We had the good fortune of connecting with Ilse Abril and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ilse, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up I was influenced by my mother and teachers. I remember one day specifically when my teachers were selecting kids for the school choir. They had us sing and one of the teachers separated me from the kids because she wanted to hear me sing by myself. She complimented me on my tone and introduced me to the music teacher. That moment sparked my confidence in my talent at a young age. Later in my teenage years, I was hired to sing at different events and continued doing that until I was 28. During this time I performed in the “Buenos Aires Celebra Mexico” festival in Argentina and I had the opportunity of opening for huge Latino artists like Natalia Lafourcade and Fernando Delgadillo.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would describe my work as new media/mixed media and what sets me apart is that I look for images that project my Mexican roots in a modern way and at the same time visualizes women as leaders and not your typical muse. To date, my greatest achievement is being the main image of the first Latinx exhibit at The Arsenal Gallery in Central Park: “Las Flores de Mi País”. Which was organized by the New York Latino Society and NYC Parks and Recreation Department, honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. Also, I own a small business that recently opened in Uptown Phoenix: Magnolia Dress Rental, this is a project that began by looking for a way to help the environment and at the same time be a business that does not generate waste.

I believe that in our current climate situation, businesses should start revolving around the culture of reuse and recycling. I could say the biggest lesson I got here is to dream big and that if you believe in yourself, in your talent and ideas, you can get wherever you want to go.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite places to eat are Cibo, Clever Koi, Pizzeria Bianco and Presidio. If I want to go out for drinks with the girls, I like The Rose Garden, AZ Wilderness and Valentine. If I’m looking for places to hangout visit The Lost Leaf, Gracie’s Tax Bar, Valley Bar and The Bikini Lounge. I love visiting the Phoenix Art Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Japanese Garden.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all, I would like to thank my amazing family for their support. You are the reason that keeps me moving. Also, I would like to thank my friends (you guys know who you are) for encouraging me, literally every single day to pursue my goals. To all of you: Thanks for believing in me.

Website: www.magnoliadressrental.com

Instagram: @ilseabrilart / @ilseabril / @magnoliadressrental

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilse-abril-moreno-8b79b3251

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.