We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Micole Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Micole below.

Hi Micole, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

In 2017, Eclectically You Experience was born. But the name stemmed from an earlier venture of mine that helped me find my footing in the entrepreneurship world. When I was in college at Prairie View A&M University, I was a Mass Communications major who was fortunate enough to keep my part-time job at Foley’s and Macy’s throughout college, but also wanted to bring my own entrepreneurial ideas to life. I loved working in the jewelry section at that department store, but as soon as I had a moment to myself, I created a jewelry line that focused on me remixing and making accessories. I named it Eclectically U Accessories. I loved shopping at craft and hardware stores, and then in my college apartment, I’d be creating collections and fulfilling orders week after week during my junior year. I sold customized tote bags and jewelry at school, out of my trunk, at church, and at salons. I took pictures of my clients with their items, and people either ordered from my scrapbook catalogue, or they shared what type of bag or jewelry they wanted, and I would make it based on their wishes. It was very time-consuming but very fulfilling but I knew I had other things I wanted to explore as well, so a new chapter was beginning to unfold.

Inching closer to graduation, and as I delved further into storytelling, I began to realize that my business would evolve. I wanted a name that encapsulated how I would continue to serve a variety of people – I decided I would keep and tweak the name, and as I embarked on another side of entrepreneurship, I maintained the core idea of celebrating individuality but now through the art and beauty of story.

Micole, 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 am a modern-day eclectic: what sets me apart is my range of styles and diverse sources that factor into the content I create. I am not focused on winning popularity contests but instead doing real work that matters and ultimately, brings me peace. I have heard throughout my career that I inspire and empower people through art and my business approach. My goal through indie storytelling and teaching others how to publish books and produce films is to celebrate people’s authenticity. When I create books or films, design, or teach students of all ages, I want to cut through the noise of the world and serve people in a genuine way that allows them to be true to themselves, what makes them unique, not part of a crowd. Because in that moment, doing those things, I am being true to what makes me me. I have a lot of layers, and I embrace them all. The world tells me to focus on one thing. I know, as a millennial living through the instability of the start of Y2K and soon 9-1-1, later, micro and macro aggressions, an unprecedented pandemic, a historically long Writers’ strike, teaching through hostile takeovers, and praying through political warfare, that you want to have as many skills as possible. This world is ever-changing, and you have to be able to pivot and adapt accordingly.

Eclectically You Experience is a thriving publishing and production company that celebrates one’s unique voice and it keeps me on my toes. I’m excited about adding new projects to the line-up.

My latest movie is a faith-based film titled ‘How Do You Hear God?’.” It is due out in the summer of 2025. This documentary normalizes having private conversations about faith in public. We need that in unprecedented times. i’m excited about its premiere in New York at the 25th African American Women In Cinema Film Festival. It is such an honor to have your work recognized!

There are also some books on the way. The “Toxic Ties Trilogy” was published in 2014, and the next book in the series is due out in 2026. It is titled “American Dreamer,” and it confronts many issues of the day through the lens of a woman who travels across the country to heal from living a nightmare. The final book of the trilogy will soon follow.

Year after year, I have served hundreds of people, seamlessly integrating a diverse array of fields: education, retail, media, design, fashion, beauty, and entertainment into a cohesive personal brand and professional portfolio. My website is about all things eclectic. My books, films, and merch are available on my site, eclecticallyyou.com. I am just grateful to be on the journey.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency. I have been writing, producing, and teaching simultaneously for years. I think being a teacher has helped me see all my business dreams come true. But specifically, teaching is a foundational piece that keeps me grounded and growing. I think serving others regularly opens doors you can’t imagine. What you give and pour into others comes back to you, and I have found much favor and blessings from doing that type of work: giving back, and trying to set the next generation up for success. What I’ve learned on my journey is that I’m a tough-love/no-nonsense teacher. I try to share with others so it won’t be as hard as it was for me. I have been through some hard things, and thankfully, I don’t look like it. My students say and have said over the past years, “I don’t play.” It makes me laugh because I’m not trying to be hard on them; I want the best for them and for them to be equipped for what’s ahead. I want them to be exposed to so many different ways to cope with any challenge that may be presented to them, no matter the subject. It’s not just about teaching content, writing or filmmaking, but really about teaching mental wellness and motivation, stamina, problem-solving, and strategy in the end. How well can you think and keep a sound mind when you are hit with a problem? So once again, I stand out in those arenas because I am not interested in the status quo. I want to go beyond that, and I want others to do the same. I have taught within school districts for years while building my company, but it is always nice when I am invited, along with my company, to speak and teach at summer camps, workshops, and Professional development for school districts. That is another layer.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My grandmother was a wise woman who meant well. When she was alive, she taught me so much about having and building good character. Although a lot of her aphorisms have gotten me through life, one had to go , especially in business. She taught me to be nice to those who were nice to me. As a woman growing a business since college, I have met some snakes who tried to and did stab me in the back. Using this advice is not always logical or healthy. Instead, I had to rewrite that rule and I often quote God as being my business partner, helping me navigate complicated and new territory – I am all for being kind and even cordial, but I have learned, use your instincts and don’t second-guess them. Nice is to me, overrated. I value some other qualities more and I try to possess those and I expect those from others. I really am big on treating people fairly and that being reciprocated. I have learned to be as shrewd, well-rounded and well-read as possible…And to keep my distance from snakes who are awfully nice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eclecticallyyou.com
• Instagram: eclecticallyyouexperience and mkwillpower

Image Credits

Photos by Edwin Rose

Movie Posters Designed by Micole Williams

Book Covers: Book Illustrator Alisha Nicole and Book Designer Micole Williams