Guillermo Alejandro Merlos-Class
Play is Essential
"Illusory is an outlet I created to share what I enjoy with others. I aim to foster a sense of fun and wonder through live entertainment, allowing people to be comfortably vulnerable and indulge in happiness."
My Story
Growing up in Chicago made me an observer of the world around me. I moved a lot, staying mostly on the south side where I grew up around creative entrepreneurial minds. After school, my parents would pick me up and take me to their shop, Pilsen Gallery Antiques. The shop always looked like a space of play. I'd watch my parents work and would often assist where I could. The skills required to restore antiquities fascinated me. I quickly realized the value of working with your hands and the freedom of working for yourself.
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After high school, I went on to attend Columbia College Chicago. I had no idea what my path was going to be; I only knew that I, at some point, wanted to follow my family’s entrepreneurial spirit. During one of my marketing courses, I created the logo for ILLUSORY on a whim hoping its creation would be of value. It wasn't until after graduation that I figured out what ILLUSORY would become. In 2018, I graduated with a BA in entrepreneurship beginning my journey of discovery and my journey of magic.
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During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many facets of my life shifted. With an increased amount of free time, I spent the next 3 years investing in myself and my hobbies. From magic to juggling and overall entertainment, I had found something that gave me a light during a dark time. In 2022, I officially made ILLUSORY an LLC but before that, I was performing wherever I could. From nights out in Chicago, to paid gigs, this became something beyond a hobby. ILLUSORY is the creation of something that is very much me and I honestly can't see myself doing anything else. People's happiness makes me happy so if I can provide even just a little bit of radiance to other people's lives I will.
