Today we’d like to introduce you to Illiett Ojeda.
Illiett, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hahha, today – why is today so important to acknowledge, well, because today is not like yesterday. And although that seems super obvious, it’s important to say that today is being brought to you by a different me. The story narrative is different because – life is different today. It changed in like less than 24 hours.
Please understand that although I am overjoyed by the idea of getting acknowledged by Voyage Magazine – at this time today, it means a greater deal than when I originally got the request. You know what they say, “during tough times, let the real you show up!” So today, when I tell you my story, I want you to know that I am filled with the utmost gratitude to be able to share a journey – a journey of me, BUT more of you in me. If there is anything you take away from this is that at, “wherever you are today, you can be somewhere different tomorrow” (*insert – positive thinking).
Hi, my name is Illiett Ojeda. Life today means I am the Creator of Chasinbalance (*my side hustle). Mastermind behind my life (*real life). Part-time Dreamer, wanna-be athlete, and self-proclaimed DIY Connoisseur. Professionally I am a Teacher, Planner, Creative thinker, and Motivational Speaker. I like to call myself a “Life Concierge.” I was chosen to be a Mother of two kids (Kash & Maui) and a Wife to my man of 13 years. My growth has taken me from a lost college Basketball player (you heard read right, 5ft’ nothing basketball player in the middle of Georgia) — to an eager teacher of children with disabilities — to a resilient student obtaining a Masters in Global Communications & Creative Art Direction — to real-time hospitality contributor to Corporate America.
As you can see from the extensive miles put in, the journey has been one of different speeds and terrains. I have run forward, sideways, backward, and even in place – but the big picture is that I am always moving – in some direction. Life has given me great opportunities – I say “great” now because I am alive and well, but perhaps those “opportunities” back then were defined by “why is this happening to me? What will I do? What am I supposed to do?” Looking back now, everything resolved itself, life continued, and God gave me a new set of lemons.
Creativity, passion, an energetic mentality, along with a strong go-getter spirit, have always been at the core of every graceful and non-graceful move (non-graceful is my jam*) I have ever made. From resigning as a teacher to pursuing a “creative” job in the fitness industry to walking in, out, and back in of a corporate job in the Travel industry in search for structure and a creative outlet that paid well, to getting walked out with the words, “you are just not good at your job” when you are certain you are. However, through all those walks, I was always gracious to let the force in me be greater than the force against me.
Fast forward to today, again, today not being the perfect example of where I have reached as I am probably mid-mountain about to change equipment because it’s getting a little cold and things are getting slippery, I am growing the term, that for years has lived in my heart, called Chasinbalance. It is my journey – the journey of you in me. It is the side hustle that has allowed me to be a creative. It has allowed me avenues to inspire directly or indirectly someone to lift heavier. It has allowed me to connect small and large groups of people in a room while pouring their lives on paper through magazine cut-outs. Chasinbalance has allowed me to think, create, and make things. And among just some of these things – it is simply the journey of reinvention. Although reinvention is a self-job in some perspectives, all my walks have been with a tug, a push, a hand, and even a carry of something and someone. Life cannot be done alone – whether the method is validation, a safety net, or encouragement, steps and leaps cannot be done alone.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I mean, really – is any road paved beautifully? And then throw in a little rebellion mom action from the driver and… you get a little off-road action, which is where I deliver and think best.
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but I will tell you this, some of my best performances have come from patchy commutes. And like everyone, struggles such as self-doubt and fear live in me – I haven’t gotten the job I wanted, I’ve lost the job I’ve loved, I’ve been forgotten, I’ve been replaced… I didn’t get that reply I was waiting for, I haven’t gotten support, I’ve lost, and I’ve failed.
I am certain I was not put on this earth for a graceful drive, but it is all about perspective. I am a storyteller and you know with every good story there are highs and lows but there is always a happy ending.
Chasinbalance – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My side hustle which will become my full-time hustle is my personal brand which is Illiett for Chasinbalance. It is a lifestyle — a journey, actually “the journey”. It’s the transitional period of redefining yourself to the next version of YOU. It is the resource that will help guide your unique path – regardless of your pace or direction. Here you will find the ambition to seek new adventures, rediscover new talents, and grow with intention. Within the platform and brand, you will find encouragement, growth and development of your mind and existence. Freedom to see yourself from new perspectives that allow your fears to take a back seat to your underlying purpose.
I have been developing Chasinbalance by being a living example. It houses all my projects, experiences, dreams, and thoughts. It has allowed me avenues to inspire directly or indirectly. Chasinbalance is a life concierge service. It has allowed me to create opportunities in fitness. It has given me the courage to stand in front of complete strangers and motivate and inspire their next steps in life. It has allowed me to be a florist, an artist, and even a storyteller through my writing. It has given me the wings to offer wellness and growth retreats. It has allowed me to have organizations trust me to lead their teams through business growth development. Chasinbalance strategizes, concepts, plans, and problem solve’s for brands. Chasinbalance is a service of all trades – “she’s a hustler baby… I just want you to know… ha” I specialize in helping you find yourself; I serve as a facilitator for resources to make life cooler and simpler. I can guide you through an impactful Vision Board session or help you do your first pull-up. If you are reinventing yourself, I am your parachute.
Chasinbalance can only be done by be – that is what makes it special. Although sometimes it feels like I am the same person I see on every social media reel, I channel back in and remind myself of my objectives, my motives, and my drive. This practice helps me stay authentic and provide a genuine approach to anything I do.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Age, like everything else, has provided me so much wisdom. Success, ten years ago, looked so different than what it looks like today. Honestly, success to me is very personal. It is also seasonal. I don’t measure success as a whole life thing – I measure it very closely with gratitude. To me, success is how fulfilled and happy I feel. I see much of success in emotional measures rather than tangible collections. I mean, I am a glass half full type of girl so the feeling of success is always peeking through.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Chasinbalance.com
- Phone: 786.333.5555
- Email: Chasinbalance@gmail.com
- Instagram: illiett
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illiett.ojeda
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
