From Corporate Finance To Creative Freedom: The Journey Of Chantal Brocca

by Barbara Yakimchuk

From Corporate Finance To Creative Freedom: The Journey Of Chantal Brocca

9 Dec 2024

Chantal Brocca once had a career in corporate finance, but one day, she decided to completely change her path. Now a young artist, public speaker, and activist, she first gained recognition for her advocacy in the sustainable fashion movement. Today, Chantal works as a freelance creator through her own creative agency and is a passionate supporter of the independent creators' movement. In this interview, she opens up about her journey, the beliefs that inspire her work, and the meaningful messages she strives to share.

— It is amazing how many spheres you cover — artist, photographer, stylist, activist, and so much more. How would you define yourself in a few words?

— In a few words, I would say I am a multidisciplinary artist, consciousness researcher, and activist. Everything I do is interconnected —art, research, and spirituality all weave into one core essence.

— How did your journey begin?

— I started in corporate finance, but I felt frozen, trapped by societal expectations. I hit rock bottom and thought, "If this is life, then take me out". Losing everything was the turning point — it freed me. That is when I began creating: writing, styling, directing, and organising events. I also became a sustainable fashion activist. That shift opened my eyes to the dysfunctions of the world and ignited a fire within me to make a change.

It started as an explosion of pure emotion. Art became my way to break free from the chains of societal conditioning. I needed to reclaim my intuition and reconnect with my inner voice after years of suppression. Whether through art, research, or activism, my mission has always been to uncover the truth. I am not interested in the curated narratives we are given — I am driven to understand the real forces shaping our world.

— And speaking of consciousness research — how did it all start?

— My journey began quite intuitively. At first, I followed my gut without fully understanding why. Looking back, I see it as part of the process of gnosis — gathering knowledge and awakening the civilisation within us. We all carry an incredible wealth of information buried deep in our subconscious, and sometimes we act on intuition without knowing exactly what’s guiding us.

For years, I was caught up in a system I believed I had to follow — corporate finance, economics, and management. I thought this was the proper route to success, or at least the version of success society had laid out. But over time, I realised that what I thought was my path was not fulfilling at all. I had to break free from the mental chains that were keeping me stuck and start exploring what truly mattered to me.

I have spent years travelling the world, visiting ancient sites, meeting people with alternative perspectives, and piecing together a deeper understanding of both the material and immaterial worlds. It started as a calling, and I simply followed it. As I travelled and connected with people — engineers, archaeologists, scientists, and leaders of self-sustaining communities — I began to see how their work intersected with my research. The spiritual and esoteric aspects were one part of the story, but I craved a more complete understanding. I delved into various scientific disciplines, trying to connect the dots between ancient symbols, scientific discoveries, mythologies, and my own personal experiences.

Instagram: @chantalbrocca

— For a long time, you were (and I believe still are) a stylist and a sustainable fashion activist. How did your journey in fashion begin?

— I actually started with writing. That process made me more aware of the world around me, and it was not long before I found myself drawn to fashion.

Theatre, performance, and fashion all fascinated me. But when I looked closer, I was horrified by what I discovered. The industry was built on a facade — supply chains shrouded in secrecy, exploitation, and overproduction on a massive scale. I knew I had to be part of changing that narrative. Then I reached out to Elox, the world’s first sustainable luxury magazine, and began working with them to expose the reality behind the glossy facade. I explored supply chains, production processes, and brand histories to uncover the truth and shed light on the darker side of the industry.

— How did you get involved with sustainable fashion activism?

— It started when I realised no one seemed to care — or talk — about these issues. I knew it wasn’t enough to just write about it. I began reaching out and found Fashion Revolution, the world’s largest NGO for sustainable fashion activism. They were already doing amazing work globally, so I decided to get involved.

Through their UAE ambassador, I started connecting with like-minded people. Together, we launched the first sustainable fashion events in the UAE, sparking conversations and encouraging others to rethink their relationship with fashion.

Instagram: @chantalbrocca

— What were the key ideas you were trying to share?

— Fashion, at its core, is a system designed to create artificial needs. It is not about taste or quality anymore — it is about driving consumption. This relentless cycle fuels waste and damages how we perceive value, worth, and even identity.

At fashion parties, I would sometimes wear something random — like a kitchen rag draped creatively — and people would marvel at it, asking, “What is this?” I would tell them, “It is a kitchen rag.” The idea was to challenge their perceptions and show that true art and creativity are not tied to price tags or labels. Mass-producing, copying, and regurgitating is not creativity. You are not an artist, you are a merchandiser.

— But you were still working with fashion brands? What rules of sustainable fashion did you follow?

— I stick to a few simple rules — buy less, support ethical brands, and choose timeless pieces over trendy ones. I want to inspire others to think critically about their consumption habits.

So, if I delve into it — I started styling with vintage pieces, visiting markets in Paris where I found incredible treasures — jackets from the 60s, dresses from the 80s, and items from the 120s to the 40s. These pieces had more value than today’s mass-produced fashion. By working with second-hand items and avoiding the cycle of new production, I could still create the looks I wanted.

Alongside vintage styling, I also supported small, emerging sustainable brands. For me, it wasn’t just about working with things I loved; it was about redefining what has real value in the fashion industry.

