We were lucky to catch up with Bijou McMillion recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bijou, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

The most important lesson/experience I had in a job that has helped me as a business owner was during my time as an assistant film producer in Nashville. At the beginning of my career, I approached everything with a linear mindset, treating tasks and projects as checkboxes to complete and goals to achieve. This organizational and structured approach served me well initially, and I impressed my colleagues with my efficiency and dedication.

However, as I delved deeper into the film world and worked closely with artists and creatives, I soon realized that not everything could be approached with a checklist mentality. The film industry, being highly artistic and dynamic, required a more fluid and adaptable mindset. Long hours and low pay in the film industry also challenged me, but I was determined to make a difference as a producer.

Over time though, I felt conflicted and unfulfilled despite the impact I believed I was making. I noticed that many of the experienced producers around me were miserable and stressed, and I didn’t want to end up feeling the same way. This realization led me to question whether I was approaching my career as a destination to reach or if it was part of a larger journey in my life.

The lesson I learned was that viewing my career as a destination was limiting my happiness and growth. I needed to redefine my identity outside of my profession and find fulfillment in the process of my journey rather than fixating on specific outcomes.

Bijou, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a woman with a background in the corporate and media industries, and I am also deeply connected to my faith. My film journey started to take shape when I became an assistant film producer in Nashville, TN. At that time, I applied my structured and organized approach to my work, bringing my corporate background of structure and organization to the creative space. However, I soon realized that the film industry demanded a more flexible mindset, which led to a personal transformation in how I saw my career and life.

As a business owner and creator, I now wholeheartedly cherish the journey over the destination. My repertoire includes producing documentaries, coordinating a film festival program in Texas, and being actively involved in the dynamic media industry. My main focus is on projects that truly matter to me and align with my values. For example, my mom and I co-host “The Mother of Change Show,” where we impact mothers globally through powerful real-life stories.

What sets me apart from others is my unwavering belief in the significance of cherishing the present moment and fully embracing the journey. I now encourage people not to fixate on destinations or deadlines, as it can hinder their happiness and personal growth. For me, life is an incredible adventure, a graceful dance guided by God, where we move forward with trust in His plan, gracefully tackling challenges as they come.

Rather than getting stuck in a rigid path, I’m learning to embrace change and allow myself to explore new opportunities that align with my purpose. This mindset gives me the freedom to pivot and refocus when needed, creating a perfect recipe for an ever-exciting adventure!

Have you ever had to pivot?

There definitely was a defining moment when I had to pivot in my career. As I was in Nashville, I realized my heart yearned for more profound fulfillment.

So, I refocused my attention and things took an exciting turn! One significant pivot was teaming up with my mom to create “The Mother of Change Show,” making an impact on women’s lives worldwide. Merging my passion for media and storytelling with a purpose that resonated deeply brought back the spark of joy and fulfillment I felt I lost.

And guess what? More thrilling projects have come my way since! Each new opportunity adds to the adventure of life’s journey. Embracing authenticity has been an exhilarating and fulfilling journey!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Such a good question. I had to unlearn viewing my life and career as rigid destinations to reach. My initial approach resembled a straight-line journey with defined goals, but little did I know that this mindset would be a bumpy road to contentment. Instead of savoring the beauty of the process, I found myself caught in a web of unfulfillment and constant frustration, as I always wondered if I was on the “right” path.

The backstory to this unlearning process goes back to my time as an enthusiastic assistant film producer. At first, I wholeheartedly viewed my career as a producer as the ultimate destination, and I was determined to conquer every step along the way. Yet, despite my relentless self-talk, I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that something essential was missing, leaving me unfulfilled and far from genuinely happy.

It was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – no matter how hard I pushed, it just didn’t click. I realized that there was more to my journey than simply reaching the top of the producer ladder. I needed to uncover my true passion and purpose, something that would make my heart leap with joy and my soul come alive.

Through introspection and soul-searching, I learned that my true desire lay in crafting high-quality movies that would resonate with audiences on a deeper level. I wanted to create films that stirred emotions, inspired change, and touched lives in a profound way.

That transformative realization led me to embark on a new path, one filled with creative freedom, authentic purpose, and a faith-driven approach. It was a liberating moment, where I embraced the adventure of discovery and let my passion guide me toward making a meaningful difference in the world of cinema – for the people.

Upon deep reflection and experience in the film industry, I realized that life should be seen as a journey rather than a destination. This epiphany allowed me to redefine my identity outside of my profession and find purpose and fulfillment beyond career achievements.

Letting go of the belief that my career was the sole destination freed me to explore new opportunities and enjoy the adventure of life. I embraced the idea that every experience and decision, even those that seemed like detours, contributed to my growth and brought me to where I am today. It was a transformative lesson that allowed me to live more authentically and happily. As I delved deeper, I discovered that what truly ignited my passion was creating higher-quality movies and leaving a lasting impact through my work.

While I still set goals and work with determination, I cherish the moments in between, where the little adventures happen and where I’m reminded that life’s most profound lessons are often disguised as detours.

This unlearning process has not only made me a more resilient individual but also enriched my journey with a newfound appreciation for the unpredictability and spontaneity that life has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bijoumcmillion.com
• Instagram: @bijoumcmillion
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bijou-mcmillion/
• Other: www.motherofchange.tv

Image Credits
Erin Elise Enyinda