Micheal Wilson

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

It’s a pleasure to connect! I’m Micheal Wilson. I’ve always had a natural curiosity about people, places, and the world around me. I enjoy staying active, traveling, and experiencing different cultures, and have a genuine appreciation for the arts, creative expression, and the outdoors. Whether it’s discovering somewhere new or simply embracing the everyday experiences that make life interesting, I think there’s something valuable about remaining curious and open to what life has to offer.

Professionally, I’ve spent nearly three decades in hospitality, wellness, and business leadership, which has been a wonderful foundation for much of what I do today. But outside of work, I’m equally happy getting lost in a good book, enjoying a great meal with friends, or finding time for a little adventure.

These days, I divide my time between Los Angeles and Bali, Indonesia. Although they are two very different places, each offers something special. I appreciate the energy and opportunities of Los Angeles just as much as the culture, natural beauty, and pace of life in Bali.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

Los Angeles! Where do I begin? The City of Angels. The city of opportunity. The city where dreams come true. I moved to LA nearly 15 years ago, and somehow, after all this time, it still manages to surprise me. Every year brings new experiences, new discoveries, and another reason to fall in love with this city all over again.

What I love most is that you can experience so much of life without ever having to venture too far. You can spend the morning snowboarding in the mountains and end the day with dinner by a fire overlooking the Pacific. One weekend might mean cheering on LAFC, catching a football game in Inglewood, or spending an afternoon at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. Another could be opening night at the Geffen Playhouse, a hike through Runyon Canyon or the trails of Malibu, or discovering a new exhibition at The Broad.

And then there’s the food! From the incredible flavors of Koreatown and Little Tokyo to the restaurants and neighborhood favorites from Silver Lake to Venice Beach, there’s always something new to discover. What makes it even more special is the diversity of the people, the neighborhoods, and the cultures that shape the city. It’s this incredible mix of creativity, ambition, tradition, and individuality that gives Los Angeles its character.

I think that’s what has kept my love for LA growing over the years. There’s an energy here that encourages you to dream a little bigger, stay curious, and never stop exploring. It’s a city that offers endless possibilities, but it’s also the everyday moments, the familiar places, and the people who make it feel like home.

And then there’s Bali, the Island of the Gods. Quite literally on the opposite side of the world, and in many ways, a completely different way of living. What makes Bali so extraordinary, beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, is its people. Some of the warmest, friendliest, and most genuinely humble people you’ll ever meet. There’s a kindness and sense of community woven into everyday life that’s difficult not to fall in love with.

Life in Bali moves at a different rhythm. There’s a wonderful appreciation for wellbeing, meaningful connections, and the simple rituals of daily life. I’ve also found an incredible community of like-minded entrepreneurs and creatives, which makes it an inspiring place to build, create, and exchange ideas, much like LA. Between discovering new cultures, learning about local traditions and languages, and embracing a more intentional pace, Bali has a way of reminding you that there’s as much value in how you live as there is in what you accomplish.

In many ways, Los Angeles and Bali couldn’t be more different, and perhaps that’s exactly why I appreciate them both so much.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I’ve always enjoyed the process of building something, particularly those early stages when an idea begins to take shape and you start imagining what it could become. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking a concept, working through the details, and eventually creating something that people can experience, use, or connect with.

Today, much of that work takes place through EKIM HOLDINGS, my holding and investment company, where I’m developing a portfolio of independent businesses. While the industries may differ, each business has its own identity, audience, and purpose, which is something that’s very important to me.

One area I’m particularly excited about is M MEDIA, my technology and publishing company. Through its digital platforms, I’m exploring ways to make complex aspects of business, personal wellbeing, and creative work more accessible and manageable. The publishing side, STANDARD HOUSE, is another creative outlet, bringing ideas and experiences into books that encourage readers to think a little differently.

There’s also PROJECT M, my contemporary menswear brand, which brings together an appreciation for design, quality, and personal style. Fashion has always been an interest of mine, so having the opportunity to develop something in that space has been especially rewarding.

I’m also involved in real estate and property management, including hospitality-focused services in Bali. It’s an area that naturally connects with my professional background, but also offers opportunities to approach the experience of living, staying, and managing properties from a fresh perspective.

Looking ahead, I’m exploring additional opportunities in wellness-focused consumer products and real estate development. Some of these projects are still taking shape, and I’m excited about their potential, but I also appreciate the importance of giving good ideas the time and attention they need to develop properly.

What I enjoy most about all of this is the variety. Each business presents different challenges, different opportunities to learn, and the chance to collaborate with people who bring their own experiences and expertise to the table. That keeps the work interesting, and there’s rarely a dull moment!

