Beyond the Brand: How Mike Williams Built a Life Through Storytelling & Videography

“I wanna make a film where, by the time a total stranger is done watching, they feel like they know that couple—and they’re happy for them.”

That’s the energy Mike Williams brings to every project. He’s not just a videographer—he’s a storyteller. A creative entrepreneur. A guy who turned a passion into a craft, and a craft into a business.

In this episode of Beyond The Brand, I sat down with Mike to talk about how he built Monark Media, what keeps him inspired, and the real lessons that come from building a business from scratch.

From Candy Sales to Camera Gear

Mike’s story starts in high school, selling candy out of his backpack like it was a full-blown operation. That hustle mindset carried through to college, where he was producing music and started shooting behind-the-scenes footage for artists.

One day, after watching a friend’s lackluster music video, Mike thought, “I can do better.” He didn’t own a camera, had never shot a frame—but the fire was lit. He researched, bought gear on a budget, and dove headfirst into learning the craft.

Learning Through the Lens

Mike didn’t go to film school. He went to YouTube University. He read books on DSLR filmmaking and color grading. He made mistakes. But every project made him better.

His first wedding video? It was free—for a friend. But they loved it so much, they paid him anyway. That was the spark.

“They didn’t even want a wedding video. I offered, and when they saw it, they were like—‘this is amazing.’ That’s when I knew I could do this.”

Why Storytelling Wins

Mike’s not interested in cookie-cutter highlight reels. His goal is to make every film feel personal—like you truly understand the couple or the brand behind the camera.

He captures vows, speeches, reactions—he wants the viewer to feel connected.

“A wedding is the same format every time. What makes it stand out is the people. That’s what I try to highlight—their personality, their love, their vibe.”

The Business Side of Creativity

Running a video business is more than holding a camera. Mike had to learn marketing, pricing, networking, and how to create consistent leads.

He started running Facebook and Instagram ads to scale his bookings. After just $250 in ad spend, he booked a $2,500 client and generated nearly a dozen serious inquiries.

“I realized I was the technician. I was doing everything—editing, shooting, marketing. I had to shift from working in the business to working on it.”

Seasons of Burnout and Reset

Mike kept it real about burnout—especially after the chaos of wedding season.

When the gigs slowed down, so did his motivation. He started experimenting with fasting and intentional routines to sharpen his focus.

“I was in a funk. But I’ve learned how to check in with myself. Fasting, walking, reflecting—it helps me reset and come back stronger.”

Growth Mode

Now, Mike’s thinking bigger. He’s building systems, training editors, and stepping into the CEO role. He’s obsessed with growth—not just in skill, but in mindset and reach.

He’s got his eyes set on national brands like Nike. And with the momentum he’s building? It’s not far-fetched.

Advice for Creators and Entrepreneurs

Mike had a few gems for anyone trying to build something real:

• Start where you are. Use what you’ve got.

• Talk about what you do. It feels repetitive, but someone’s always listening.

• Don’t be afraid to fail. You learn more from Ls than wins.

• Take pride in the details. That’s where the pros live.

• Keep showing up. The craft will reward you if you stay consistent.

  
  

Final Words

Mike Williams journey is proof that you don’t need a film degree or a massive budget to build a powerful brand. You need passion, resilience, and a willingness to learn as you go.

And most of all—you need to tell a story worth remembering.

Check out Mike's work:🔗 Monarch Media🔗 Monarch Weddings📱 | @mikemonarch