Meet Michael Tamzil Nio | I Innovate Innovation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Tamzil Nio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Tamzil, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting a business is a breeze, but keeping it thriving is the real test of endurance. Are you willing to maintain that fiery passion that fueled you at the beginning? For me, the driving force behind launching my own venture is to unleash my inner creativity, share it with the world, and earn some green doing it. Once you uncover that magic formula, the next challenge is turning it into a sustainable enterprise. Simply identifying a gap in the market won’t cut it, as markets are constantly evolving. We must embrace the reality that there’s nothing new under the sun and elevate it with our own distinct flair and originality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My dad got into an accident when I was five years old that left him in a coma for 20+ years. My family moved around a lot after this and by high school, I was in and out of school. Something in my spirit wouldn’t let me commit, I craved something beyond the four walls of the classroom. I eventually graduated by making a deal with my principal. If he let me pass state testing, I’d split my gift money with him. Deal. As soon as I graduated, I told my mom I was leaving Indonesia. I knew if I stayed in my country, I’d end up in jail. Something inside told me I needed to leave, so I did. I left for America when I was 17 with two suitcases and a blanket.
I needed money while getting my art degree and my mom suggested I get a job at Burger King. I rejected that. I knew the minute I diverted out of my lane I’d be fucked. I make decisions that appear crazy to the world, but everything is done with intention. Done out of obedience to my inner voice. I ended up graduating and getting a great job at an architecture firm. I went into it knowing it’d be an exchange: 7.5 years of my labor for a green card. As soon as it came in the mail, I went to HR and quit. They tried to convince me not to go. I had a steady paycheck and lived comfortably. But I needed to jump into the water or else I’d regret not doing so for the rest of my life. I’d either drown or learn to swim, but I’d have no regrets.
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During this time, I got a call that my dad had died. I went home to bury him and two weeks later, my wife died. Her breast cancer had traveled to the brain. There I was, a father to a one year old daughter. I had no clue what I was doing. I was drinking everyday and feeding my baby doritos. One night I broke down and prayed to God to bring a mother for my baby girl. Three months later, she asked for Burger King and the stranger she kept waving to became my answered prayer. We’ve been married for 15 years and have two more children. Turns out I didn’t need Burger King for a job, but for a miracle.

Death really fucks you up. But life multiplies itself. Unless you’re able to let pain go, you won’t know what God has for you next. Until you completely surrender, you won’t get to the next level.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Miami, I highly recommend staying at the Faena. It’s truly a luxurious experience! For breakfast and lunch, I suggest checking out some South Beach spots like Ocean Social at Eden Roc or having brunch at One Hotel. The W is also a great choice if you’re looking for a place with nice outdoor vibes and drinks.

When it comes to evening activities, I recommend exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Wynwood, Design District, and downtown Miami. You won’t want to miss E11even Miami – a popular destination that’s sure to provide a great night out! Just remember, to get there you’ll need to cross the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a leader and an individual, I believe in the power of a team. No one can make it alone, and I owe a shoutout to both my team and my haters. My team drives me forward, providing support and motivation to achieve our shared goals. On the other hand, my haters challenge me to be better, pushing me to prove them wrong and strive for success. Together, my team and my haters have shaped me into the person and leader I am today.

Website: https://www.michaeltamzil.com/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thinktamz