The RebChat: Conversations about the creative process for art and for business.

"I didn't want to be a penniless artist." William Mikula

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Podcast Episode Shownotes 🎙️

Episode Title: Creative Entrepreneurship with William Mikula🌟

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Reb Chat Podcast, host Cathy Dixon sits down with William Mikula, a multifaceted entrepreneur, story-maker, voiceover actor, and film producer. William shares his fascinating journey from a young entrepreneur cutting lawns to creating a premium tequila brand, Lana Tequila, and breaking into the film industry. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of customer value.

Segment Breakdown and Timestamps:

  • 00:07 - Introduction 🎉
    • Host Cathy Dixon introduces the theme of the third series on Creative Entrepreneurship and welcomes William Mcikula.
    • 01:28 - William’s Background 🌍
      • William shares his early life story, moving from New York to Saudi Arabia, then to Houston, New Orleans, and finally Atlanta. He describes growing up in an entrepreneurial household.
      • 06:20 - Combining Business and Creativity 💡
        • William discusses his desire to balance his creative passions with business acumen to avoid being a "starving artist."
        • 08:04 - Early Business Ventures 🚜
          • William recounts his first business venture at 14, starting a landscaping service with minimal resources and the valuable lessons learned.
          • 10:21 - Lessons from Early Entrepreneurship 📚
            • Communication, risk-taking, and building referral networks are highlighted as key skills William developed during his teenage years.
            • 17:58 - Productivity and Focus 🎯
              • William discusses the importance of action over planning and maintaining a focus on the essential tasks that drive business success.
              • 22:26 - Perseverance in Entrepreneurship 🛠️
                • William shares a story about his first invention, the hip leash, and his challenges in bringing it to market, culminating in a successful deal with Amazon.
                • 34:49 - Transition to Creative Pursuits 🎬
                  • William describes how he transitioned from online business to creative writing and film, reigniting his passion for storytelling.
                  • 38:59 - The Importance of Taking Risks ⚖️
                    • Cathy and William discuss the necessity of taking calculated risks in business and creative endeavours.
                    • 42:18 - The Story Behind Lana Tequila 🍹
                      • William details the journey of creating Lana Tequila, from identifying a market gap to winning prestigious awards and expanding internationally.
                      • 53:05 - Sustainable and Premium Product Design 🌿
                        • The sustainable design of Lana Tequila bottles and the health benefits of premium, additive-free tequila are discussed.
                        • 59:26 - William’s Superpower 💪
                          • William reflects on his superpower of maintaining an optimistic viewpoint and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.
                          • 1:00:04 - Current and Future Projects 📽️
                            • William talks about his latest film projects and his ongoing creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.

                              • Key Moments:

                              • Amazon Deal for Hip Leash 🛒 - William's breakthrough moment when Amazon placed an order for his first invention.
                              • Winning Double Gold Awards 🏅 - Lana Tequila received double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Awards for both its Blanco and Reposado expressions.
                              • Film Festival Encounter 🎟️ - The pivotal moment at the Atlanta Film Festival that reignited William’s passion for creative writing and filmmaking.

                                • Resource Links

                                • Lana Tequila: Lana Tequila Official Website 🌐
                                • Personal Website: https//www.williammikula.com
                                • William Mikula Books: JW Mikula Books 📚

                                  • Call to Action:

                                  Please subscribe to the Reb Chat Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends. Follow us on social media for updates and more inspiring stories. 📲

                                  Stay tuned for the next episode, and keep innovating! 🚀

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                                  The RebChat: Conversations about the creative process for art and for business.By RebCat Creations