We recently had the chance to connect with ILLY MUSE and have shared our conversation below.
ILLY, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Who I am learning from right now is my daughter. Remembering life as it once was for me; that level of innocence and freedom was unmatched. I get to relive that core joy through my daughter each day. She teaches me how to slow down and appreciate life in some doses -even more than I had before. I learn from her that my patience and creativity can be used in my womanhood journey as a new mom. It’s so liberating!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I go by ILLY MUSE. To artists in Chicago, I’m known as ILLY. Those who are foodies, in the city, might also know me by BUNGALOVII. And even small businesses and entrepreneurs might know me as @a.tribe.called.muse.
At my base I am a creator of vocal music. I am a trained classical singer/songwriter turned live R&B Alternative Soul artist. I performed on and off Broadway for years before realizing I wanted to share my vocal perspective in the form of my own musical selections.
It brought me great joy to then merge my ultimate loves: food and music -as it was such an instrumental part of my travel experience as a solo artist. “Where are we performing and what’s around to eat?” And with my particular food preferences being plant based, I found it tough on the road to find clean meals that could sustain me until the next show. So I began to share foods I enjoy to expose artists to the potential of clean eating while keeping your body at its prime for performance! What started as a mission to give back and pour into my community transformed my entire trajectory for my career! The ‘Eat & Greet’ concept was born!
This blend of: food, culture and connection has been a revolving theme in my brand and brand focus over the past 5 years! What’s unique about our Networking experiences at BUNGALOVII is that We cultivate intimate gatherings with local venue spaces appealing to likeminded individuals! We create activations for artists to share new work, break bread and explore creativity out loud!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
From years of platonic and romantic conversations I realize that what breaks the bonds between people is communication. What restores them? Communication.
Be it in the realm of business or personal- communication should be at the forefront of the dynamic.
In business, some lack communication and do not elevate because They are not effective at articulating the motivation behind their brand. Some may (over) share and (over) communicate; this is a breeding ground for scams and fraudulent behavior. Never over communicate on business without creating solid plans at a contract.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
My younger self should know how stellar i believe she is for overcoming such hurtles with such grace.
Like many, childhood shaped many of my experiences in my early adolescents. I never let it be my anchor though. It is apart of my story but not the end.
To My Younger self; “your compassion, consistency and motivation are what will get you rewarded in the future. Keep moving forward.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie that the industry sells are glamorized record deals or big name collaborations.
Going independent will always be golden! This is true especially if you have a moral compass and want full control of your image, marketing, and overall monetary exchanges. Big name collaborations work ONLY if contracts are aligned. Too often creators overwork themselves for big name collaborations with companies that can offer much more. Often times companies assume you don’t know your worth, so you have to not only know your worth, but add tax +inflation.
The time is now to make our own sh*t! Build the websites! Grow the food. Make the self investments. Buy back into the community you live in. Be the new system.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This has been an ongoing journey for me! Going at life with the greatest form of gratitude knowing that nothing is “owed” to me, so I must put in the work. This has kept me in check when I do a selfless act and might appreciate it being reciprocated but sometimes it isn’t. And I remind myself that that is okay. It is about my intention and integrity. It is about doing good even when no one is watching.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illymuse?igsh=aWp4MXp3dmY2eDJr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fg3UGeZDe/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@illymuse?si=d6qzYS2r4HKMpeqv
Image Credits
Fran Reina
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
