Today we’d like to introduce you to Chi Villines.
Hi Chi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My sister has always told me I’ve had the biggest imagination. I’m from a small town in North Carolina called Mebane. Not much to do or see back then. I grew up pretending different realities in my thoughts to escape my own. After college graduation, I worked in my field as a Program Coordinator for a refugee community center — two years in and I was entirely burnt out. I’d began cheering in middle school which lead competitive dance in high school. I minored in dance in college and put myself through a Contemporary company. Having no prior experience in dance, I found passion through performing very late in life. At 23, I booked a one way ticket to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a professional dancer — my imaginative spirit lead me to my dreams! Once I landed in LA, I began training in all the major dance studios trying to grip all the training I could afford. I went to an audition for a tour in China, on the way there I thought to myself “there’s no way I’m booking this.” A year later, I was dancing in China. From there, I toured in Morocco and Thailand. Dancing around the world was a miracle for a small-town girl like me. Little training but a load of passion and determination. My biggest work in America has been cast of Dua Lipa “New Rules” video! I’ve worked with Young Thug, J Balvin and Liam Payne. Having auditioned & worked with best, most legendary choreographers like Jamaica Craft and Otheezy has been a huge honor for me. In 2019, I discovered I was suffering from a rare condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal. It wasn’t a lot of information provided about what this was exactly as it’s still not recognized by the FDA. I’ve had eczema my entire life and always treated it with prescribed steroids. I wanted to stop my steroid use but I had no clue what would follow. Much like a drug addict. I was actually addicted to steroids and began my healing journey from Topical Steroid Withdrawal(TSW).
My skin erupted, body levels depleted, I became immobile and severely ill and dance was totally out of the question; I decided to heal naturally and never get back on medication again. I slowly started documenting my withdrawal journey and found solace in an online community of TSW suffers like myself. This condition unfolded in my life unexpectedly and changed my entire lifestyle. I had no choice but to heal from the inside out and as we all know that takes time. As I became an advocate for Eczema and TSW awareness my journey on social media began. Followers, friends and family saw me go from this unstoppable girl who wouldn’t let up on her dream to it being diminished by an awful health crisis. Somehow I picked up the pieces and created a safe space online. I started working with brands like Aveeno, Josie Maran and the National Eczema Association as a creator and advocate for skin health and wellness. After three years of intense healing from TSW, I am finally beginning to feel the wind of motivation and proper energy levels to live out my dreams..again. Although I feel I was on the peak of my dance career life happened that in which I had no control over. All I can control is now. I deal with chronic pain and flares but I can say my skin has never been better. Dance brought me passion but Eczema has brought me purpose. My mission now Is to combine my passion of movement, my desire to promote the importance of mental health and healing and my purpose of raising awareness for chronic illness and its treatments, specifically Eczema. It’s 2022 and I’m just getting started!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not by any means. But there’s so much growth in the pain. Going through TSW is much more than withdrawing from a drug. It’s healing work. Mental blocks, self-doubt, depression, self-sabotage, inner child systems, gut-healing are at the forefront. It’s hard very, very hard work. On top of the physical pain and chronic setbacks, I wake up everyday fighting to move forward as my life continues to redefine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What do I do? I think the conversation now is what don’t I do? For the longest I put myself in a box of only being a dancer, tirelessly trying to prove to myself that I can make it. While I think it’s important to focus on your passion, it’s not always necessary to focus on just one. I’m an advocate, I’m a model, I’m a source of inspiration and creative agent. I’d say I’m most proud of my ability to keep it real in a world where so many are running from their truths. I’ve shot a national campaign for Women’s Champs Sports while being transparent about how I felt insecure on set about my scars and not having the “perfect skin.” I think my resilience is impeccable because no matter the burdens I face, I’m always able to turn it into a blessing. In 2022, everything is marketable and we should all leverage that!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for eight years now. When I started none of this existed. The resources, the space online to actually build and grow your own brand and identity. People don’t want to buy a product they want relatability. They want a connection and to know what’s the story behind whatever it is you’re doing and your WHY? I would advice to stay true to yourself and your journey! Your insecurities could actually be your window of opportunity! Learn as much as you can about any and everything you’re interested in and sees how you can cultivate your own voice and platform. Share your knowledge, honor your story — grow as a person first business owner second!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Itsjustchi
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/its_justchi?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4CIaQGE70WbQDBq6t1TVDQ
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdQW2Eaa/
