For Chi Ilochi, becoming a stylist was an act of self-expression. She found herself through the world of fashion and decided on “paying it forward” by introducing Styling by Chi.
Styling By Chi is a way for Chi to heal, empower, and inspire through the art of fashion and style.
An inspiration to emerging women in the fashion space, Chi shares about her journey in an exclusive interview with Exeleon Magazine.
What according to you makes one a transformational leader? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
One is a transformational leader when their being and overall person can inspire and help another attain all that life has to offer for them. I believe my commitment to help and inspire others in everything is how I integrate that thought process into my way of leadership.
Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader/entrepreneur that you can remember?
I believe I’ve always had a spirit of entrepreneurism. My earliest memory as an entrepreneur was making my own comic book and selling it for five dollars. Looking back on that memory, I realize now that I was sowing seeds for who I grew into today.
What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the fashion industry?
My interest in the fashion industry was prompted through self-expression. Fashion has always been the way I’ve expressed myself, subsequently I decided to make the decision to become a fashion stylist.
What was the idea that led to the formation of Styling By Chi? What is your vision through this company?
The idea that led to the formation of Styling By Chi was “paying it forward”. I realized the tremendous impact fashion had on my mental health and quality of life and I wanted to share that with others through fashion styling. My vision for my company is to heal, help, and inspire as many as I can through fashion and style.
What does a day in your life look like? How do you ensure work-life balance?
A day in the life for me looks pretty chaotic, some days I’m pulling for upcoming photoshoots, other days I’m responding to emails, and hopping on Zoom calls. I must say I’ve gotten better at ensuring work-life balance over the years, I do so by giving myself weekends off to hang with friends and family.
What has the journey been like for Chi Ilochi over the years? Looking back, what would you have done differently when starting out?
The journey for Chi Ilochi over the years has been beautiful, eye opening, and worth it. Looking back, I would’ve made sure to believe in myself a bit more when starting out. Life would’ve been a lot easier if I realized sooner that I deserved everything God gave me.
What are the challenges that you had to face during this journey?
I’ve faced many challenges along this journey of mine, but I’d say the biggest challenge was a few of my friends passing away before they could see my success. This challenge has been my hardest, and is one I struggle with to this day. What brings me peace and comfort is knowing that their spirit lives through mine in all I am and all I do.
What would be your advice for aspiring and young women leaders and entrepreneurs?
My advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs is to bet on yourself every time. You are already worthy as is. Your peers don’t define you or your success, you do.
Finally, what does the future look like for you and Styling By Chi?
The future for myself and Styling By Chi looks like healing; abundance, styling the BET // Grammy Awards, and helping those around me elevate as I do. For me, that’s what the future is all about.
