Chasity Hobbs is a Content Creator Coach, Commercial Photographer, and Social Media Influencer who aims to educate others about the magic of digital nomadicy!
Since 2019 her goal has been to help others turn their passions into a career and work from anywhere in the world (so long as there is wifi of course!)
For more information find her on Instagram and visit her website here.
Here we sit down with Chasity, to learn a bit more about her journey as content creator coach.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Chasity: It wasn’t so much that I was “inspired” to become an entrepreneur but more that I had just had enough of working in such toxic jobs where I was treated horribly and could hardly get myself out of bed each day to go into work. So in the end I had to quit with no backup plan and take a leap of faith to make my passion of photography work. Unfortunately I feel like most people reach this kind of breaking point so my goal is to help people come to this realization before that actually happens.
Q. How did you get started?
Chasity: Back in high school, I used to have a little side business as a photographer. I absolutely loved every part about going out in the woods or by the river to take photos, and always dreamed of turning it into a career… But I never thought I’d be that good, and believed the harsh words of others that I could never make any real money if I was a photographer, “It’s a hobby, not a job”. So once high school ended, I sold all my gear to help pay for college.
It was around three years later that I had hit my lowest point. My life was a complete mess. It all started when I got a letter from my college saying I wasn’t going to be accepted into the dental hygiene program I had worked so hard for. Then that same week my grandma unexpectedly passed away, and instead of comforting me, my boyfriend went out drinking again with his buddies that night.
That was the breaking point for me and we ended up ending the relationship after that, but we still had three more months on our lease and I had nowhere else to go. It was the perfect mix that led to a feeding frenzy for panic attacks and depression.
Looking back, and I know this is going to sound crazy, that series of events was probably one of the best things that could have ever happened to me.
With nothing holding me back I decided to pack everything up and move in with my brother who was stationed across the country. Trust me when I say that this was not an easy decision. I had lived my whole life by the book and throwing away my plan for the future and moving into the unknown was beyond frightening. Growing up in the “Midwest” USA, that cookie-cutter lifestyle is instilled in society. Finish high school, go to college, get a degree, get married, buy a house, have kids, and that’s life. I had always dreamed of moving away from it all, but always thought it would be just that… a silly dream.
That decision led me to find my incredible husband, moving to Australia to be with him, and setting me on the path to where I am today. But it wasn’t that easy…
I remember my now-husband asking me one day, “do you really want to clean people’s teeth for the rest of your life?” Of course, the answer was “no”, but it pays the bills, right? I mean I would LOVE to have a career that allowed me to take photos and see the world, but who am I to have such an incredible life? I’m nothing special.
When we moved back to the USA from Australia, I got a job as a veterinary assistant. I had actually always thought about finishing school to become a vet tech so I was thrilled when I got this opportunity. I thought, okay THIS is my life path, this is what I’m meant to do.
But six months into that job and I could hardly get out of bed each day. I loved the job itself, but the environment was so incredibly toxic. I was treated horribly and they made me think that if I left, “well good luck ever finding another job like this one”. I couldn’t take it any longer. That job made me realize that I never wanted to work for anyone else ever again.
So, I quit, with no backup other than to try and make this Instagram photography thing work.
So that’s what I did. It wasn’t easy and there were a lot of times where we were afraid, we wouldn’t be able to afford next month’s rent. But over time I learned the ins and outs of this business. I learned how to create an influence over my audience, and showcase my value to brands. I binge-watched photography and editing videos and learned how to take incredible photos and edit them myself.
With only 4000 followers I was able to make enough money that my husband could quit his job so we could road trip across the country and travel through South East Asia. I remember standing beneath this huge 180 degree waterfall in Indonesia and thinking, “Wow, I’ve made it!” and that was the catalyst for me to start wanting to help others achieve their dreams.
I started helping others learn how to turn their passion into profit on Instagram, and slowly but surely over time, it grew into the successful business that it is today.
Which leads me here. The happiest I have ever been. Living out my dreams, traveling the world, and helping others turn their passions into careers. If only I could have told my younger self to listen to my gut earlier, to follow my dreams, and figure out a way to make it work.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Chasity: I never thought I’d be that good at photography, and believed the harsh words of others that I could never make any real money if I was a photographer, “It’s a hobby, not a job” they would tell me. I lost a lot of friends but I had to just keep going forward with what I felt in my heart was right.
When I first started with no backup plan it wasn’t easy and there were a lot of times where we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to afford the next month’s rent. I had to work many different small odd jobs to keep money coming in so that I could keep focusing on my business and in the end it was all worth it.
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
Chasity: It’s not so much a “memorable” thing because it’s still happening, but I feel so lucky that I get to help people quit their jobs and make money doing what they love! It’s amazing to see the transformation of my community and clients and I’m extremely proud and grateful to be a coach to so many amazing people.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Chasity: You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero. This book completely broke down my limiting beliefs surrounding money, and since reading that book my life has changed and money flows to me abundantly!
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Chasity: I want to normalize people turning their passions into a career so they can make a living doing what they love rather than continue being stuck in the 9-5 grind. Don’t chase your dreams, live them!
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Chasity: Be patient, be consistent, and don’t give up! In a world of instant gratification we forget that instant success isn’t a thing.
To keep up to date with Chasity and her journey, connect with her on Instagram.
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