Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in blockchain but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teddy Zee, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer of MINTNFT, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MINTNFT is a premium Web3 platform that creates exclusive membership clubs. We bring consumers closer to the brands and artists they love through our suite of Web3-powered products designed to make the experience simple, secure, and social. We are a B2B2C company that leverages blockchain technology. At the core of our business is an MPC shared custody wallet that helps to remove friction for our partners and consumers.
Tell us about yourself
I never imagined that I would be a co-founder of a company in my 60s. I've had a long career in Hollywood as a studio executive and film producer and transitioned into advising and consulting for companies at the cross-section of content, technology, and commerce. As Executive Producer of PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, I think the film could have more aptly been titled PURSUIT OF PURPOSE.
As a storyteller, I believe we were all created to pursue dreams and be as productive as possible. In a fast-changing world, I've been fortunate in my career to be situated on the leading edge of change. I think that Web3 is the next disruptive change, and I am excited to work with some incredible visionaries to help shape the future.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
At MINTNFT, we were very fortunate to help drive a campaign last year involving Mattel's Barbie and the Paris-based luxury fashion house Balmain. While we were tasked to sell three NFTs, we were able to broaden the campaign to include over 20,000 fans, most of whom had never had any experience with NFTs or cryptocurrency. We were able to establish the cornerstone of a robust Web3 community and a business case that made digital collectibles accessible to mainstream consumers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There has been so much hype in the world of crypto and NFTs. The highs have been incredibly high, while the lows have wiped out fortunes. With all of the noise in the market, we chose to keep our heads down and stay true to our vision. We believe the true mainstreaming of Web3 will come from brands and premium IPs engaging with their existing customers and communities, not from the speculation of a handful of crypto natives. The future will be around access, rewards, benefits, and engagement.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Crawl, walk, then run. You cannot sprint right out of the gate when running a marathon. You need a plan as well as patience.
- A good product isn't enough. You also need a good story. Keep refining that story while you build until it's second nature.
- Surround yourself with people who share your vision and work ethic, and treat others with respect. You end up spending more time with your co-workers than with family and friends.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mintnft.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tzeePERSONAL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teddyzee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TEDDYZEE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddyzee
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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