Trini Solano is one of those #MujeresNehca worth listening to (or reading, in this case). The work she does through La Portería de Jorge Juan as a talent representation and communications agency is impressive. She currently represents women such as Maribel Verdú, Natalia Verbeke, and Dafne Fernández. She needed a space of her own on the blog! I wanted to bring her into this space that is so intimate and full of love so that she can inspire and motivate us. She is the one who gives voice and vote to many Spanish women in the film industry so they can succeed and appear in the media. Don't you think that is incredible work?

"My goals were above my status as a woman"

Trini, in a world even more dominated by men back in 2002, what did you feel and think when you started your business?

The truth is that I didn't think the challenge would be greater because of being a woman. I relied on my capacity for work and my knowledge of the sector I am dedicated to. The fact of living in a world where men had more power than women was something pre-established, but my energy was not going to be stopped by that. My goals were above my status as a woman.

How did you manage to find your niche?

By dedicating many hours a day to getting the work done, with a great dose of enthusiasm and a very sharp sense of faith in myself and in the fact that I could achieve my dream of having my own company and not depending on a "boss." The change from working at a company where you are the employee, to being the one who makes all the decisions, for better or for worse, is scary, but it was also a challenge I wanted to face.

In the agency you have formed, how does the role of women influence it?

Most of us are women. The entire staff is, and among my clients, there is a majority of women too. I think we think in a different way, not better or worse than men, but it is scientifically proven that the male and female brain are not the same. I don't believe that championing women means proving anything to men. We should work as a team; if we manage to be a plus and not a minus, the world will surely be much better. 

How do you choose the women you work with? What do you see in common in all of them?

I work with people because a good connection is established. We speak the same language, we understand each other easily because we expect the same from our "union". The work of a representative with their clients is like a relationship: it is based on mutual trust and having a common goal. In the end, it is about walking hand in hand, and for that, we must understand and respect each other, otherwise, it is impossible and also not worth it. With women, there is a special connection because female intuition works and makes us communicate more easily.

You work behind the scenes making every woman you represent shine. What do you feel when those women achieve their dreams?

Well, it is a very pleasant feeling because, as I told you before, it is walking a path by their side, supporting that person. Their triumphs end up being yours too. If they shine, you do too, even if it is from the background. Behind it, there is a lot of hard work; nothing comes for free. But if that journey has also been pleasant and in sync, the achievements are enjoyed even more. Helping people make their dreams come true is one of the most satisfying things that, at least in my opinion, life gives you.

Do you think the position of women in film has changed compared to when you started? How?

Yes, without a doubt. This was a sector, I imagine like almost all of them, dominated by men, who pulled the strings. The landscape is different now, both in executive and producer positions and in the rest of the professions linked to the entertainment sector. And what has also meant a huge change is the scale of values when it comes to recognizing and respecting the role of women in a sector that has such a strong female presence as this one.

"My dream would be that the fight for gender equality is no longer necessary because it is real"

What does feminism mean to you?

It is the place women occupy in the world. Equality means that to achieve that place there are no more advantages for one than for the other, but rather that it is always awarded to the most qualified, regardless of gender, age, ideology, skin color, or social or economic status... Obviously, women started at a clear disadvantage, which is why it has been necessary to champion and fight for that equality, but my dream would be that the fight for gender equality is no longer necessary because it is real.

How do you manage to link the work of your agency with your sustainable values?

I believe that values, not only sustainable ones, but all those that have to do with making this a better world that is respectful of nature and the inhabitants of the planet, should be applied in all aspects of our lives, both professionally and personally.

Do you believe that elegance, luxury, and sustainability can go hand in hand?

I not only believe it, but it is inevitable. The canon of beauty has been adjusting and changing throughout the centuries based on the needs of each moment. Now more than ever, we either make that sustainability the basis upon which fashion pivots, or we will find ourselves caught in serious trouble. Either we take care of the world, or we will run out of it. From within fashion, one can educate a lot about that respect for the world around us.

Which women inspire you in your day-to-day life?

Those who live from the truth, from respect for themselves and for others. Nothing seems more important to me than leading a life consistent with one's own values, which seeks the general and private good, and which generates good energy and gratitude around them. We are in complicated times, so now more than ever, we must impose an atmosphere of reconciliation and gratitude.

What advice would you give to a woman who wants to shine like you?

I don't think I shine, but I do feel very good in my own skin. My advice is that they should never do things to please others, but because they are convinced that they should be done that way. Being able to sleep at night with the feeling of a duty fulfilled and a clear conscience, that is indeed a luxury. And that is Trini Solano, a magnificent woman through and through. I hope you have enjoyed this interview very much. Do you want to know more about other #MujeresNehca? My dear #MujerNehca, you who are reading this: always remember to pursue your dreams as Trini Solano did in her day and continues to do. Nothing is unreachable and everything is possible. If you can visualize it, you can achieve it.