Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Mickel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Travis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I grew up in a quaint New Jersey town, feeling out of place from a young age. Convinced that I was destined for greater things, I took the leap after college and landed in the hustle and bustle of New York City, joining the ranks of a prestigious luxury fashion brand, Prada. For 8 years, my identity revolved around my role there, immersed in the high-paced world of fashion and achieving notable success. Starting in sales, I progressed to coordinating events for top clients, working closely with celebrities and their teams, and living a jet-setting lifestyle that seemed like a dream to many.

However, beneath the façade of glamour, I was battling a lifelong struggle with substance abuse and addiction. This internal war eventually cost me my job, my apartment, and all my possessions. I found myself isolated, homeless, and disconnected from everything I once knew. One day, I had a spiritual awakening, realizing that the life I was leading was not the one I wanted. It marked the turning point that led me to seek treatment.

Entering rehabilitation, there were doubts about reversing the drug-induced psychosis I had succumbed to. Fortunately, after six weeks, the fog began to lift, and I emerged from treatment free from the grip of my destructive habits. Leaving the chaos of New York City behind, I decided to put down roots in Wilmington, NC, just as the pandemic brought the world to a standstill.

During the lockdown, I delved into the realms of ancient civilizations, meditation, mindfulness, sound, frequency, and overall wellness. Immersed in self-discovery, I became part of the local recovery community, shedding layers of judgment and resentment. I rediscovered love and compassion within myself, prompting me to share my newfound knowledge with the community.

In September 2021, I invested all my savings to establish Fronting Life, a 501c3 certified nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery through a community-centered approach. Starting with a small rented space, I initiated meditation and mindfulness workshops, later introducing a weekly Buddhist-inspired recovery meeting. What began with five attendees grew exponentially, requiring two larger locations. Currently, our Monday Mindfulness Meditation draws 60-80 participants, and we’ve expanded our offerings with the C+S Social Club in 2023.

The C+S Social Club hosts sober and drug-free monthly events, promoting community and connection, ranging from Sober Raves to Wellness Weekend Retreats. Additionally, we launched Creative Writing and Healing Arts experiences and secured a grant to train more meditation teachers for expanded workshop offerings.

Reflecting on the past five years, I never imagined leaving the comfort of my NYC life to embark on a journey of self-discovery in a small North Carolina city. Taking this risk and trusting my intuition has allowed Fronting Life to become a beacon, guiding participants toward balance and wisdom through meditation and mindfulness.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Travis Mickel, the founder and Executive Director of Fronting Life, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery through a community-centered approach. My journey into this space wasn’t a calculated career move; it was a personal calling rooted in a desire to alleviate the suffering within myself and the world around me.

Fronting Life is more than an organization; it’s a lifestyle. We’re on a mission to create a world with less suffering and more compassion. We achieve this by providing compassionate, mindful, and safe resources that enhance and improve the lives of our participants. Our community-centered approach allows all of our participants to find purpose, meaning, and joy in their lives.

At Fronting Life, we offer an interactive wellness program that goes beyond traditional recovery methods. We introduce meditation, mindfulness, art therapy, self-love and compassion, and holistic medicine to help participants gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. We create spaces—physical and metaphorical—focused on gaining knowledge and understanding, allowing all forms of recovery to coexist. Our inclusive community events and workshops serve as supportive platforms where individuals can connect, heal, and grow.

Fronting Life stands out through its holistic and inclusive approach. We don’t just address recovery; we guide our community toward mindfulness, meditation, compassion, kindness, and, above all, love. The emphasis on building spaces where everyone is welcome, and nobody is turned away, creates a refuge where the entire community grows stronger together. We’re not just a service provider; we’re a movement toward a more compassionate and understanding world.

What makes me most proud is witnessing the transformative journeys of our participants. Being described as an intuitive leader, meditation teacher, sound healer, and recovery advocate is an honor. The personal connections made and the positive impact on lives are the real markers of success for Fronting Life.

Fronting Life is more than a program; it’s an invitation to discover what life truly has to offer. We’re here to support your journey of self-discovery, to help you engage with stillness and silence, uncover your authentic selves, and tap into true wisdom. Join us in creating a world with less suffering and more compassion for those around us.

