We recently had the chance to connect with Becky Mickletz and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Becky, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
These days, media moves fast, which makes intention everything in my process — without it, everything else is just decoration. Strategy is what actually determines whether something connects with an audience and performs. Sure, one-hit wonders exist, but the meaning of “going viral” has evolved, and it takes more than luck to make something last.
A lot of my work revolves around understanding human behavior and psychology. Most people assume it’s all about Pantone’s color of the year or the latest trending font. Those things have their place, but to create something truly evergreen, the real magic is in the fundamentals and sometimes ‘less sexy’ parts — competitor analysis, target audience geographic research, content bucket build, A/B testing copy, tweaking a font for the 50th time, etc. Those are the pieces that really move the needle.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The short of my 9 lives? I am a brand designer and creative director with a large background in hospitality, events, and the music industry. I can push pixels with the best of em’ and tie strategy into everything I do. Aside from taking a design from start to finish, I am incredibly passionate about Mental Health and it has quickly become a pillar in my professional and personal life. I truly believe that this should be treated with the same time and respect as a financial department in a company.
After becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid, I started hosting workshops and events that are accessible, affordable, and digestible. To me if we can humanize parts of business, we can successfully build both relationships, EQs, and help break the stigma that comes with it.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I’ve shared a story about this quote, “Come on out; the water’s fine.” as it continues to show its prevalence in my life — it has become too good not to share. It stems from an interview I did with my first mentor while I was studying photography at Penn State. Our assignment was to interview a photographer of our choice. Because I was planning to move to California after graduation, I did some research and thankfully landed upon a man by the name of Jerry de’Wilde. Jerry is of the one of the of the great fine art portrait photographers of the 60s and 70s — think one of the first to snap a pic of Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar greats.
As an overthinking, overworking young East Coaster heading West and trying to get every duck in the damn row, I had one final question for him at the end of the interview.
“What’s one piece of advice you can give me for my move to CA?”
He simply replied, “Come on out, the water’s fine.” with a bit of a chuckle in his voice.
I remember at the time feeling a bit let down by the response but to this day I have learned in more ways than one that truly riding the wave and flowing with life is the key. I could have prepared, created spreadsheets, lined up a million interviews, etc etc. but ultimately life was going to go the way it did despite my tedious planning. I just had to take the jump into the water and if I really wanted something, I would adapt and figure it out as I went.
It’s still the best piece of advice both professionally and personally I’ve received to this day. And I’ve been jumping in that water ever since.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In fall of 2019, I opened up about my Mental Health struggles via Linkedin. Yup, I know what you’re thinking — LINKEDIN? Why?!
Well spoiler: when you sign up for your LLC, no one checks in on your to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. At the time, I was about 8 years into my business and feeling really depressed, alone, and anxious. They don’t teach you how to ask for help, especially when your name is on the door. I didn’t know who to turn to without feeling full of shame and embarrassment that I was burnt the F out and feeling like a failure behind the scenes. So I did what felt best — I wrote.
Low and behold, this little article would get picked up by WeWork and General Assembly who requested I come in to teach it. Teach it? I immediately made sure they knew I was just a professional human being, not a therapist or doctor. I also had a large fear of adding to the pool of life coaches when I believed Mental Health was a ‘choose your own adventure’ type of thing, not the sort of issue where a silent retreat to Bali would solve everyone’s problems.
From there I set out to host my first of many Mental Health workshops, but I did it in a way that felt accessible, affordable, and digestible. And I surrounded myself with professionals to give it the validity it deserved which included a sleep specialist, EQ speaker, and yoga / breath work instructor. Shortly after I became certified in Mental Health First Aid to further my knowledge and expertise and serve my community. And this year I became as an Instructor so I can certify others. I continue to host in person and digtal workshops to reach as many people as I can and create digestible information that feels REAL, such as a chocolate making workshop where we dove into the science of cooking and how being in the kitchen can impact your Mental Health.
This Linkedin article and workshop reshaped me both professionally and personally. It made me realize that my vulnerability was needed. That I could show up authentically as myself and still make an impact. This stage of my life is a part of who I am, and it informs how I lead and view people on a daily basis.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
People notice when you see them as individuals, not just transactions.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
Honestly, I think I always am! I’m a firm believer in the phrase, “If you think you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” I put a lot of time and energy in the company I keep because I always want to learn from others. When mentoring, I tend to remind people to invest in a network of people who don’t do what you do. I can surround myself with designers and marketing creatives all day, and while I may learn a few things, I find I gain more knowledge from others who don’t do what I do or understand my line of work and vice versa.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.remickz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remickz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckymickletz
