Peterborough magician a testament to positive determination
Jason Chessar overcame personal challenges to become an award-winning inspirational speaker
Businessman, author and syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay once said a dream is just a dream; a goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.
It’s a concept that Jason Chessar not only believes in, but has lived in both his life and career as a world-travelled magician and inspirational speaker.
The Peterborough native, who will be roaming the Lindsay Exhibition grounds daily this year sharing his sleight-of-hand skills and positive messages, has had a lifelong love affair with magic.
Granted, the relationship did get off to a bit of a rocky start.
“My mom brought in a magician for my fifth birthday and I basically ran away and hid,” said Chessar who was born with a hearing impairment that resulted in difficulty speaking and social anxiety.
The magician, Michael Close, came up with the ingenious idea of asking Chessar to become his assistant.
Although intrigued, Chessar was still unsure and it took a second invitation before he decided to come out of hiding.
“That was the first time I had ever stood in front of other people,” said Chessar, noting, when his mother shares the story “there’s always tears in her eyes.”
Close returned for several more birthday parties until, when Chessar was 12, he took him on as an apprentice. By that point, Chessar had undergone numerous surgeries and countless hours of speech therapy, and had worked diligently to hone his magic skills.
Chessar paid his dues backstage for a few years before walking into the spotlight at the age of 17.
The rest, as they say, is history. “I did become an electrician to help pay the bills,” said Chessar who has performed all over the world.
He also does guest speaking, sharing his message of positive thinking and determination.
“All of that would never have been possible without magic,” said Chessar.
“Magic, to me, is what we think of ourselves and what we’re willing to do to get it.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, including being a Peterborough Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Award winner last year, Kin Canada National Award-winning speaker and top sales coach and consultant at the Blair Singer Training Academy, Chessar is also extremely active in his community, particularly when it comes to children, education and health.
He currently sits on the board of the Five Counties Children’s Foundation, co-chaired Peterborough’s Family Fun Day, helping raise funds for Jumpstart for Kids, co-chaired the Peterborough Chamber’s Young Professionals Group for three years, is a member of the Kawartha Shrine Club and has been a long-standing supporter of the Peterborough Relay for Life.