100 Malaysians, 100 Milestones – LSA100 this year spotlights celebrated social media personality Jenn Chia, fondly known as @soimjenn, who has had a whole year realigning herself and her life both personally and professionally. After joining Terrae and embracing pickle ball competitively, Jenn shares her drive to keep it real in 2024.
In an online world where curated feeds and polished images reign supreme, Jenn Chia stands out as a refreshing exception. Known for her infectious energy, candid humour, and unmistakable warmth, she has built a community around a rare and unfiltered authenticity. But beyond the cheerful persona that has captivated followers worldwide, Jenn is a complex, multidimensional creator who’s found power in embracing both her light and her shadows.
Jenn’s journey has been one of transformation, from a lifestyle defined by relentless hustle to one rooted in mindful balance. Five years ago, she was on a path many can relate to — driven to exhaustion, chasing a definition of success that came at a cost. A spontaneous Instagram workout challenge was the unlikely catalyst for a new outlook, one that inspired her to blend movement, joy, and wellness into her daily life. This personal shift led her to partner with Terrae, a sustainable activewear brand that champions inclusivity and realness, embodying the very ethos she lives by.
Yet, behind the sunlit posts and empowering messages lies a woman who has faced — and embraced — her own struggles. Jenn’s candour about navigating life’s inevitable lows has made her a source of comfort and inspiration for those who follow her. Whether she’s sharing the simple joys her cats bring or reflecting on the hard lessons of building a brand, Jenn keeps it real. Her message is clear: you don’t have to be perfect to make an impact; you just have to be yourself, wholeheartedly.
You joined Terrae as a partner back in January, a brand that creates sustainable activewear for real bodies, embracing both function and comfort. What was the personal journey that inspired you to join hands with a brand like Terrae, and how do you hope it empowers those who wear it?
Five years ago, my life looked very different. I was caught up in a cycle where success meant burning the candle at both ends, sacrificing sleep and my health just to keep up with the daily grind. Inevitably, I was constantly exhausted and falling sick.
Then, one day, I stumbled across a fun workout challenge on Instagram. On a whim, I decided to give it a shot. Spoiler alert: I didn’t exactly nail it, but something clicked. I realised exercise could actually be fun if I focused on enjoying the moment instead of obsessing over a six-pack or chasing some idealised ‘fit’ image.
From there, I slowly added activities like boxing, yoga, and skipping to my routine. Because I found joy in each movement, I was able to sustain a healthy, active lifestyle that worked for me. My stress levels dropped, I stopped getting sick so often, and I even started living in my activewear so I could move whenever I felt inspired. That’s why, when Terrae came into my life, the partnership just felt right. I wanted to help others discover the same joy and ease in movement.
Terrae isn’t just any activewear brand — it’s a reflection of heart and purpose. Azalea, the founder and my incredible partner, creates each piece with genuine passion. Her commitment to making sustainability truly sustainable deeply resonates with me. When you wear Terrae, it’s not just about looking good. It’s about feeling good, feeling aligned with your values, and having fun. Through Terrae, I hope to inspire others to embrace movement as a joyful, empowering part of life.
Sustainability is such an important aspect of Terrae. How do you balance your desire to create stylish, functional pieces with your commitment to sustainability, and what does it mean to you to be part of this movement?
For me, balancing style and sustainability is all about being conscious of our intent — no chasing trends here! My partner, Azalea, and I approach every piece we create with one goal in mind: making it last — a long, long time. We’re not just talking about sourcing eco-performance fabric which is like hunting for treasure, but also about crafting designs that stand the test of time.
It’s so rewarding to be part of this movement, knowing that we’re contributing to something bigger — fashion that respects our planet.
On social media, you radiate a bubbly and positive energy that people have come to love. How do you navigate showing this bright side while balancing the more personal, private challenges that might not always be visible online?
One day, I received a DM that read, “How do I stay positive like you all the time?” That message actually made me pause. It struck me that my social media presence might look like I’m this perpetual ray of sunshine, when, in reality, I have my own struggles, just like everyone else.
Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to open up about the tougher moments and share some vulnerability, not just the highs. It’s been freeing, and I know it has helped my followers see the real, human side of me beyond the bubbly energy.
But here’s my rule of thumb: I only share once I’ve worked through the hard stuff or at least have some emotional clarity. After all, no one wants to watch me spiral while polishing off a tub of ice cream on a live stream (or maybe they do?).
In the end, I post from the heart, and I share when I’m ready. That’s been my guiding compass.
Many of your followers see your infectious positivity, but behind the scenes, running a brand and maintaining a strong online presence must come with its own set of challenges. How do you stay grounded, and what practices keep you balanced amidst the hustle?
Honestly? My cats keep me sane! Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I just look at them lounging around, completely oblivious to any kind of stress. It’s a reminder that I need to stay focused and keep working hard… mainly so I can keep feeding these little sh*tbags!
All jokes aside, I’m beyond grateful for my manager and friend, Michelle, who keeps me in check. She’s the first to remind me to take a breather whenever things start piling up. And my husband, Jon, is amazing — he’ll make sure I eat properly, which is, you know, kind of essential.
The truth is, I’m not doing this alone. Over time, I’ve learned to set my ego aside and lean on my support network instead of trying to tackle everything solo. That trust and shared responsibility have been crucial in helping me stay balanced and grounded, no matter how busy things get.
Your collaborations with brands are always so thoughtfully crafted and produced. It’s clear that you pour a lot of effort into them, going far beyond just snapping a quick photo or posting a simple video. There’s always a deeper intention and creativity behind your work. What drives you to go that extra mile, and why is it so important for you to put that level of care into everything you create?
I think it’s my need for attention! But seriously, there was a time when recognition from others — like “Wow, you’re so creative! That’s such a great video!” — really fuelled me. However, in recent years, I’ve come to realise that what truly excites me is my love for ideas. I enjoy finding creative ways to share about brands I believe in. And when I manage to tie everything together, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater than the process of making the video itself.
I also genuinely believe that quality matters. When I invest time and effort into my work, it shows respect for both the brands I collaborate with and the audience I share it with. I want my followers to feel something — whether it’s laughter, inspiration, or a connection to the product.
I take pride in what I put out to the world because it reflects who I am and what I stand for. At the end of the day, I want to build something meaningful that resonates and transforms a simple post into a memorable experience.
As someone who’s built a brand and a following based on authenticity and positivity, what advice would you give to others who are looking to build their own businesses or personal brands while staying true to themselves?
Authenticity truly resonates — even through a screen. People can sense when you’re being genuine, and that connection is powerful. But staying authentic on social media is a double-edged sword. If you’re not careful, your ‘job’ can begin to define your entire identity — I’ve been down that road myself. There was a time when I lost sight of who I was outside of my work, and reclaiming that balance wasn’t easy.
So here’s my advice: Make it a habit to check in with yourself regularly. Revisit the reasons that inspired you to start this journey. Doing this will keep you grounded, helping you maintain a sense of self and boundaries amid the inevitable chaos.
