Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scarlett Islas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Scarlett , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from embracing my story and choosing to transform the darkest moments of my life into sources of strength and growth. I’ve experienced loss, heartbreak, betrayal, and the profound responsibility of being a mother through some of the toughest circumstances. For a long time, I felt shattered and stuck, but I knew I had to keep moving forward—not just for myself, but for my daughter, who deserves a life filled with hope and love.
I didn’t come from a place of privilege. My journey wasn’t linear, and my path has been marked by obstacles and setbacks. But I come from humble beginnings, with parents who sacrificed so much for us to be where we are today and to become the people we are. They taught me that love exists, even in a world that can be cruel and dark. They showed me that we have a light within ourselves, and it’s up to us to choose how we build our world, how we live, and the impact our actions have on others. My mom has always reminded me that God sees everything we do, and we must stay true to ourselves and never let the world turn us cold.
Every day, I strive to live by that truth and to give my best, no matter the situation. I believe that resilience is about staying connected to your core values and purpose, no matter how chaotic life becomes. My parents showed me the importance of living with integrity, staying strong, and creating a better world, even if it means facing tremendous hardship. My mother always says that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors, and it’s our responsibility to fight to make the world a better place. Our actions ripple outward, and it’s up to us to bring light into it, as our ancestors did to build a better future for us.
Resilience, to me, means honoring the light God placed within each of us. It means choosing to see beyond the darkness and standing firm in faith, even when everything is falling apart. It means staying true to the light within, giving back to the world, and carrying forward the values instilled in me by my family, because as much as God gives us life, it is our duty to honor that gift by using it to spread love, compassion, and hope.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a director, filmmaker, student, and creative storyteller, I am passionate about using my art to highlight the resilience of the human spirit. I founded Rebellatrix Anima Creative Studios to give voice to authentic stories and empower others to share their own experiences. My journey started from humble beginnings, and I’ve faced numerous challenges that have shaped who I am today. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to transform their pain into something meaningful and to remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.
My brand is not just about producing visual content; it’s about capturing the essence of a story, whether it’s through photography, films, or creative direction. I strive to create a space where people can express their truths and feel seen, bringing a mix of artistry, emotional depth, and a focus on genuine human connection. I also love collaborating with other artists and companies to expand my knowledge and help promote their work, appreciating every opportunity to connect and create something meaningful together. It’s always a privilege to be trusted to bring someone else’s vision to life, and I am deeply grateful for these partnerships.
My journey is still unfolding as I recently rebranded my company from a production-focused entity to Rebellatrix Anima Creative Studios, as my vision continues to expand and grow alongside me. I love going with the flow and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as it helps me open my views and appreciate the importance of connection and the moments we sometimes forget to value, such as weddings, birthdays, or intimate gatherings.
Film projects are my passion. I love the detail and the amount of work involved in bringing a vision to life, but I also appreciate the simplicity of arriving at an event and working with what is in front of me, allowing myself to be surprised by the beauty in everyday moments. Each experience teaches me something new and gives me the opportunity to highlight the stories that deserve to be told.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Stay Humble and Embrace the World as Your School:
One of the most important qualities is staying humble and allowing the world to be your greatest teacher. Embrace learning from people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. The world is filled with a balance of light and darkness, and both are essential in helping us grow and gain wisdom. Every experience—whether joyful or challenging—has something to teach us. Approach life with curiosity and humility, and let every person and situation expand your understanding and appreciation for the diversity around us.
2. Pain is Your Teacher:
Pain is not meant to break you, but to build you. It is a powerful teacher that shows you the depths of your strength and resilience. Never let it conquer you; instead, see it as a guide to help you heal, to grow, and to better understand what you don’t want in life. Pain is there to help you set boundaries, to challenge you, and to push you toward what truly aligns with your soul. When you embrace pain as a friend rather than an enemy, it prepares you for greater achievements and deeper self-awareness.
3. Failure is a Stepping Stone:
Failure is not the end; it’s a tool for growth. It’s okay to mess up, to stumble, and to feel lost at times—what matters is that you keep going. Failure is what keeps us humble, keeps us striving, and helps us refine our vision. Don’t be afraid to fail; use it as a means to reassess and try again. Each time you fail, you’re simply discovering a way that doesn’t work, which ultimately brings you closer to what does. Embrace it as part of your journey and let it propel you forward.
4. Trust the Guidance of Your Heart:
While the world often prioritizes logic and practicality, never underestimate the power of love and intuition. Your heart has its own wisdom, and when you follow it, it guides you toward growth and fulfillment. Yes, it may lead you through pain or setbacks, but even those moments are part of your preparation. Love, in its purest form, will never misguide you; it will shape your path and help you become who you’re meant to be. Trusting your heart doesn’t mean ignoring logic, but rather balancing it with the deep truths that come from within.
5. Authenticity and Vulnerability:
In a world that is often superficial, where it’s hard to discern what is real and what is fake, being true to yourself is a beautiful act of courage. Embrace your authentic self and express yourself without fear. Never limit the way you express who you are—let your beautiful imperfections shine. Be a lion, not a sheep. Trust your heart, your intuition, and never allow anyone to put you in a box. Let your actions speak louder than words, as we live in a world filled with talk but often lacking in substance. When you speak, do it with intention, purpose, and truth. Focus on the work that makes you shine. If it threatens others, that’s okay. Keep going. Never let them dim your light, make you feel small, or doubt your worth. You belong, and the right people will recognize that. Quality over quantity—always choose authenticity over pleasing others.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I could pretty much write a book about all the ways they’ve impacted my life because, without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am now, and my daughter and I wouldn’t be in such a peaceful place. My mom has always been a stay-at-home mom who sacrificed her own career goals for her family. Her family became her career, her life, and her goal every single day. She brings so much light and love not only to me but also to my daughter, my dad, my brother, and his family—never asking for anything in return besides us being good people and always striving to be the best versions of ourselves.
Her and my dad went through their own battles and overcame so much to create a beautiful life for us, showing us that, despite the darkness, there is also light and goodness in the world. Even when we don’t see eye to eye on everything, we are a family, and no matter what, we’ll never face struggles alone.
I love them for always being there for me. When I was completely broken and couldn’t find the strength to move forward, my mom stepped in and took my daughter as her own, giving her all the love and stability I couldn’t provide at that time. They were my reminder to never give up, no matter the challenges, because, even at their age, they have always been my strength. I hope to build everything I create as a tribute to them, and I will always protect them as they have done for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rebellatrixanima.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlett.lionheart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scarlett-islas-a35b227b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rebellatrixanima
Image Credits
Photography by me for several projects
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
