By Martine St. Hilaire
Isabella Louis isn’t your average artist. Her life is a beautiful medley of singing, painting, acting, and content creation. Isabella’s creative journey began when she was a child in Silver Spring, Maryland, but was only a vague foreshadowing of the vibrant personality she is today.
When she was growing up just outside Washington, D.C., music was always a part of Isabella’s life. She recalls singing along to the radio whenever her parents played music in the car or at home. “I used to imitate artists like Beyoncé and J-Lo,” she says, recalling her youthful admiration for Beyoncé’s vocal range and J-Lo’s dance moves. Her childhood fascination with these performers set the stage for her future in music and performance.
Although her family was neither musical nor artistic, Isabella’s passion for singing came naturally. She remembers harmonizing on the school bus and singing while walking to her babysitter’s house. “I always had an inclination towards singing,” she says. By the time she reached middle school, she was acting in full-length plays. She continued to hone her acting skills throughout high school.
However, it wasn’t until 2015, when she was in college, that she recorded her first song in a professional studio. The track was never released, but the recording experience fueled her desire to continue exploring music. She dived deep into jazz theory and music history. She joined her college’s jazz ensemble. This foundation prepared her to be a professional vocalist. But her love for art extended beyond singing.
Isabella’s painting journey began unexpectedly. Like so many others, she grappled with the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, when she had ample free time, she took up painting, which became a therapeutic outlet. Her ability to express herself through multiple mediums is one of the many qualities that make her a true artist.
Isabella also developed a strong presence on YouTube, where she now has over 100,000 subscribers. The platform has allowed her to chronicle her journey as an artist and share her insights and experiences with a global audience. “The YouTube journey came about only a few years ago when I realized I was sitting on my talent,” she explains. Online video was a natural progression that allowed her to combine her love for performance with the opportunity to inspire others and build a community.
When asked about her favorite passions, Isabella is quick to answer. “I LOVE singing,” she says. “I would give it all up if I could have a professional singing career.”
As a proud Haitian-American, Isabella also recognizes the unique challenges that come with her identity. She speaks passionately about the pressure many young Haitian Americans feel to prove their authenticity to the Haitian and American communities. “Young Haitian-Americans have so much to prove,” she says. Despite these challenges, Isabella encourages fellow Haitian artists to persevere. She relates to the Haitian tradition of being both artistic and radical.
“My brand is about freedom.”
Isabella’s Haitian roots are integral to her identity and artistry. “My brand is about freedom.” Isabella says that she draws inspiration from the Haitian revolution and the enduring strength of women throughout history. Her art — whether it’s singing, painting, or acting — is a form of self-expression that defies boundaries and celebrates her heritage.
Isabella recently quit her full-time job as a labor organizer to pursue her artistic dreams and sold her condo to make ends meet. Though the transition has been difficult, her determination remains unwavering. She dreams of releasing a large body of music and performing worldwide in the upcoming years. “I’m meant to be an artist. I won’t stop until the day I stop breathing.”
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Isabella is dedicated to giving back to her community. She spent four years organizing Haitian domestic workers and now works as a youth mentor, guiding children in her community. Her philanthropic efforts are as much a part of her identity as her art and demonstrate her deep commitment to uplifting those around her.
“If there’s something you’ve always wanted to accomplish, it’s NEVER too late to pursue it,” says Isabella.
Isabella Louis is an artist with a powerful voice whose story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to her dreams. She inspires others not only through her music and art but also through her message of perseverance. “If there’s something you’ve always wanted to accomplish, it’s NEVER too late to pursue it,” she says. For Isabella, the journey is just as important as the destination — and she’s determined to make the most of it.
FOLLOW ISABELLA LOUIS ONLINE
YouTube: @isabellalouis
Instagram: @isabellalouismusic
Website: isabellalouis.com
