It is a really exciting season for me. As the CEO of my production company, I am mentoring emerging creatives, prepping for my next feature, overseeing post-production on another film, and developing new IP, so no two days ever look exactly the same. I keep a routine, but the work within those time blocks shifts depending on what needs attention.

I usually wake up around 8am and avoid my phone until 9am. Living by the phrase, “Sunlight before blue light” has really helped start my day with low cortisol and a healthy mindset. That quiet time in the morning helps me ground myself, get ready for the day, and enjoy a healthy breakfast. Once I start work, I check messages and emails and handle anything that is time sensitive.

My team and I plan out the next week at the end of the previous week so we begin with a clear sense of priorities, whether something is important, urgent, or both. We also keep a monthly game plan, which means everyone has their assigned responsibilities. My role is to stay connected, check in, and make sure the broader vision continues moving forward.

I take lunch around 1pm and make a point to step away from work so I can reset my headspace for the afternoon. I think it’s really important to take a proper break in the day to eat food, get up from your desk, and step away from the computer. Some days I have in person meetings, others I have Zooms, but I try not to scatter them across the entire week. Protecting larger blocks of time helps me stay focused on bigger tasks.

I finish work around 5pm and then head to the gym for my 90 minute to 2 hour workout. After that, I check any late emails, responding to what is urgent and setting aside the rest for the next morning. I wrap up the day by cooking dinner and spending the evening watching or reading something that helps me unwind.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a filmmaker, actress, and the CEO of my own production company. I’ve been working in the industry since I was a child, and growing up around storytelling made me want to build a space where creativity, integrity, and opportunity could live side by side. My company focuses on developing and producing films and projects that move the industry forward, not just for the people who work in it today, but for the next generation coming up behind us.

What makes our work special is the environment we’ve created. I lead a team of people who genuinely love what they do and feel supported doing it. We prioritize mentorship, collaboration, and long-term growth, and we are intentional about building a workplace where every voice feels heard.

At 23, I’m proud that I get to shape a company that reflects my values: transparency, kindness, ambition, and a belief that this industry can always be better. My hope is that the work we do not only entertains audiences, but also helps create a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive future for everyone in the creative space.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother has been my greatest mentor. She has always been an entrepreneur and started building businesses from the age of 16, beginning with her first theater company. When I was only two, I was already at her theater camps and classes, watching other children perform and seeing her lead with clarity and purpose. She never allowed anyone to dictate her path and has always been ahead of the curve with her ideas.

She taught me how to be unafraid and to always assume something is possible. She homeschooled me, traveled the world with me, and ran multiple businesses at the same time, showing me what dedication and vision truly look like. I have also learned from the challenges she faced as a woman in business. Because she shared those experiences openly, I’ve been able to avoid some of the same pitfalls, especially when it comes to protecting my mental health and recognizing burnout before it happens.

She supports and mentors so many people, and watching the way she leads has shaped my own approach. She showed me that real leadership is about constant growth, staying curious, and listening more than you speak. Her example taught me the value of being steady, thoughtful, and adaptable, no matter what the work demands.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about whether people think she’s “too much”. The right people will stay in your life, and the ones who do not connect with you were never meant to be part of your world anyway.

You cannot please everyone, and that is okay. What matters is getting to know who you are and what feels true to you. When you understand yourself, you make choices you can stand by, and life becomes a lot less confusing.

I would remind her that being herself is enough, and that trusting that earlier would have saved her a lot of unnecessary second-guessing.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I pride myself on being truthful about who I am, whether that is my feelings or even something as simple as how I present myself. I never want anyone to feel unsure around me. If you build a persona that is too far from who you actually are, people end up connecting with a character instead of you.

As an actress, I play a lot of roles on camera, but off camera I want to show up as the real Isabella. That said, I am still human. I present a different version of myself at a red carpet event than I do at home in pajamas watching movies with my friends and family. But the core of me is always the same. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am consistently quirky, a bit goofy, and very much myself no matter the setting.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I helped make the entertainment industry a better place for everyone. I want to be remembered for challenging outdated systems, creating opportunities, and making it easier for people who are often overlooked to have their voices heard and respected.

I hope they see me as someone who took risks, stood up for what was right, and wasn’t afraid to push for meaningful change. More than anything, I want future generations to feel that the path ahead of them is a little clearer and a little more open because of the work I chose to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.motheranddaughterent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabella_b_t/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellablakethomas/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/motheranddaughterent/

Image Credits
Joe Fortunato, Helen Rayner, Anjelika Reyn