Fronting Life is not just an organization; it’s a movement toward a more mindful, compassionate, and connected world.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Living the Practice: A Personal Key to Success in Wellness

In the realm of wellness, meditation, and mindfulness, knowledge and training are undoubtedly crucial, but there’s an often-overlooked element that’s proven to be my secret weapon—living the practice I teach. It’s not just about preaching mindfulness; it’s about embodying it in every aspect of my life.

Instilling Morals and Values:

I’ve found that success in my field stems from more than just imparting knowledge. It’s about instilling the morals and values I teach to others into the fabric of my own existence. Treating every individual with respect and compassion, regardless of whether I agree with their choices, has been a guiding principle. It’s about living the teachings, not just talking about them.

Letting Go of the Need to Change Others:

A significant shift occurred when I let go of the need to change the people around me. Instead, I focused on embodying the teachings I advocate for and letting my actions speak louder than words. This shift not only transformed my approach but also created an environment of acceptance and understanding within my community.

Welcoming, Seeing, and Hearing:

Ensuring that every individual feels welcome, seen, and heard is paramount. It’s not just a professional duty but a personal commitment. I go out of my way to create a space where everyone feels valued and acknowledged—a space where individuals can authentically connect with themselves and others.

Setting Boundaries:

Success in this field also involves setting boundaries that protect my well-being. Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. I’ve learned the importance of saying no when necessary, ensuring that my own mental and emotional health remains a priority. It’s a delicate balance of compassion for others and self-care.

Flowing with the Natural Current:

Life, much like a river, doesn’t always follow the exact course we plan. I’ve discovered that success in wellness comes from embracing the natural flow and not resisting when things deviate from the script. Staying teachable, open-minded, and adaptable allows me to navigate unexpected twists and turns with grace.

In essence, beyond the knowledge and training, the key to thriving in the world of wellness is living the practice authentically. It’s a daily commitment to embodying the principles, fostering a community of acceptance, and maintaining a delicate balance between compassion for others and self-care. This, I believe, is the true essence of success in the field—a journey of personal growth that ripples into the lives of those I have the privilege to guide.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The Power of Word of Mouth: Cultivating Community Growth

In the dynamic world of wellness and mindfulness, the most effective strategy for expanding our clientele at Fronting Life has been the organic and authentic power of word of mouth. Rather than relying on flashy marketing campaigns, we’ve harnessed the genuine experiences and connections within our community to propel our success.

Community Sharing:

I’ve consciously allowed word of mouth to be the driving force behind our client growth. Our community is our best advocate. By creating an environment where individuals feel the transformative impact of our practices, they naturally become ambassadors, eager to share their experiences with friends, family, and colleagues.

Encouraging Community Advocacy:

Fronting Life isn’t just a service; it’s a community. I actively encourage our members to share their journey and the benefits they’ve reaped from our practices. It’s a reminder for them to extend an invitation to those in their lives who could also benefit. The genuine enthusiasm of our community members becomes a powerful force in attracting like-minded individuals.

Personal Connections:

A key aspect of our strategy is forging personal connections with every attendee, regardless of whether they walked in knowing me or not. This personal touch ensures that each individual feels valued and seen. It’s not just about attendance; it’s about building relationships that go beyond a single event, creating a sense of belonging that participants are eager to share with others.

The Conversations That Propel Success:

The real magic lies in the community conversations that happen naturally. When someone shares their transformative journey, it sparks curiosity and interest in others. These conversations, often rooted in genuine personal experiences, have become the most potent tool in attracting new clientele.

The Ripple Effect:

Word of mouth creates a ripple effect. As individuals join Fronting Life and experience the profound impact of our practices, they, in turn, become part of the conversation, extending the reach of our community. It’s a self-sustaining cycle fueled by the authenticity of shared experiences.

In essence, at Fronting Life, the most effective growth strategy is not just about marketing; it’s about fostering a community where personal transformations are shared organically. The power of word of mouth transcends traditional advertising methods, creating a vibrant network of individuals who believe in and advocate for the profound impact of our wellness practices. It’s not just about growing clientele; it’s about building a movement that is fueled by the authentic stories of those whose lives have been touched by Fronting Life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.frontinglife.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontinglife
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frontinglife

Image Credits
John Lam