Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Tamzil.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself:
The short answer, I build brands and innovate innovation… The long answer, I came from Indonesia to the US at 17. 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 make decisions that appear crazy to the world, but everything is done with intention. Done out of conviction to my inner voice, that’s where I decided to build TAMZ. I decided to be creative in charge of my life and the company I keep.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road is never smooth, every obstacle is a new opportunity to fall, learn and grow. 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. My biggest struggle was when 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 her brain. There I was, a father to a one-year-old daughter who had no clue what I was doing. One night I broke down and prayed to God to bring a mother for my baby girl. Three months later, He gave just that and so much more, and now we’ve been married for 18 years and that’s another story…
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create, curate, and celebrate creativity. Content with design first thinking is our gift. At TAMZ we don’t breathe the same air as your traditional agencies. We reject the basic solutions that temporarily fix a brand’s problem. We embrace our true rebel nature and disrupt the old ways by leveraging technology and injecting cool into your brand’s DNA.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Looking back for over two decades, everything comes with challenges both life and business. The key is balance. If you decide to start a business, you must maintain, manage, and market. Life also comes with challenges as told in my story, but in the end, if you do what you love these challenges can be overcome by passion and persistence.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ask those who know. Be faster, be smarter, be a dreamer and a doer. I hope these words from my daughter to her, well our generation can spark whole new energy…
“You’re weak. You sympathize with victims because that is the only perspective you see. You cling to destructive political ideologies because you can’t fathom a world where society isn’t in the wrong. You can’t fathom a world where your actions are the problem. You blame your shortcomings on society so you can avoid self-reflecting and realizing you are a disappointment, to yourself and your dreams.
You walk with your head down not because you’re looking at your phone but because your insecurities are so crippling, that you can’t look a streaker in the eye. You create a cancel culture because you can’t comprehend forgiveness. You reject anything that made humans happy for generations because it’s perceived as normal and you don’t want to seem insignificant.
You beg the world to lower its standard of work because you need to work a day in your life. Even as a child you were a winner just for participating when you actually were a loser. I get it, you’re comfortable in your safe space, and you can be. Live your life controlled by your next trigger.” Kyria Tamzil
Contact Info:
- Site: https://www.michaeltamzil.com
- Company: https://www.tamz.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketamzil/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/miketamzil
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/miketamzil
