What happens when a 16-year-old stops waiting for permission and starts building the life she actually wants?

In this episode, host Maurice Philogene sits down with filmmaker, artist, and chess player Bianca Mitchell-Avila to unpack the mindset that transformed a small documentary idea into an internationally recognized project connected to names like Keanu Reeves, Carla Berkowitz, Michael Simkin & Zach Zamboni.

Bianca shares how she started reaching out to productions at 13, launched her own business as a teenager, faced criticism from peers, and ultimately created Mad Woman’s Game — a documentary highlighting women in the world of chess. More than a conversation about filmmaking, this episode explores identity, courage, creativity, and what becomes possible when you stop waiting to feel “ready.”

In this episode:

• ​Why movement beats perfection every time
• ​How to “create the space” for the life you want
• ​The mindset shift that changed Bianca’s future at 13
• ​Facing fear, rejection, and criticism head-on
• ​Building genuine relationships in creative industries

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to start — this conversation might be the sign you needed.

Connect with Bianca:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancamitchellavila/

IMDB: http://imdb.com/name/nm11039091/

Connect with Maurice

Try Life On Newsletter: https://www.trylifeon.com/blog?tag=newsletter

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.trylifeon.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricephilogene