We had the good fortune of connecting with Dyan Bitan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dyan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from the Philippines and I moved to California when I was seven years old. I remember the journey to the US quite well, I threw up in the car because it was my first time riding in one. It was also my first time sleeping on an actual bed and using a shower. It was Christmas time and I had never experienced weather so cold before when I was in the Philippines.

My family are originally farmers and fishermen and I was the first one in my family to go to a college so naturally, I had to forge my own path without much guidance. In many ways, growing into adulthood felt like I was playing catch up in all aspects of my life, learning a completely new culture while trying to succeed in another. However, I don’t take my experience for granted, as I can see that it is a gift to have had such a contrasting upbringing.

Navigating through the cultural challenges lead me to realize a deeper understanding of my resilience which is something that lends to my profound growth an as individual. Sometimes, I can’t help to wonder if my ancestors would be proud if they could see my accomplishments and the places I’ve travelled.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started off with a deep love for technology. I learned how to build a computer on my own and I enjoyed coding so much I took on web development. It was 10 years into my career as a coder and making the most money anyone has ever seen in my family when I became depressed with bouts of anxiety. Suddenly, as if I almost didn’t have a choice, I turned to spirituality to heal myself.

I went to all the yoga classes I could, sometimes going 3 times a day. I explored different paths of yoga and experimented with different spiritual modalities that I resonated with. I travelled to Asia and to the depths of the Amazon jungle, essentially “getting lost to find myself.”

When I came back to California, I was a completely different person. I couldn’t go back to my life as a coder, even when I was faced with fears of letting go of the security of a steady paycheck. Something in my soul was telling me that I needed to create my own way and become who I was truly meant to be.

However, there were challenges. As I said previously, no one in my family had ever owned their own business before. They didn’t believe in me and I don’t blame them; I know where they came from and I’ve experienced the same fears myself.

That same resilience I used to learn a completely new culture on the go, I used to build my own business as a healer. I used my skills as a web developer to market myself online and reach prospective clients. And as much as it seems like being a web developer and a healer are two different things, I found that they’re actually very similar in terms of logic and the foundation of wanting to solve problems, so it wasn’t such a difficult transition.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have a bit of an adventurous spirit so I have many spots that I would take new people I meet. One of my favorite places in Orange County is the Ramakrishna monestary in Silverado Canyon. I love exploring the creeks in that area and abandoned copper mine. I’d take them to Joshua Tree and camp under the stars in the desert. Maybe we’ll go up to the base of the Redwoods in Sequioa National Forest. My favorite cities to eat are in Tustin or Costa Mesa for all the authentic international foods like Ramen and Thai Food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t even know where to begin because so many people and paths I’ve come across made such a big impact in my life. But if I could name a few inspirations that led me to my journey, it would be The Alchemist by Paul Coelho and the works of Rumi.

Website: iamtheportal.com

Instagram: iamtheportal

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