Today we’d like to introduce you to Devy Pornel
Hi Devy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started with Kiko James, Daniel Orena, my son Devin, and myself. We started iLL Habits back in 2012 when we felt like our community in San Diego needed it the most. The goal was just to bring together young people and create an environment where they could feel community, creativity, and fun. I’ve always supported my son and his dance career and I thought it would be a great opportunity to be hands on and help guide the 3 of them through this process. I never thought that after 12 years ago we would still be going strong. We’ve grown so much these last few years and I’m proud of all of my kids that have become a part of the iLL Fam.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been the smoothest, but there are definitely no regrets! I think transitioning is the biggest struggle. In the beginning, it felt easier to navigate because my son was still directing and the team was made up of kids i have known for years. iLL Habits being a junior team makes it difficult because I see kids come and go. It’s hard when i build such a strong bond with them over the years and then they move on in the world and either stop dancing or join adult teams. Once my son fully took a step back from the team I had to create a team of directors around me that i trust, so that we could keep the team going. I’m proud to say that these kids Jared Mallari, Ysabelle Tolete, Francis Florendo, John Marcon, Divine Maharaj, Haley Galvante, and Jennine Manalo have stepped up into their director roles and has helped keep this legacy alive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My full time job is actually an Senior Controls engineer. I work for Pacific Rim Mechanical and iLL Habits is my hobby haha. I’m not young, so all of these extra hours I spend at their rehearsals are because I want to be there. It keeps me young and keeps me alive. I’ve been doing this for years and I just enjoy the process each time. Back in 2020 when covid hit it was so hard to keep the team going. Not being able to see each other and have rehearsals or connect in real live. It felt like the team was finally coming to an end, but then I talked to my son Devin about it. He told me that the kids needed me and the dance community needed me. He was trying to explain to me that this was bigger than myself. After a decade of doing this I was tired and ready to give this team up, but Devin told me if this team stopped, it would rob a lot of kids from finding a dance home. That idea of bringing people together and creating a family is what keeps me going til this day!
I am also proud to say that we have 4 teams now, iLL Habits, iLL Mommas, Mini Habits, and The BUiLLD. Yes we have 40 moms dancing together on a team!! Mini Habits which is a 12 and under junior team and The BUiLLD, our training team! Be on the look out for all 4 teams!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned to relax! I took time to be with my actual family, which was amazing. I think it also taught me to work hard and remain persistent about my goals and what I want to accomplish even at this age.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/illhabitssd, instagram.com/mini.habitssd/, and instagram.com/minihabitssd
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@ill.mommas
