Life & Work with Chasity Hobbs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chasity Hobbs. 

Hi Chasity, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
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 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 to 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. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
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”. 

I got a letter from my college saying I wasn’t going to be accepted into the dental hygiene program. Then that same week my grandma unexpectedly passed away, and instead of comforting me, my boyfriend went out drinking with his buddies that night. It was the perfect mix that led to a feeding frenzy for panic attacks and depression. 

Six months into my new vet assistant job and I could hardly get out of bed each day. I loved the job itself, but the environment was so incredibly toxic and I was treated horribly. So, I quit with no backup plan and decided to make photography work. 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. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a commercial product photographer, social media coach, and travel influencer who aims to educate others about the magic of digital nomadicy! My goal is to help others turn their passions into a career and work from anywhere in the world (so long as there is Wi-Fi of course!) 

I want to help all aspiring creators escape the 9-5 grind to start their new career and make a living doing what they love. Together we can change influencer marketing and create a higher standard across the digital creator industry. I teach content creators and influencers how to recognize their true value when it comes to paid collaborations with brands and hotels. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are two people in my life who have always continued to believe in me, encourage me, and support me along this journey. I truly don’t know if I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for all of their support. 

My mom was the first person to ever encourage me to move out of my tiny little town. This played a major role in my life, I started going on hikes for the first time in my life, I started traveling, and falling in love with myself. Shortly after I moved across the country, I also met my now-husband. 

When we met, I was going to school for dental hygiene, my husband is the first and only person to ever ask me if I really wanted to clean people’s teeth for the rest of my life. He has encouraged me to chase my dreams from the very start and has helped me build my business to what it is today. He’s not only been the best life partner but an incredibly hard-working and driven business partner too. 

And of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my Instagram community. A huge thanks to every single person who has followed my journey and cheered me on! 

Contact Info:

• Email: throughthelyns@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.throughthelyns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/through.the.llyns/