What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

For the past two decades, I’ve immersed myself in the world of entrepreneurship, making it difficult to distill my experiences into a simple narrative. My journey began straight out of college as a flight instructor, where I quickly adapted to the independent contractor lifestyle common in private aviationr. This early exposure to the mechanics of running a business shaped my understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape.

From there, my path led me through various roles in aviation, culminating in the ownership of an aircraft export and delivery company, which I operated for a decade. During this time, I also took on contract roles in aviation training, further broadening my expertise. However, after a series of hair raising experiences and a thorough risk assessment, I realized that the high-stakes nature of this work didn’t often end in retirement but instead becoming a statistic. The relentless paperwork and ancillary operational demands caused me to reassess my career trajectory.

I took a brief hiatus from entrepreneurship, securing a conventional job to explore a different side of professional life. Yet, this period only reaffirmed that traditional employment wasn’t my calling. I recognized that this break had become counterproductive, prompting a period of introspection and self-discovery.

This soul-searching led me to real estate development, where I could channel my creative talents. With a keen eye for design and a sensitivity to my surroundings, I found fulfillment in curating spaces and delved deeper into architectural design through woodworking and metalworking. A project in the high desert further ignited my passion, leading me to establish a workshop where I could elevate my artistic endeavors.

In Los Angeles, I set up an art studio in a DTLA building, serendipitously discovering an opportunity to also open an art gallery. It felt like a natural extension of my studio, so I assembled a team and transformed a former storage space into the gallery you can visit today.

Do you have a budget? How do you think your personal finances and how do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?

I view my personal finances as intricately linked to my business finances, especially since I don’t have external investors at this time. My lifestyle is so intertwined with my business that many decisions hinge on both my personal desires and the impact on the company. This connection leads me to constantly evaluate whether each expenditure could be an asset to the business. Ultimately, it’s my own money at stake, so it becomes a balancing act between regulating my lifestyle and ensuring the health of my enterprise.

Risk taking : How do you think about risk. What role has taking risks played in your career and in your life?

Risk tolerance, for me, is shaped by a lifetime of experiences. When I was 13, I was convinced I’d never see 25, so each day beyond that felt like a bonus. Childhood trauma and the sense of helplessness in various situations, combined with the demands of high-risk environments, have forged a distinct perspective on risk assessment. The fear of not living fully outweighs the fear of dying for me, and in business, the fear of not starting something is greater than the fear of failure. This mindset explains my passion for skydiving and flying small planes around the globe—it’s the same drive that pushes me to continually test my limits. Just as there’s no such thing as a fail-proof business, there’s no way to guarantee safety in life.

Where are you from and how did your upbringing and background effect who you are today?

I grew up in the Midwest, an environment marked by rigidity. However, my experiences with trauma have led me to embrace a more fluid and unconventional approach to life, opting for flexibility over a rigid personality.

What is the most important factor behind your success & success of your brand/business?

The key to my success and the success of my projects lies in my ability to redefine success. Instead of focusing solely on financial gains, I prioritize emotional fulfillment, which has proven to be the most important factor in achieving true and lasting success.

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

My decision to start my own business stemmed from a strong resolve to approach things unconventionally. I thrive in the dynamic, fluid environment of entrepreneurship, where my satisfaction and productivity flourish. Additionally, given my unique perspective and approach, traditional employment options have become a poor fit.

Work life balance: How has your balance changed over time? What do you think about balance?

My work-life balance has always been a challenge. I’ve never been particularly adept at maintaining equilibrium between work and personal life. When you’re deeply immersed in creating art and pursuing your passions, it’s nearly impossible to switch off. I find myself working intensely until my body demands a break, often pushing myself to the point where I have no choice but to rest. For me, the pursuit of passion often overshadows the concept of balance.

What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?

My ultimate goal is to reach a point where I feel my efforts have made a significant impact, both for others and myself. I aspire to have authentically expressed my true self while providing a space where others can also express their creativity.

With the creation of The Luna Factory, I aimed to build an environment that supports my personal art while also serving as a collaborative haven for other creatives. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory, I envisioned a space where artists not only have a comfortable venue to showcase their work but also a workshop where they can create and collaborate.

The Luna Factory is designed to be a versatile hub for various forms of creative expression—be it live music, performance art, photo exhibitions, film production, fashion shows, art installations, poetry, and beyond. Our factory side is equipped for metal fabrication, resin work, woodworking, filming and photography, painting, sewing, prop building, and much more, providing a comprehensive space for artists to explore and bring their visions to life.

Why did you pursue an artistic career or creative career?

I pursued an artistic career because, without the outlet for self-expression that art offers, my soul would struggle in a cycle of misunderstanding and a deep yearning for acceptance. Art provides a unique form of fulfillment that no other medium has been able to offer, allowing me to communicate and connect in ways that resonate deeply with my inner self.