Zelinda: Where are you from?
Ilonka: I was born in Chile, South America.
Zelinda: What did you want to be when you were a high school senior?
Ilonka: An artist. Painter.
Zelinda: What changed your mind?
Ilonka: Life. I also got a scholarship at a Design School in Santiago de Chile. So the next 5 years of my life, were dedicated to Fashion Design. Back then, everyone claimed not being surprised with this outcome.
Zelinda: How did you get started in your current field?
Ilonka: I remember drawing and making barbie's clothes since I was a little girl. As a teen, I made all my clothes because what I wanted was not sold at stores, and my style was unique and it came first. So I feel like I have always been and lived like a designer.
Zelinda: Biggest obstacle to overcome?
Ilonka: Living in a different country, with no family, speaking a different language on a daily basis can be very challenging, yet also rewarding and empowering.
Zelinda: How did you overcome obstacles?
Ilonka: Not giving up. Staying true to myself, which is not always the easiest choice in life. Choosing courage over fear. Not always easy. But the worst is in the past. And every little conquest, is mine to treasure.
Zelinda: If you were not doing what you are doing today, what profession would you do?
Ilonka: I would love to be in the mental health field. Psychiatry sounds just fascinating to me. I also would like to be a private spy, with an important, sexy and secret mission!
Zelinda: What and who inspires you?
Ilonka: I get my inspiration from the people I have met mainly in Austin. So many success stories, from business owners, entrepreneurs, men and women who go thru the worst that life has to offer, but they do get ahead no matter all obstacles. They turn into brilliant characters and very giving people.
Zelinda: Whats your escape and why?
Ilonka: I need to have and enjoy alone time. Connect with myself. Go on a trip. See good friends. Because that's how I renew and recharge, continually.
Zelinda: How would you inspire others? Words of wisdom?
Ilonka: First, follow your passion. Find what makes your brain stop and enjoy the moment of what you're doing. Then, be patient with yourself. Finding your passion, your answers, and your truth, might be a lifetime journey. Getting to know yourself is the best adventure to have in life. In my opinion, anyways.
Zelinda: How do you want to be remembered?
Ilonka: I want to be remembered as an artist and entrepreneur. Hopefully my legacy will be a strong inspiration for women seeking an independent lifestyle with an independent mind. I want to inspire women to live with courage and truth.
12.Question to a living or deceased person in history?
I would interview David Bowie. I would like to ask him: " what does it take to become a living ICON for so much people in our planet? "
He was a true artist in every way, he will always be an endless source of inspiration to me.