We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mitchell Bienvenue a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mitchell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

The concept of success can vary from person to person, as it is subjective and influenced by individual goals, values, and aspirations. However, there are several common factors that often contribute to achieving success in various areas of life. We all know you have to work hard and be dedicated, you have to be passionate and motivated, you have to have a resilient mindset. These are all ideas and concepts I believe it takes to be successful. Above all though, I believe you have to be able to network and collaborate. One of the truest quotes I follow in life is, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Being able to build meaningful relationships, foster connections, and collaborate with others can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Networking with like-minded individuals and experts in your field can provide valuable insights and support.

In 2019, I took a leap of faith and purchased a one-way plane ticket to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with the aim of pursuing a career in the Yachting Industry as a deckhand. Despite not having any personal connections in Fort Lauderdale or any prior experience in the industry, I immediately immersed myself in the yacht crew community by attending various crew events, frequenting popular crew hangout spots, and participating in crew meetups. My objective was to network and establish connections within the industry I was so passionately pursuing.
Through these efforts, I had the opportunity to meet and befriend active crew members who were already working on yachts. It was through one such friendship that I was fortunate enough to secure my first position as a deckhand on a 50m Westport yacht. A friend of mine graciously shared my contact information with the captain who happened to be in search of a new deckhand, and I, in turn, was actively seeking a job. This fortunate turn of events was solely a result of the networking I had engaged in and the steps I took to position myself for success.
From that pivotal moment onward, I gained a profound understanding of the significance of building a strong network and establishing a positive presence within my industry. I realized that personal connections and being known by others played a vital role in opening doors and creating opportunities for professional growth and advancement. This experience emphasized the importance of networking and the impact it can have on shaping one’s career trajectory.

Mitchell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Mitchell Bienvenue. During my time in yachting, traveling, and experiencing the world, I documented my journey on TikTok and Instagram.
I continued my love and passion for content creation when I packed it all up and headed back home in the summer of 2020.
I now document my love for the great state of Ohio and my life experience living with Ulcerative Colitis. I am also a server and bartender at a private club and marina on Catawba Island in Port Clinton, Ohio. I am continuing to make content for my personal brand and “It’s Not All Black&White” (A podcast I co-host with my best friend.)

The idea I want to convey is that there are no dull or uninteresting places in the world; it’s the mindset and attitude of individuals that determine whether a place is boring or not. Therefore, I encourage everyone to go out and explore, regardless of whether it’s their hometown or a faraway destination. There is always something exciting and novel to discover, no matter where you are.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being a creative is rewarding in a number of ways. It allows me to express myself authentically and uniquely. Creativity has the power to inspire, uplift, and influence others. Your creations can touch people’s hearts, evoke emotions, and provoke thoughts. Creativity allows you to leave a lasting legacy. Through your creations, you can leave behind a body of work that continues to inspire and resonate with others long after you’re gone.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Non-creatives may struggle to understand the vulnerability and self-doubt that accompanies the creative journey. Creatives invest their emotions and personal experiences into their work, making them susceptible to criticism. Fear of being judged or labeled as “cringe” can hinder creative expression. However, creativity is subjective, and what one person finds cringe-worthy may resonate deeply with another. Every artist experiences self-doubt and insecurity, which is natural. To overcome this, creatives must embrace authenticity, take risks, and prioritize their vision. The concept of “cringe” is influenced by societal norms and trends. Creatives should stay true to their artistic voice and not let fear hold them back. The creative journey is transformative, requiring vulnerability and confidence to share a unique perspective. By doing so, creatives can unlock their true potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsnotallbw.com
• Instagram: mitchellbienvenue
• Facebook: mitchell.bienvenue
• Linkedin: mitchell bienvenue
• Twitter: mbienvenue_10
• Youtube: mitchellbienvenue
• TikTok: mitchellbienvenue

Image Credits
Mitchell Bienvenue Photography