It’s pronounced “shell ” like a seashell,

If I got a penny for every time i’ve had to say this, I’d be a gazillionare! Chiiii-ell? shy-all? I’ve heard it all! I am Chiell Ann, My parent’s cleverly created a hybrid of their names + my grandfather and lovingly created, Chiell Ann (shell ann).

If you aren’t familiar with the Filipino culture, it is ‘the thing’ to do! tbh, I never really liked my name growing up, I dealt with 90% of the time being called something ridiculous and been given several nicknames.

Are you one of those special people with an ethnic and incredibly unusual name, too? Let’s be friends! I can totally relate.

Anyway, an old old boss empowered me to create a name for myself and it would be perfect for branding because it was such a unique name. I’ve learned to embrace my name and use it to my advantage…well, here I am in my early-30s pursuing my personal brand and continuing to build my company!

I am a Los Angeles native and currently live in Orange County. A UC Irvine (zot zot!!) alumni and worked my way up the corporate ladder until I was ready to break my glass ceiling, design my own life, and be my own boss.

Like most Filipino/Asian immigrant families, my parents wanted me to get into healthcare or medicine and find a stable job. Maybe it was the uniqueness of my name that always made me feel like could do something totally different and break this rule. I never really knew what I wanted to do, all I knew was that I was passionate about the arts, dancing, music, creativity and always open to learning new skills and make lots of money for things I never had.

Anyway, I began my career after college in sales & marketing, recruitment, then worked my way up to high level management, operations, and business development in the beauty industry.

All my career choices and movements have led me to this spectacular journey since the day a few years ago I’ve committed myself to this challenge, it has never stopped being boring! As all entrepreneurs say, the road to success is a rollercoaster! and how I enjoy rollercoasters.

What continues to keep me curious and amaze me is the growth potential, freedom, independence, and precious time I am able to prioritize for my family. December 2018 was the birth of my biggest blessing, the arrival of my first born.

My motivation, intentions, and core pillar of life to create a better world for her and our family is the root of it all. We are all blessed with a limited time on this earth and to be able to spend with the people you love and care for is priceless.

I started Chiellabrate over 2 years ago now, originally as an event planning company (now known as Love and Life Events) as a Wedding Planner & Designer and now simultaneously and continuing to build the Chiellabrate umbrella with all things that serve women, moms, moms to be, motherly figures and families in their journey.

I chose the name Chiellabrate as a reminder to celebrate milestones as we navigate through the hills and valleys of life.

It was also a #hashtag my husband made up for our engagement/wedding phrase. It all just made sense and I wanted to embody all things I am passionate about in this journey.

During this crazy time of the pandemic, I’ve found the time to really dig deep and find more clarity in my career, how to continue to grow my income during quarantine, and how I want to design my life in the long term. Time with family and the people who mean the most to me are at the very top of my priority list.

Ideally the dream is to create a lifestyle where I can still pursue my creative passions, serve the community, and help other moms and families also pursue their dream lives. The most challenging part is figuring out how balance being a working mom, but what keeps me going is the mantra “everything is figureoutable” (thanks Marie Forleo!)

I found that throughout the process of self love and finding clarity, journaling, and writing was so enjoyable and therapeutic, I figured ‘why not’ start a side gig blogging and share my thoughts and experiences with those who may enjoy following the journey. I am here to not only celebrate, but to share, inspire and navigate through this crazy journey as a working biz mama with you!

Here’s to this next chapter of the story, please follow, comment and subscribe! It’ll mean so much to me 🙂