How Actor, Model and Dancer Izzie Florez Is Building Community for Young Actors in L.A.
Actor, model and dancer Izzie Florez is one young woman who's doing it all, and she'll be the first to tell you that her success isn't based on the jobs she books, but her growth as a human being.
That's why she's so much more than just her roles. She's the host of her own live morning talk show, Weekend Mornings With Izzie, and is also the founder of LAKidsBunch, which builds a strong community between entertainment industry kids and their parents. What inspired her? Read our interview with Izzie below to find out.
Sweety High: Between being an actor, model, dancer and host, is there any role you're most passionate about?
Izzie Florez: I really love the variety that my work in all areas offers. Each has its own unique spark of interest for me. If I had to select one arena, it would be that of acting, which is my greatest passion.
(Photo credit: Bjoern Kommerell, Los Angeles)
SH: How did you create your own morning talk show? What subjects are you most passionate about? Do you have a favorite guest of all time?
IF: I began my Weekend Mornings with Izzie show on my own as a way in which to fill time during the COVID lockdown. I never anticipated that the show would continue, nor grow to the point that it has. I love to include guests who are diverse within their talents, gender, nationality, etc. I've had quite a few guests on the show from other countries, which is really interesting.
Aside from diving into the obvious questions, pertaining to how they began in their area of talent, I like to explore other subjects, such as the pressures of social media, the skewed illusion which often exists from the small slice of what viewers may see of a celeb on social platforms, the importance of giving back in the way of charity organizations, anti-bullying campaigns, etc. It would be incredibly difficult to select a favorite guest of all time, as I truly love chatting with guests, who really are all so different from each other.
SH: Can you tell us about LAKidsBunch? Where did you come up with the idea, and why is it so important to you to build community in that way?
IF: I moved to L.A. in 2018 at the same time as another very good friend. Unfortunately, we both felt much negativity when attending industry functions and auditions. We were also hearing feedback from many parents and kids that wished to have a break from the industry at times. With this in mind, my friend and I began the LAKidsBunch as a network of positive and uplifting industry families and a means to escape stressors through activities at which all were equal and the industry was not discussed—a way in which to just be kids and enjoy life. The group now has over 150 members.
(Photo credit: Bjoern Kommerell, Los Angeles)
SH: What's been your most memorable role to date? Why?
IF: At the age of 5, I was nearly choked to death in a horrific bullying incident that occurred at a public school in Arizona. It is a trauma that remains with me to this day, and one which I often relay when speaking to others on the importance of anti-bullying awareness. Soon after this incident, I was cast as a lead in a video that focused on the true story of a well-known male dancer who had been horribly bullied from a young age into adulthood. Sadly, it reached the point in which he considered taking his own life. I played the role of his imaginary friend or glimmer of hope to hold on to—the one who danced with him and provided a will to overcome the social obstacles. The video ended up being distributed to many institutions, including the school at which I had been bullied.
SH: What is the toughest thing about your line of work? What's the most rewarding?
IF: The most difficult challenge in this industry is the rejection that one faces repeatedly. There is much competition and many components that fit into receiving a role. One needs to have a very thick skin and the realization that a "no" does not necessarily reflect on your ability as an actor. The reason could be as small as the height or the shape of your face. It could easily weigh upon one's self-esteem, if allowed to overcome.
The most rewarding is booking a project for which I am extremely passionate. However, it is not always about whether I book, but whether I feel accomplished and proud of the work that I put into the audition process.
SH: Where are all of the places we can catch your work at the moment?
IF: My most recent work has been focused on that of my weekly show, which may be viewed on IGTV as well as YouTube platforms. I have also been involved in various YouTube projects as collaborations with other artists. I am in the midst of beginning two additional projects, which I am not yet able to relay. I will also be walking for several designers (which I will soon announce on my Instagram platform) at NYFW in February, along with a few upcoming magazine shoots.
(Photo credit: Bjoern Kommerell, Los Angeles)
SH: Is there anything else you'd llike to add?
IF: I find in this industry that I am constantly bombarded with the question of what I have been in and what I am booking. For those entering the entertainment field, I believe that it is important to keep in mind that it is not necessarily always about what you have achieved, but rather the person you are becoming along the way. The industry offers the opportunity to expand oneself in so many wonderful ways, aside from booking roles.
Inspired by stories like Izzie's? Click HERE to read our interview with model, cheerleader and influencer Hailey Smith.