Let’s dive into our super fun mini-series that’s all about celebrating a few cool entrepreneurs! PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “Lessons From A Trailblazing Media Maven Redefining Indie Film”.
Meet Cindy Mich, Mich has spent twenty-five years as an award-winning journalist/broadcast media personality and freelance writer, along with ten years as an on-air broadcaster. Her show, Cin’s Chat Corner, has a listener base of 205,000. Mich owns and operates the NYC based indie film festival, Art is Alive, now in its seventh year. She has acted as a film judge for the last ten years, and has screened over 750 films. Cindy is asked to cover film festivals, small business openings, conventions, comic cons, etc. on a regular basis.Her current digital publication, Elegant Expressions Magazine, holds 8,100 readers per issue. She has more recently been doing PR work for filmmakers, actors, and film festivals. Finally, Cindy’s public access TV talk show is broadcast in eleven states and holds a subscriber base of about 2.5 million.
What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?
I feel like the most unexpected lesson I have learned is that the business of entertainment can be more vicious than I had anticipated. People are not always what they seem, nor are their intentions as sincere as you would hope.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self before starting this journey?
When looking back, I would have said just this: you should have explored your own passions sooner, and tried a bit harder to nullify all the negativity in your own mind when younger.
Can you share the story behind starting your business and what inspired you to take the leap?
Well, I have multiple businesses lol. I was inspired to start radio by another internet based host. He felt that I held the talent that it takes to succeed in radio. I was scared stiff, and my first interview was with a Real Housewife of Orange County. Aced it, and it has been ten years. My start with my film festival came via my long time mentor, NYC based director John A. Gallagher. He introduced me to so many opportunities and artisans in film, and was my consummate cheerleader. He believed I should create my own festival which would be a place to keep art alive in cinema, and I am now in year eight of doing this event. As to the magazine and TV show, this stemmed from my deep rooted need to be informational and inspirational to readers/viewers. Most artists are control freaks, and want to be in charge of what we cover lol. Moreover, I want good stories to get heard, and this is one way to make sure this happens.
How do you handle competition, and what sets your business apart from others in your field?
I know this may sound odd to the average person, but I honestly do not view other media, festival Founders, or TV hosts as competition. I view them more as fellow colleagues who I hope will support my work and vice versa. As to what sets me apart from others, my interviewees repeatedly tell me that my interviews are unique, interesting, and that my questions make them feel like I work for the FBI! I maintain a philosophy that people deserve to be seen, and I use my platforms to make sure individuals never feel invisible.
What’s one stereotype about entrepreneurs that you’d love to break?
I think mine is that all entrepreneurs have a standardized way they run their businesses. By this, I mean that we all establish an LLC, have a physical address, are married to our work and are really rich. Most of us work out of our homes, and are sole proprietors doing what they love for very little profit. I know many believe that entrepreneurs enjoy all of the “rewards”, and while that is often true, there are many moments where we have to carve out solutions for endless challenges.
What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know?
The true sign of a successful business is when you have used that which you have built for the betterment of others. I have been so blessed to hear that my words and my businesses have motivated and inspired others; that I have been entertaining, educational – and most importantly, saved lives. I never anticipated that.
Thank you for reading our mini series, spotlighting entrepreneurs. Check back on the 15th of each month for a new spotlight! Read other stories from this mini series by clicking here or read about an author here.
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