Instagram: @chantalbrocca

— How do you balance commercial work with spreading a deeper message?

— I will tell you an example — I worked with a lab-grown diamond brand on an art film at Milan Fashion Week, which was a unique opportunity. While I am not particularly bothered by fashion weeks, they do offer legitimacy and visibility, which are important when you are trying to share a meaningful message.

For this project, I chose a 1700s villa just outside Milan, with a garden rich in esoteric symbolism. The symbolism I used was meant to represent the journey of inner transformation, the alchemical process of the soul, and the idea that the true treasure — the 'diamond' — is found within ourselves.

Even though the brand wanted to promote their diamonds, I made sure the message was clear: we are the ones who are the diamonds. The idea behind my work is that we do not need external diamonds or shiny objects to feel fulfilled. It is about finding happiness and contentment within, not seeking it from outside. And I am truly happy when my clients resonate with this and are spiritually aligned with the message.

— Now you are working as an independent creative agency — styling photoshoots, coming up with creative concepts? How has your approach evolved in terms of finding the right clients?

— I have learned that it is important to work with people who align with my view of the world. I have tried working with others before who did not share the same values, and it created conflict. I have had to refine my process, figuring out how to stay true to my truth, my unique vision, and what I find beautiful. Working with people who do not understand this can pollute the creation, and I realised that I cannot just take any client who wants to sell a product without understanding the message behind it.

I know many independent creators who start their careers with passion but end up hating their jobs after a few years. They become jaded, drained of energy, and lose their inspiration. They start copying instead of creating. This happens when they go against their values, when they lose sight of their creative truth. An artist has to stay true to their vision — if they stray from that, they lose their ability to make genuine aesthetic decisions. It is a nightmare for an artist, and the result is creating copycat work that lacks originality.

Instagram: @chantalbrocca

— How do you feel about formal education in your field?

— I did not follow a traditional path with formal training. Instead, I trusted my intuition and did things the way I thought was best. I learned by trial and error, and I believe this is one of the best ways to learn. Making mistakes and moving forward is part of the process, and it is exciting because you are always growing and discovering new things.

— I know you are often taking part in podcasts and panel discussions. How did it all begin?

— My journey into organising talks started around seven or ten years ago. My very first panel was focused on sustainable fashion, and it was a collaboration with a friend. We hosted it at Ashley Studios, one of the first creative collectives in the UAE at the time. We focused on anti-fashion, and I brought together designers and some of the biggest names in ethical sustainability, including an activist who helped curate the curriculum for DD, the design university in the Fashion Design District. The goal was to have a real conversation with the audience about what was happening in the industry, what needed to change, and what could be done about it.

— How did the environment change as more discussions started happening in Dubai?

— Here, in Dubai, once something takes off, it tends to snowball, and suddenly everyone was doing panel discussions. It was amazing because it showed that people were ready to talk, ready to open up about the things that needed attention. It became a culture of conversation, and that is when things started to shift.

— You have recently launched “Guild of Creators”. What role does it have?

— It is a platform where I connect with independent creators; a space where we can discuss the way the world is functioning and how creators can navigate the changing landscape. Through the Guild, I can share insights on how industries work, how we can make informed choices, and how to live a life aligned with our values. It is about empowering creators to understand the systems they are working within and making choices that benefit both themselves and society.

It is still in its early stages, but I am building it bit by bit. It is all about connecting with like-minded individuals to keep pushing the message forward.

— What pushes you to support independent creators?

— I really enjoy engaging with independent creators because they are part of a global movement. We are seeing more and more people turning to freelance work, so it is essential to support them by discussing how they can achieve freedom, balance, and fulfilment. My talks focus on showing them the bigger picture — understanding the systems they are working within, making informed choices, and navigating the complexities of this new world. It is not just about doing what you love; it is about doing it in a way that is sustainable and meaningful.

Instagram: @chantalbrocca

— I know you also took part in the “Everything Has Changed” podcast filmed in Cairo. Tell me more about it.

— Womena, a production company based in Cairo with branches across the Middle East, reached out to me for a trilogy series called Everything Has Changed. I was involved in the second episode, which focused on the shift towards independent creators and the global phenomenon of self-sufficient communities. At first, it was challenging to convince them of the importance of this topic, but eventually, we collaborated to highlight this shift. It was a great experience, and it underscored how independent creators are reshaping the way we live, work, and collaborate.

— What was the main message you wanted to convey in this episode?

— The main message was to emphasise the rise of independence and how we are stepping into our power through intense collaboration. Independent creators and freelancers are no longer working in isolation; they are connecting, sharing spaces, and building united communities.

This project ties into my broader mission of highlighting the power of independent creators and offering them a platform to thrive. By working with Womena, I could bring attention to the importance of this shift and show people that there are alternative routes for living, creating, and working.

— You mentioned the project was filmed in Cairo. How does the location play a role in the story you are telling?

— Yes, Cairo was chosen as the location for the filming, which initially felt like an unusual choice since the topic is global. But I was open to it, and it ended up being the perfect backdrop. Cairo represents the crossroads of ancient traditions and modern innovation, making it a powerful symbol of the shift we are witnessing globally. The city's energy and history serve as a reminder that we are all part of the same human civilisation, connected by our shared experiences and artistic expressions.

by Barbara Yakimchuk