Cecilia Caparas Apelin, co-founder of Ciel Creative Space - Northern California's largest soundstage, shares her journey of turning a creative vision into reality. She discusses transforming a 55,000-square-foot former print manufacturing building into a vibrant creative hub, while navigating the challenges of being a woman leader in a male-dominated industry. The conversation takes an emotional turn as she reveals how her business partner Alexey's tragic accident became a pivotal moment in her leadership journey, forcing her to take on construction management while staying true to their shared vision. Cecilia's story exemplifies resilience, creative entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating spaces that disarm ego and foster authentic community.

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In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur Mike Liwang shares his remarkable journey from starting as a security guard at Logitech to becoming a successful brand owner and event producer. Mike discusses how he transformed his basketball team name "Savs" into a thriving streetwear brand, and later created the massively successful "Everybody Eats" festival that combines fashion, food, and music. Through his story, Mike emphasizes the importance of embracing both success and failure, maintaining strong family support, and creating positive energy in entrepreneurship. He particularly highlights how his wife's stable job enabled his entrepreneurial leap, the value of building genuine relationships, and his philosophy of helping others succeed while staying true to oneself.

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We sit down with Alex Retodo, the visionary behind The Lumpia Company, who shares his remarkable journey from club promoter to successful food entrepreneur. Alex reveals how he transformed the beloved Filipino spring roll into a innovative culinary brand, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. From borrowing money to transport frozen lumpia on a Megabus, to securing a coveted spot at San Francisco Giants games, Alex's story is a testament to perseverance and creativity in the food industry. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to cultural roots, the importance of storytelling in building a brand, and offers valuable advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Alex's passion for sharing Filipino culture through food shines throughout the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of food, culture, and entrepreneurship.

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In this engaging episode, we sit down with Aaron G and Chef Dean, the innovative minds behind Birdhaus Beer Garden and Lone Crow. These two entrepreneurs share their journey of building a successful food and beer business in Union City, California, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. They discuss how they leveraged community support, culinary creativity, and adaptability to not only survive but thrive. From Aaron's passion for craft beer to Chef Dean's unique "island-inspired cuisine," the duo reveals how they've created a space that goes beyond just serving food and drinks. They delve into their experiences hosting pop-up markets, supporting local artisans, and fostering a sense of community. The conversation also touches on their differing management styles, the importance of trust in business partnerships, and valuable advice for aspiring restaurateurs. Throughout the episode, their commitment to quality, innovation, and community shines through, offering listeners an inspiring look at modern entrepreneurship in the food and beverage industry.

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A 25-year veteran of video game licensing, business development, marketing and esports, John now dedicates his expertise and passion to helping companies succeed in the gaming business. After falling in love with video games on his first visit to an arcade at age five, John got his start in the industry at Sega, before moving on to leadership roles at Capcom and Sony. In 2019, he joined Arcade1Up as Senior VP, leading a computer hardware production company specializing in retro arcade video games using modern components. He then launched Media1UP in 2023, serving as President and CEO.

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In this episode, we talk with Hen-Gee, a pioneering hip-hop artist from Brooklyn who helped establish West Coast rap in Los Angeles. He's worked with icons like Ice-T and has been influential in shaping hip-hop culture. Sitting across the couch is Rubyana Fernandez, a 19-year-old up-and-coming Latina artist who started singing at age 10. She's performed on televisa Tijuana and is now touring schools in Mexico, breaking new ground in music education and community outreach.

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In this raw and revealing episode, we sit down with Chris Garza, guitarist and founding member of the metal band Suicide Silence. With over two decades in the music industry, Garza takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of band life, from early struggles and sacrifices to chart-topping success and devastating loss. He candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining creative partnerships, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Garza also shares insights into his evolution beyond music, including his foray into podcasting and the launch of his own coffee brand. This episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of artistry, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, providing valuable lessons for creatives and business minds alike.

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 In this engaging episode, the independent music group Common Kings shares their inspiring journey from humble beginnings to Grammy-nominated success. The band discusses their unique blend of island reggae and feel-good music, rooted in their Polynesian heritage. They offer invaluable insights into maintaining authenticity in the music industry, the importance of collaboration, and the power of taking that first fearless step towards one's dreams. The conversation also touches on their experiences touring with major artists, their involvement with Uncle Ed's Damn Good Vodka, and their commitment to giving back to their community. Through their story, Common Kings provides a masterclass in balancing artistic integrity with commercial success, all while staying true to their cultural roots and values. 

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Join us as we sit down with serial entrepreneur Bill Ward, who shares his unique path from bootstrapping startups to embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Learn how Bill's failures and successes in the bar industry and his innovative Airstream rental business led him to redefine wealth and success. Discover insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of following your passions, and how psychedelic experiences shaped his worldview. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone seeking a more fulfilling life.

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In this episode of the Get Bizee Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Ugarte, founder of Hijita Chocolate. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from working in high-end kitchens to starting her own company, blending her Mexican-American heritage with her passion for sustainable, craft chocolate. Learn about the challenges of sourcing cacao directly from Mexican farmers, the importance of cultural identity in business, and how Ashley overcomes the hurdles of being a solo entrepreneur in the competitive chocolate industry.

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