We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liseli Thiele a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Liseli, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is the creation and management of the 3EB Lifestyle blog dedicated to Third Eye Blind, the rock band. The story behind this project is very personal and holds great significance to me. Back in 1999, when I was just 23, I went through a difficult period after losing my husband. During those dark days, the music of Third Eye Blind became a source of comfort and hope for me. Fast forward 18 years to 2016, and their melodies and lyrics still hold a special place in my heart. I couldn’t help but wonder why their music had such a powerful impact on my life. This led me on a journey of self-discovery, trying to understand what made their songs so meaningful to me. In a moment of inspiration, I had the idea to create a space where fans like me could come together and share their stories.
I encouraged others to contribute to the blog. They submitted articles and created works of art that reflected on the impact of the band’s songs in their lives themed The Soundtrack To Our Life.. Each submission became a reflection of how the music served as an emotional backdrop to their daily struggles and triumphs. It was incredible to see how the band’s music resonated with so many and brought us all together in a shared experience of healing and growth.
Fans from all over the world poured their hearts out, sharing stories of resilience, hope, and healing on how they adapted the lyrics as part of their lifestyle . It became a way for me to process my own grief and find healing. Sharing my own story was therapy, and knowing that I wasn’t alone in finding strength through the band’s music was truly comforting. I realized how the lyrics connected people on a universal level.
Now, I have a section on my own site where I embrace the four years of running this editorial blog. I’ve started writing again, focusing on each song in the music catalog. With every article, I give each song a unique title, naming it as an episode for the series I hope to produce one day. It’s a creative endeavor, aiming to bring the essence of the band’s music to life through visual storytelling.
It is a labor of love—a way to express my deepest connection to the music and how it has helped me navigate life’s challenges. It’s not just about the lyrics; it’s about the emotions they evoke and the universality of the band’s messages. As I continue this creative pursuit, I discover more answers to life by delving into each song’s story, uncovering the layers of meaning and memories they hold for me. In the end, 3eb Lifestyle was more than just a blog; it’s a personal journey of expression and exploration.
Of course, there is more to the story. You can read about the supernatural occurrences that took place and how it all unfolded
Liseli, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in New York, and my family is from Colombia. In 1996, I went to San Francisco to study Film. In 1999, I moved to Los Angeles following my husband’s passing, along with my 6-year-old son, who is now 30 years old. After a year, I returned to New York, and 8 years later, I started Cruz-Thiele Productions, which brought me back to Los Angeles. Once I got there, I linked up with old college friends and started Fountain of Youth Entertainment, moving to Marina Del Rey. In 2009, I soon encountered the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, surrounded by individuals willing to compromise their integrity for personal gain, which left me feeling empty and alone. I had been working with one of the biggest names in Hollywood, as a personal assistant, and it turned out to be a complete nightmare. But that story is for another time.
Thinking this was the golden ticket, I lost myself and also my health. During this challenging time, I discovered an unexpected outlet in reupholstering old chairs. Transforming them into artsy “thrones” became my escape and a way to reconnect with my creativity.
Then, on the verge of a meltdown the night before a surgery where I would find out if I had cancer, my best friend paid me a visit. My tiny bachelor apartment was filled with ten chairs I had scored off Craigslist, making it quite comical as there was hardly any room to move. Amidst my fear and anxiety about my health, Cher said, ‘Liseli, come on, own your throne.’ This simple statement shifted my perspective, and I realized these chairs symbolized empowerment and self-expression.
Thankfully, the surgery turned out to be something else, not cancer. Afterward, I pondered how to turn these upcycled chairs into an online business, but I faced a financial hurdle and struggled to fully articulate my idea at the time. Web designers quoted exorbitant prices, leaving me feeling disheartened. In desperate need of a break, I moved in with my family in Miami to recover from severe burnout.
Eventually, I recognized that creating a website wouldn’t happen on its own, so I took matters into my own hands. I dedicated countless hours and sleepless nights to learn web designing using Wix templates, dismantling and understanding the intricacies behind it all. The process was challenging, and I’m sure at that time, everyone wondered why their internet was slow due to my relentless efforts.
In 2013, with zero money but a clear vision, I returned to Los Angeles. I began sharing my knowledge with talented photographers who needed help in building their online presence. The result was the birth of Own The Throne Management, Talent, Music, Social Media, and more—an ambitious vision that continued to grow exponentially.
My mission became clear—I wanted to empower others not to abandon their dreams just because someone else held the reins. I didn’t want others to go through the same painful experience of having to reinvent themselves because someone undervalued their worth.
My dream of becoming a successful film producer was shattered multiple times, first by my husband’s death, then in Los Angeles, and again devastatingly later on. I made it my purpose to challenge the belief that ‘it’s who you know’ and replaced it with ‘it’s who you are.’ As it stands today, Own The Throne represents the journey of embracing creativity, empowerment, and authenticity. I’m driven by a deep desire to help others claim their rightful place in the world and hold the power to shape their lives and dreams without compromise.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
In my creative journey, what propels me forward is a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering desire to pursue my dreams. I firmly believe that it is my birthright to unleash my talents and achieve my aspirations. Though at times, I may question my true identity, at the core, I know that I am destined for something meaningful—a unique role and mission in life.
Throughout this journey, I encounter challenges that may cast doubts, such as not having the right connections or sufficient funds to move forward. However, I refuse to succumb to societal pressures that could hinder my path to realizing my full potential. Instead of settling for mediocrity, I wholeheartedly embrace challenging endeavors, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey towards remarkable success.
I am well aware that living in the shadows, where neither success nor failure is fully experienced, would leave me feeling dissatisfied and disconnected from life’s true essence. Like any other human being, I have yearned for visibility, recognition, and appreciation, but my priorities have evolved. Now, I focus on what feels genuinely good to me and how I can be a valuable person to my community, this world, and the people around me.
I choose to pursue endeavors that align with my unique gifts and passions, seeking contentment and genuine happiness in my pursuits. Each day, I remind myself that I possess the authority to shape my existence, and giving up is simply not an option. This unwavering determination has taken me to moments where some days, I may not know how I will pay bills or even where the next meal will come from. Yet, somehow, I navigate through, preserving my morals and values, without compromising my integrity.
My steadfast commitment to my journey and belief in my abilities carry me forward. I have learned to adapt and thrive, finding innovative solutions to life’s challenges. The pursuit of my dreams has been a profound transformation, and I’ve come to appreciate that the journey is just as fulfilling as the destination. I embrace uncertainty with open arms, understanding that it holds the potential to lead me to new heights and unforeseen opportunities.
Through these experiences, I have grown, evolved, and developed a strong sense of self-worth. I find fulfillment in staying true to my values and remaining authentic to who I am. Continuous learning and evolution are the cornerstones of my growth as I navigate this ever-changing world. As I continue on this path, my commitment to myself, my dreams, and my unique contribution to the world remains unwavering. I am determined to make a positive impact and leave a meaningful legacy that inspires others to fearlessly and unapologetically follow their own paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: ownthethronenow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownthethronenow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownthethronemanagement/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/own-the-throne/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OwnTheThroneEnt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownthethronemovement
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/own-the-throne-denver
- Other: 3ebLifestyle instagram: www.instagram.com/3eblifestyle For my series: www.instagram.com/ottmovement