Guillermo Alejandro Merlos-Class

The South Side of Chicago is a hub of movement, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. My parents ran Pilsen Gallery Antiques, where I spent countless afternoons immersed in a workshop of ideas. The shop was more than a business—it was a space of play, imagination, and hands-on work. Watching them restore vintage pieces taught me the value of craft and the freedom of creating your path.

That early exposure planted a seed. After high school, I attended Columbia College Chicago and earned my BA in Entrepreneurship. I didn’t have a set path, but I knew I wanted to build something of my own. During a marketing course, I designed the first logo for ILLUSORY—a name that felt like potential. I had no idea what it would grow into.

Then came 2020. Like many people, the pandemic gave me time to slow down and reflect. I began exploring magic, juggling, and live performance—not just as hobbies, but as powerful forms of connection. What started as spontaneous shows and local gigs turned into something more.

In 2022, ILLUSORY officially became an LLC. Today, it’s a platform where I share my love of performance, creativity, and joyful experiences. From street performances to private events, I use magic and entertainment to spark fun and wonder.

This work is deeply personal. It’s a blend of everything I’ve lived—my family’s hustle, my love of art, and the belief that joy is worth sharing.

If I can brighten someone’s day, even for a moment, It reminds me why I started and why I'll never stop.