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

First, have a plan! It doesn’t have to be perfect, and chances are it will change a dozen times along the way, but give yourself something to work toward. For years, I’ve made a habit of writing down my thoughts, taking notes, asking questions, and researching anything I don’t fully understand. Some ideas develop into something meaningful, while others never make it beyond the notebook, and that’s okay. The important thing is to give your ideas some structure and take the time to understand what you’re getting into.

Start small. There’s a tendency to believe everything needs to be perfectly developed, beautifully packaged, and fully funded before you can begin. It doesn’t. Figure out what you can realistically accomplish with the resources you have, test your assumptions, learn from the experience, and build from there. Some of the most valuable lessons come from those early stages when you’re doing a little bit of everything yourself.

And then, just do it! At some point, you have to stop planning and actually begin. You can research an idea forever, convince yourself the timing isn’t right, or find a hundred reasons to wait. But you’ll never know what’s possible if you don’t give yourself the opportunity to find out. I’d much rather look back knowing I tried something, learned from it, and perhaps even failed, than spend years wondering, “What if?” You don’t need to have every answer before taking the first step.

I’d also encourage people to be thoughtful about who they share their ideas with, especially in the beginning. Not everyone will understand what you’re trying to build, and not everyone will be cheering you on. Sometimes the opinions of others, even when well-intentioned, can create unnecessary doubt before you’ve had the opportunity to develop your own confidence in an idea. Protect that early enthusiasm. Share your plans with people whose experience, judgment, and support you genuinely value, and let your progress speak for itself when the time is right.

And finally, build your network, but don’t just think about what people can do for you. Relationships are one of the most valuable things you can develop, personally and professionally. Stay connected, ask questions, learn from people who have experiences different from your own, and be just as willing to offer your time, knowledge, or support in return. You never know where a conversation, an introduction, or a genuine friendship might lead.

Above all, enjoy the process. There will be challenges, unexpected turns, and moments when you question what you’re doing. That’s part of it. Give yourself permission to learn, adjust, and grow along the way. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of creating once you give yourself the chance.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One experience that has always stayed with me came from a consulting engagement with a spa owner whose business was facing some significant challenges. She had invested so much into creating her business, but things weren’t going as she had hoped, and she needed help figuring out how to move forward.

I visited the property, spent time getting to know her and her team, and took a deep dive into the business to better understand what was working, what wasn’t, and where the opportunities might be. From there, I developed an action plan, and we worked together to make the necessary changes, address the challenges, and get the business back on track.

What made the experience especially rewarding was seeing what happened next. Not only was she able to keep her doors open and her team employed, but the business went on to grow beyond what she had originally anticipated.

For me, the most meaningful feedback wasn’t necessarily a particular compliment or a thank-you. It was seeing her regain confidence in her business and knowing that the work we had done together helped make that possible. And perhaps the nicest part of the entire experience is that we’ve remained friends to this day.

I think that’s one of the things I’ve always loved about working with people. Sometimes what begins as a professional relationship becomes something much more meaningful, and the impact of that experience stays with you long after the work itself is finished.

Where do you see your company in the future?

That’s an exciting question, because there are so many things I’m looking forward to bringing to life over the coming years!

Of course, I’d love to see the businesses I’m developing today continue to grow, find their audiences, and become established brands in their respective markets. But beyond that, I’m excited about what’s still ahead. There are projects and ideas I’ve been developing that I’m not quite ready to share publicly, and I’m looking forward to the day when I can introduce them.

I think one of the most rewarding parts of building a business is imagining something that doesn’t yet exist and eventually seeing it become part of people’s lives. Whether that’s a product someone enjoys, a service that makes their day a little easier, or a place that brings people together, there’s something incredibly special about creating experiences that extend beyond the original idea.

And as these businesses grow, I’d love to see them create opportunities for other people as well. Talented teams, meaningful careers, strong partnerships, and the chance for others to contribute their own ideas and expertise. Success is certainly about building financially healthy businesses, but I think it’s equally important to consider what those businesses make possible for the people connected to them.

Ultimately, I hope to look back and see a collection of brands that have grown into something meaningful, each successful in its own right. For me, the greatest accomplishment would be knowing that what I’ve created has made a positive impact, contributed something of value, and has the potential to continue doing so for generations to come. And, of course, that I enjoyed the journey of building it all along the way.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that if you have a great idea, a beautiful product, or an exciting concept, success will naturally follow. I wish it were that simple! There’s so much that happens behind the scenes that people rarely see, and quite often, that’s where the real work begins.

I’ve spent much of my career in hospitality and wellness, industries where the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Someone might walk into a beautiful hotel, enjoy an incredible experience, and never think twice about the hundreds of decisions, people, and processes that made that moment possible. And that’s exactly how it should feel to the guest. But behind that seemingly effortless experience is an enormous amount of coordination, preparation, and care.

