Made in the Mist Niagara Falls Innovation Hub

Welcome to season 2 of Made of the Mist! In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Sodka, the brilliant Founder of Capacity Creator and a true connoisseur of human behavior. Melanie specializes in helping overwhelmed individuals who find themselves trapped in the whirlwind of over-commitment and distraction.
As a seasoned podcaster and renowned international speaker, Melanie has a unique gift for unraveling the complexities of Capacity Management. Her expertise extends far beyond the microphone, as she has spent countless years captivating audiences in diverse settings such as classrooms, boardrooms, and conference halls. Melanie's dynamic journey even led her to grace the TEDx stage, where she shared her profound insights with the world.
Join us as we delve into Melanie's world of custom talks and virtual series, meticulously designed to empower and serve her clients. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by her perspective-shifting wisdom that has the power to transform the way you approach your own capacity and commitments.
Tune in for an engaging conversation with Melanie Sodka, and discover the keys to managing your capacity, decluttering your life, and reclaiming your focus.

To connect with Mel, find her at 
www.instagram.com/melaniesodka
https://www.melaniesodka.com/

Join hosts Emma and Dan in the season finale of Made in the Mist as they chat with April Mullen, co-founder of award-winning production company WANGO Films. Discover the journey behind films like "88," "Wander," and "Simulant," as well as other productions shot in Niagara Falls and the surrounding regions. April shares insights on industry evolution, competition, and the joy of bringing a feature film to her hometown. Don't miss the exclusive sneak peek into WANGO Films' exciting upcoming film and TV projects, and this inspiring conversation with April Mullen, an extraordinary trailblazer in the world of cinema.

Connect with April:
Official Instagram: @april_mullen 
website: www.aprilmullen.com
email: info@wangofilms.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - 01:50 Welcome to the MITM

01:50 - 08:45 Introducing April Mullen & Entering the Film Industry

08:45 - 10:20 Premiere of Stimulant in NF & Building Community

10:20 - 14:49 Next Generation & Personal Film Passions

14:49 - 18:02 Pushing Through Highs and Lows

18:02 - 22:40 Evolving Industry & Competition

22:40 - 25:20 Film Festivals & Awards

26:40 - 29:45 What’s Next

29:45 - 35:10 Secret Sauce to Success

35:10 - 38:00 Stay in Touch & Filming in Niagara Falls

38:00 - 39:50 Signing off

Social Media expert and Travel Vlogger, Brandon Mimms stopped by the Niagara Falls Innovation to share how business strategies are evolving and why business owners need to adapt. Brandon has grown and managed multiple social media accounts, coined as, "digital real estate," to enhance how brands communicate on digital platforms. By staying consistent and true to his visionary mindset, he's had the opportunity to work with leading brands from around the global, as an advocate for our beautiful city, Niagara Falls, ON.

Brandon's Business Social Media:
Mental Health
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MentalHealth
TikTok: www.TikTok.com/@MentalHealth
YouTube:    / @mentalhealth 

Mondays (Sub-brand to @MentalHealth)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Mondays
Clothing line and Podcast coming soon

Brandon's Contact information:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/BrandonMimms
Email: brandon.mimms@hotmail.com

Entrepreneur-turned-influencer Vanessa De Prophetis came to our studio to discuss how she became a business owner at a young age, pivoting during lockdowns and the importance of believing in your dreams, even when those around you don’t!
Time Stamps:
00:00 - 03:42 Intro / Background
03:43 - 05:59 Dealing with Competition
06:00 - 08:30 Discovering Passion
08:31 - 10:37 The Hustle
10:38 - 17:10 From Employee to Business Owner
17:11 - 21:02 Client Life Cycles /  Moving the Business
21:03 - 29:09 Becoming an Influencer
29:10 - 30:01 Being Niagara-based
30:02 - 33:02 Tips & Tricks
33:03 - 34:25 Outro

The incredibly talented owner of Niagara’s newest attraction: “Goldie’s Selfie Museum”, Brianna Goldie, joins our hosts to discuss her impressive accomplishments as an actress & stuntwoman, the need for great support as an entrepreneur and how a medical condition changed the trajectory of her life.

Brianna opened in August 2022 as a selfie studio, and has recently introduced an on-site cafe and bar, fit for Barbie herself. Goldie's Museum recently hosted their grand opening, showcasing the 3000 square-foot venue was created by Brianna Goldie, and features over 25 photo-ops where you can interact with props and take some insta-worthy photos. You can enjoy installations like an oversized ball pit, life-sized angel wings, and giant lollipops, right here, in downtown Niagara Falls.


Time Stamps:
00:00 - 01:05 Intro
01:06 - 04:54 “Who is Brianna?”
04:55 - 17:59 Cheerleader, Photographer, Actress, Stuntwoman
18:00 - 20:51 The Backup Plan / The Hustle
20:52 - 22:10 Brianna’s Credits
22:11 - 28:39 “Goldie’s Selfie Museum”
28:40 - 30:14 Why Niagara Falls?
30:15 -  39:25 Beautification and Diversifying
39:26 -  42:01 ‘Loosening Up’ and Golfing in a Tutu
42:03 - 43:49 What’s Next for Brianna?
43:50 - 46:43 5 Tips for Entrepreneurs
46:44 - 49:15 Wrapping Up, Links and Outro

Founder and President of Cheekbone Beauty, one of the top 100 influential entrepreneurs in North America, Jenn Harper, sits down with Emma and Dan to discuss her take on company culture, representation of indigenous people and how Google Analytics played a key role in starting her business.
Jenn dreamed of crafting lip gloss for young Indigenous girls, but Beauty wasn’t an industry she knew much about—her work experience had mostly been in the food and hospitality industries. She mapped out what became her original business plan, and for the next two years, spent her evenings and weekends learning everything she could about entrepreneurship and working to build her business. Learn first-hand the tips and tricks to her success as Niagara-based entrepreneur!

Time Stamps:

00:00 - 01:09 Intro

01:10 - 09:22 Introductions, Background & Company Overview
09:23 - 13:48 Getting Ready to Build a Cosmetic Brand
13:49 - 17:47 Staying Motivated
17:48 - 18:50 First Products & Google's Influence
18:51 - 22:06 Turning Down a Deal on Dragon's Den
22:07 - 23:57 Investing in a Business vs. Investing in You
23:58 - 29:42 Growing Through Innovation and Change

29:43 - 32:15 Canadian Support

32:16 - 35:07 Advantages to Growing in Niagara Falls

35:08 - 39:32 The Next Big Steps & JCPenney Announcement

39:33 - 42:58 5 Tips for Entrepreneurs

42:59 - 44:47 Outro