“Just because there are already millions of stars in the sky doesn’t mean that you aren’t one of them, or that you can’t be. I always believe that there is something good in everyone; that each of us has a gift that makes us different and exceptional and if we haven’t realized that yet, we will as long as we look at every challenge as a learning opportunity, and every opportunity as a gift.” – Jackie
Jackie Diy is the host, producer, and co-founder of eveRIAthing TV, a program that focuses on inspiration, empowerment, and achievement. While running the show since 2014, Jackie launched the Everiathing School in 2019 where she conducts workshops on personality development, public speaking, and hosting, while guiding students in building their self-esteem. Jackie’s teachings are largely founded on developing potentials while maintaining respect and appreciation for others. In her desire to motivate and empower others on another scale, Jackie recently launched her latest online platform, The Real Diy, where she shares her experience and insights into pursuing fitness, happiness, and success through positivity. Jackie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and formal training in dance, public speaking, drama, and theatre arts.
What makes an opportunity exciting to you – in business or in life?
For me, the best reward is the happiness that stems out of a sense of fulfillment knowing that I have done something to inspire others to be the best that they can be, to give them hope in the dark. I’m thankful for the job I have but I‘m proud of the legacy that I have created, eveRIAthing. Through my show, I’m able to meet inspiring people, share their stories, and, together, inspire others and make a positive difference in our world. Nothing is ever the same on the show and this keeps me on my toes and forever excited.
What has been the greatest shift in your career or life and how did you navigate through it?
Before my family immigrated to Canada in 2001, I quickly worked my way up the corporate ladder after earning my bachelor’s degree from the most prestigious university in Manila, De La Salle University. While holding a very promising career as a business executive, I retired at 27 years old to take care of my 4-year-old daughter who, while recovering from viral encephalitis, was left blind for 6 months and partially immobile for the next few years. Since my husband and I were tied to a mortgage, we decided to sell our house. We used the proceeds to purchase land and build our home for a lesser mortgage so that I could be home with my girl. Like my siblings, I’m creative and artsy, so the house I designed captured the attention of passersby and we received several offers. My husband and I decided to sell the first house we built and rent instead. That was the start of my real estate construction enterprise. At 28, I became one of the youngest builders and developers, building 5 to 6 homes a year. From having a meager down payment to purchase our very own home in 1990, I built a multi-million high-finance business that gave me and my family opportunities I’d never have dreamed of and the gift of being able to support my crew of a hundred and their families, most of whom had been living in poverty. Through this, my husband was my rock. Then in 1997, right after my youngest, Ria, was born, the Asian economy collapsed and we watched countries in the continent, including Japan and South Korea, plummet. Mortgage rates rose from 19% to 42% and no one wanted to buy a home. At the peak of the crisis, I liquidated all projects, pawned all of my jewelry so I could continue paying the wages of my staff. I settled all my debt and fulfilled all commitments. Despite that crushing blow, I never lost faith in God. When asked why I was not bitter, I said “Why should I be angry? God gave me so much that He had to take some back and that is fair. I’m happy that my family experienced the best in life without losing ourselves.” We stayed hopeful and grateful as we set our hopes into a new future: Canada.
What has been your favorite experience you love to share?
I am a trained dancer, stage actress, and public speaker. I am tenacious and have always been determined that even at 8 years old, my mom told me that I went on a hunger strike for 3 days until she enrolled me in a formal dance school for ballet, jazz, and Hawaiian. From there, dance, acting, music, and the arts have become a part of me!
What are you up to right now that people should know about?
Currently, I’m the producer and host of eveRIAthing TV and directress and coach of Everiathing School. EveRIAthing is all about inspiration. Through the show, we continue to share stories that provide us with hope, light, and entertainment and, through our mission, we strengthen values around respect, self-esteem, appreciation for others, kindness, and gratitude. You can know more about us on www.everiathing.com and find us on social media via our handle @everiathing.
I’ve just launched the motivational platform, The Real Diy, on YouTube. In line with our core values, I use this program to motivate others as we pursue health, fitness, passion, and happiness. This is also a result of my new-found love for fitness and health which our family started together to help my Ria recover from her depression in 2017. Through the dance/workout/Zumba routines that I put together, arts and decorating, and messages that I share, I hope to inspire others to stay physically and mentally healthy, find their purpose, stay happy and never lose track of their dreams. The Real Diy is on Instagram and YouTube
Through The Real Diy, I also hope to share awareness of mental health and encephalitis and how we can all cope with a disability or illness and succeed in life. My ultimate dream is to become a motivational speaker on a wider scale, to share my story and inspire others to never give up and to stay strong especially when caught in the eye of the storm!
You can also find me on LinkedIn!
