We caught up with Idalia Salsamendi, a leading entrepreneur, business strategist and fashion insider. With more than 17 years of top-tier talent management and PR experience, Idalia launched Idalia Inc in 2016 and the company is now widely regarded as one of the world’s premier digital marketing agencies for both brands and social media influencers.
My car of choice
I should absolutely preface my answer by saying I haven’t owned a car in a while, as living in Europe I walk everywhere or take public transport. I’m a big believer in lessening one’s carbon footprint, and walking or taking public transport whenever possible is the best way to go in my book. But if I had to go through my rolodex of cars that have left an impression on me, for sure the answer would be the 1967 Ford Mustang in red. I don’t know if it’s the sense of nostalgia that car brings, but it’s one that has always stayed engrained in my mind. If we could only adapt its engine to an electric one, that would be such a win-win.
My favourite holiday destination
Curious enough, I wouldn’t even say a city or even a particular resort/hotel, but rather a country in general: Mexico. There is a certain magic that exists there. The people warm and friendly, the food absolutely spectacular (my favourite cuisine actually), and there is so much to do and see throughout the entire country. Last time I was there, I stayed in the Yucatan peninsula and was able to see the breath-taking pyramids, Cenotes (natural sinkholes), and beaches. All while eating my tacos and drinking my tequila. Can’t go wrong with that.
My gadget I can’t live without
Perhaps my laptop because of work, but for sure my life wouldn’t end without it. Ever since I left corporate America and starting working from home, or anywhere in the world for that matter, I’ve been acutely aware on how fortunate I was that my laptop could keep me connected, and keep my business thriving. But I always have that little voice in the back of my head that keeps my feet planted firmly on the ground to not get too attached to my laptop or any gadget for that matter.
My go to fashion brand
Hands down, Dior. I distinctly remember in the early 2000s when John Galliano was the creative director, that I suddenly had such immense curiosity to what was happening in the luxury fashion world. Now with Maria Grazia Chiuri at the helm, we see female empowerment at the forefront of everything the Maison does while keeping the Maison’s avant-garde ethos. Even her new book ‘Her Dior’ she pays tribute to such powerful females in the industry. It’s really impressive the way she’s revolutionising the fashion world.
My airline of choice
Such an interesting question. Surprisingly, I really don’t have one. Because I travel so much because of work, more times than not I forget what airline I actually travel through. Perhaps what’s more important to me is the actual service during the flight. I admire flight attendants so much. Being able to get on a flight and really feel safe and well taken care of makes all the difference in the world. It’s their hard work that really makes the airlines thrive.
My favourite watch brand
Ohhh tough one. It’s s three way tie between Rolex, Cartier, and Hermes. Although this past weekend one of my mom’s friends showed me a Van Cleef and Arpel Cadenas watch which was originally made in the 1930s that made my jaw drop. It was designed to look like a bracelet with the actual face of the watch hidden on purpose, as to not look disrespectful to someone by checking the time in front of them. That model has had its revisions since its first launch, but seeing that classic one was such a treat.
My favourite restaurant
Rubirosa in Manhattan. You can find me sitting solo at the bar eating their pizza and pasta, and reading a book. It’s one of those places that feels like home. Funny enough I was actually introduced to the restaurant after I had moved out of Manhattan. I had gone back to NYC for Fashion Week one season and my colleague was craving Rubirosa so we went. When I told her I had never been there she was floored. And, of course, after I ate there the first time I was also in quite a bit of shock that I hadn’t discovered the place myself when I actually lived in the city. Now it’s my go-to every time I’m back in town.
My guilty pleasure
McDonalds, for sure! As a kid my mom used to take me every Saturday if I ‘behaved’ during the week. I chuckle now just thinking about it. Now as an adult I eat very clean, so it always shocks people when I say that I’m craving a Quarter Pounder with cheese and actually follow through with ordering it. What can I say? The key word here is ‘guilty’ hahaha.
My favourite way to give back
By keeping my finger on the pulse on what’s going on in today’s global society. I’m constantly reading up on where assets need to be allocated to move charitable things along quicker, and from there I donate each month accordingly. I’m a big supporter of any movement advocating for climate change, wildlife conversation, and equal rights. On a more day-to-day level, my company was founded on the idea of female empowerment and education. So it’s extremely important for me that this message is constantly being tended to daily, and that women (and men too) feel like they have a place to go to when they want to thrive and succeed, from business to their personal lives.
