What does it really take to turn a movie into a cultural icon? Legendary film producer Louis A. Stroller—whose name you’ll find behind timeless titles like Scarface and Tomb Raider 2. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to navigating the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, Louis shares candid stories from the set, insights into the gritty reality of filmmaking, and the moments that shaped his decades-long career.He opens up about the behind-the-scenes challenges, the power of relationships, and why passion—not profit—should be the driving force in the entertainment industry. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Louis A. Stroller03:02 Early Career and Entry into Film05:57 The Making of Scarface08:58 The Role of a Producer11:56 Reflections on the Film Industry15:12 Life Beyond Film and Personal Insights❤️Follow Sarah: ✅Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba ☑️Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA 📅Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

What does it really take to turn your makeup brush into a brand?

The fiercely talented Raiza Montes (@raizamontes), celebrity makeup and hair artist, joins Sarah on That’s So Akiba, to share her evolution from behind-the-scenes glam to front-and-center influencer. Raiza opens up about how she carved her path from a traditional makeup artist into a full-fledged brand, leveraging social media to build an authentic presence that resonates far beyond the chair.

They talk signature styles, what it’s really like working Fashion Week, the hustle of monetizing influence (hint: her highest-paid post was $12K), and the art of staying inspired in an ever-changing industry. Raiza shares her biggest lessons on building strong relationships, finding the right community, and staying grounded in her Puerto Rican roots.

Takeaways:

-Success in makeup means developing your unique style—and staying inspired by both trends and culture.

-Fashion Week taught her how to blend artistry with fashion storytelling.

-Monetizing influence requires both authenticity and business savvy.

-Building meaningful industry relationships is key to long-term growth.

-The power of community can fuel your journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Glam and Branding

01:53 Transitioning from Makeup Artist to Influencer

05:07 Finding Your Signature Makeup Style

09:17 Staying Inspired in Makeup

10:43 Experiences at Fashion Week

12:27 Monetizing Makeup Influence

15:40 Working with Celebrities

18:54 Challenges in the Makeup Industry

20:16 Building Relationships in Business

22:34 Conclusion and Social Media Presence

What moments make you look at someone and know: this is my person?

Adam Benaim, Sarah’s fiance and soon-to-be-husband, takes us on an intimate and entertaining journey through their love story—from a chance meeting at a wedding in Israel to their upcoming nuptials just one month away! With plenty of laughs, heartfelt memories, and a few unexpected twists, they reflect on the cultural traditions, navigating long-distance love, moving in together, and the joy (and responsibility) of caring for animals as a couple.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Engagement Announcement

01:05 Meeting in Israel: The Beginning of Their Story

02:20 The Beach Encounter: First Impressions

03:55 The Henna Ceremony: A Cultural Connection

05:22 The Bus Trip: A Day of Fun and Connection

06:22 The Wedding: A Memorable Reunion

08:11 Late Night Conversations: Building a Bond

09:28 The One Night Stand: Unexpected Feelings

10:07 Realizations and Future Plans

10:56 Navigating Long-Distance Love

12:03 Adjusting to Life Together

13:29 Learning to Love Animals

14:19 The Dinosaur Revelation

16:19 The Proposal Journey

19:11 Building a Future Together