Fashion stylist, lifestyle and beauty blogger, digital influencer, founder of The Chriselle Factor, wife and young mother: to say Chriselle Lim skillfully wears multiple hats is an understatement. Chriselle quit her salaried job as a wardrobe stylist to pursue her lifestyle blog full-time -- something many viewed as risky. But whether it’s a new career venture or a sartorial trend, Chriselle is not one to shy away from a challenge. By taking things slow and with a thoughtful approach, Chriselle was able to achieve personal and entrepreneurial greatness.
First off, can you give us a look into career turning points and how you got to where you are today?
Chriselle Lim: The biggest turning point in my business was when I decided to invest the money I earned back into my business. I started by hiring people to help me with my content and then I got an office space for my small team to work out of. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to afford an office that early on in my career, but taking that leap of faith and making that commitment was almost like telling the world, “I’m here and I’m here to stay.” From that point on, things just started to happen. I was able to dream up things with my small team and the synergy and excitement that came out of that tiny office was absolutely contagious. We slowly started to grow our team and we kept outgrowing our office space until we got to where we are now.
What is the biggest lesson you learned throughout your career (so far) and how did you learn it?
CL: The WHY has to be bigger than the WHAT. Why are you doing this business? Sure, we all have to make a living, but you have to have a purpose that goes beyond the surface. There will be many tough days: when things don’t go your way, when you will get negative feedback, or when you want to give up. But if you have a sense of purpose, then you will endure.
You seamlessly juggle being a #Girlboss and mother of two (+Mignon). What does balance mean to you and how do you practice it?
CL: Once you become a mom you realize “balance” barely exists. I do my best every day to give my all to both my family and my work. I can’t take all the credit though. As the cliché goes, behind every strong woman is a tribe who supports her! I’m lucky enough to have two tribes. My personal tribe includes my husband, grandparents, babysitters, and whoever gives extra support at home. My other tribe is my work tribe. They are the hardest working group of women and slay it every single day. I can always count on them. It’s important to have a tribe that you can count on...that is my secret to success.
The Chriselle Lim Collection’s slogan is “For the girl on the go & on the move.” How do you prioritize health and wellness with your busy lifestyle and travel schedule?
CL: The Chriselle Lim Collection is a lifestyle brand for the girl who wants to do it all and to look -- and feel -- good while doing it. Health and wellness are a huge part of my life. I’m aware that if I’m not feeling my best physically and mentally it will not only affect me, but also the people around me. From my team to my family and kids, I have so many people relying on me so I need to put my health first! After a good workout, I feel the most energized and inspired -- so I try to get a good sweat in at least 2-3 times a week. I also go see a therapist to help me mentally. I always have a million thoughts going on in my head and I internalize a lot. Therapy clears my head and gives me more space to focus on the important things in life or tasks at hand.
Trends come and go. What is the one (or some) health, wellness or food “trend” you believe will never go out of fashion?
CL: Matcha green tea! I’ve been drinking this for so long for its health benefits (and it doesn’t hurt it’s delicious). I love that gr8nola has a matcha flavor! It’s one of my favorites!
What does Chriselle Lim eat in a day?
CL: I start off the day with a glass of water and a slice of lemon. I will then usually eat a whole avocado and add a tiny bit of seasoning to it. Whether it’s a Gr8nola mini bag or some fruit, I then enjoy a midday snack. For lunch, I usually have a salad with some sort of protein, such as chicken or fish. Finally, for dinner I eat whatever my husband is making! He’s really into Shabby Shani which is so tasty and healthy! It’s essentially boiled veggies and fish.
In terms of self-care, what’s are some rituals/products/hacks you SWEAR BY that can instantly add value to all our lives?
CL: The minute I wake up, I keep my eyes closed and think of 3-5 things I’m grateful for. I always like to start the day with gratitude. I also listen to podcasts instead of music on my commute. I love listening to the Accidental Creative and How I Built This -- it’s always so inspiring to hear other people’s stories on how they’ve fulfilled their dreams. I’m always trying to learn and grow from other people.
What’s your number one tip for anyone who wants to achieve gr8ness in their lives?
CL: Learn from others! Whether it’s connecting with people within your community, reaching out to people you admire, or simply learning from books and podcasts, it’s important to seek opportunities to learn. In my opinion, if you are continuously growing and learning, you are achieving gr8ness.
Just for fun: You're stuck on an island and can only take three food items with you. What would they be?
CL: Sriracha sauce (I love anything spicy), a bag of charcoal or matcha gr8nola, and avocado.
What’s your favorite way to eat gr8nola?
CL: Definitely NOT with sriracha sauce! I love to snack on gr8nola as it is while I’m traveling and on the go -- which is often. My daughter Chloe though LOVES eating it with milk as a cereal!
