Podcast Episode Shownotes ๐๏ธ
Episode Title: Creative Entrepreneurship with William Mikula๐
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 ๐
Host Cathy Dixon introduces the theme of the third series on Creative Entrepreneurship and welcomes William Mcikula.
01:28 - Williamโs Background ๐
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 ๐ก
William discusses his desire to balance his creative passions with business acumen to avoid being a "starving artist."
08:04 - Early Business Ventures ๐
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 ๐
Communication, risk-taking, and building referral networks are highlighted as key skills William developed during his teenage years.
17:58 - Productivity and Focus ๐ฏ
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 ๐ ๏ธ
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 ๐ฌ
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 โ๏ธ
Cathy and William discuss the necessity of taking calculated risks in business and creative endeavours.
42:18 - The Story Behind Lana Tequila ๐น
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 ๐ฟ
The sustainable design of Lana Tequila bottles and the health benefits of premium, additive-free tequila are discussed.
59:26 - Williamโs Superpower ๐ช
William reflects on his superpower of maintaining an optimistic viewpoint and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.
1:00:04 - Current and Future Projects ๐ฝ๏ธ
William talks about his latest film projects and his ongoing creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Amazon Deal for Hip Leash ๐ - William's breakthrough moment when Amazon placed an order for his first invention.
Winning Double Gold Awards ๐
- Lana Tequila received double gold at the San Francisco Spirits Awards for both its Blanco and Reposado expressions.
Film Festival Encounter ๐๏ธ - The pivotal moment at the Atlanta Film Festival that reignited Williamโs passion for creative writing and filmmaking.
Lana Tequila: Lana Tequila Official Website ๐
Personal Website: https//www.williammikula.com
William Mikula Books: JW Mikula Books ๐Please 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. ๐ฒ
Stay tuned for the next episode, and keep innovating! ๐