I’ve carried that perspective into the businesses I’m developing today. Whether you’re creating a digital platform, a clothing brand, or a hospitality experience, what people see is only one part of the equation. There’s an entire operation behind it that needs just as much attention as the product itself.

I also think people sometimes underestimate how much a business evolves after the initial idea. You learn things you couldn’t have anticipated, discover opportunities you hadn’t considered, and occasionally realize that something you were absolutely convinced would work needs to be approached differently. Being willing to listen, adapt, and make those adjustments is incredibly important.

I love the creative side of business, but I’ve always believed that what happens behind the scenes deserves just as much attention as what you put in front of the customer. When those two things come together, that’s when something really special can happen.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

Where do I begin?! I think one of the biggest challenges has been learning to navigate circumstances that are completely outside of my control. You can plan, prepare, and do everything you believe is right, and then something happens that forces you to rethink the entire approach.

COVID was certainly one of those moments. I was developing PROJECT M, my menswear brand, when production in Los Angeles came to a halt. Fabrics and trims were stuck on a ship waiting to enter the port, timelines became meaningless, and suddenly, things that seemed relatively straightforward required an entirely different approach. It was frustrating, expensive, and a reminder of just how interconnected everything is, even when you’re building something that feels entirely your own.

Expanding internationally has brought its own education! Different business environments, changing regulations, unfamiliar processes, and the realities of operating across borders can challenge even the most carefully considered plans. There’s an enormous amount to learn, and just when you think you’ve figured something out, a requirement changes or an entirely new consideration emerges. You quickly learn that the ability to pivot isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

But I think those experiences have also taught me something valuable about adaptability. Sometimes you have to abandon a timeline, reconsider an investment, or find a completely different way to accomplish what you originally set out to do. And occasionally, the smartest decision is simply knowing when to pause rather than push forward.

I’ve learned that you can’t control every circumstance, but you can control how you respond to it. And if there’s one word people who know me have probably heard me say a thousand times, it’s PIVOT! Know when to pivot, be willing to adjust, and don’t become so attached to the original plan that you lose sight of what you’re actually trying to accomplish. That doesn’t mean the frustration disappears, or that every decision works out the way you hoped. It means accepting that challenges are part of building something and finding a way to keep moving, even if the path looks very different from the one you originally imagined.

And if there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate, it’s that a little patience, a good sense of humor, and the willingness to adapt can take you a surprisingly long way.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Oh, you’re going to make me choose?! Well, when it comes to sports, Michael Jordan, without question! I grew up watching the Chicago Bulls and would stay up to watch just about every game, even when it was well past my bedtime. There was just something about watching Jordan play. The excitement, the competitiveness, those unforgettable moments when you couldn’t take your eyes off the television. He made basketball feel like an event, and I loved every minute of it.

Now, music is where things get a little complicated. I have a wonderfully eclectic taste, so narrowing it down to one artist is nearly impossible. Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Dolly Parton, Madonna, and the incomparable Tina Turner would all be at the top of my very long list.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see Tina, Patti, and Dolly perform live, and those are experiences I’ll always treasure. There’s something magical about seeing artists of that caliber command a stage. The voices, the personalities, the energy, the sheer entertainment of it all! Each of them brings something completely different, and that’s what I love.

I’ve always had an appreciation for great music and people who have an unmistakable presence and style. Whether it’s the soul of Patti LaBelle, the storytelling of Dolly Parton, the incredible energy of Tina Turner, or the creativity and showmanship of Michael Jackson and Madonna, they all have a special place in my musical world.

And yes, I realize my favorites might give away a little about my generation, but I wouldn’t trade that soundtrack for anything!

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Without question, my parents! From a very young age, they’ve always encouraged and supported us in pursuing our interests, exploring new opportunities, and making our own decisions, even when some of those ideas might have seemed a little far-fetched!

But beyond their encouragement, they’ve also been a wonderful example of what entrepreneurship really looks like. I grew up seeing firsthand the dedication, sacrifices, responsibilities, and occasional uncertainties that come with building and running a business. There were successes to celebrate and challenges to work through, and I think witnessing both gave me an appreciation for the realities of entrepreneurship long before I fully understood what that meant.

What I’ve always admired is that their example went beyond simply running a business. They demonstrated the importance of hard work, personal responsibility, treating people well, and finding ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have that kind of example growing up. They gave us the freedom to explore our own paths, the confidence to pursue ideas that weren’t always conventional, and an understanding that success comes with responsibilities beyond yourself.

So, Mom and Dad, thank you! For the encouragement, the lessons, the example you’ve set, and for believing in us, even when you probably wondered what on earth we were thinking!

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

The best place to connect with me and explore what I’m working on is my website, michealwilson.com. You’ll find information about my businesses, books, and some of the projects I’m developing.

And of course, I’m always happy to connect with people who share a curiosity for business, creativity, and new ideas. You never know where a great conversation might lead!