Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Mizell.
Hi Craig, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hey there! My journey has been quite the ride, filled with music, family, and a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit. I originally hail from Baltimore, Maryland, but life had different plans, and by the time I was three, my family found ourselves in the heart of Flint, Michigan. It was there, surrounded by my mother’s musical influence and our extended family, that my love for music began to take root.
Speaking of my mother, the late Lemuel Yirmeyah, she was a force to be reckoned with in the music world. A proud graduate in music from the University of Michigan – “Go Blue!” Her alma mater’s spirit has always been a part of our musical tapestry.
The entrepreneurial bug bit me early, and that flame was stoked by the remarkable legacy of my father, Steven Mizell, a seasoned executive in the Fortune 500 world. After navigating high school in Grand Blanc, Michigan, I jumped into the collegiate scene, starting at Eastern Michigan University before making pit stops at Wayne State University and Schoolcraft College. Each step along the way added layers to the diverse experiences that would shape my eclectic career.
I’ve worn many hats as a musical and technical director, leaving my mark on various local and national stages. In 2010, I took the plunge and founded My-Zeal Productions, Co., a music production label that’s become a hub for creativity and talent. Family is everything to me, and I’m happily married to Dana D. Mizell, one of the talented artists signed to MZP. Together, we’re navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting eight wonderful children, cherishing the bonds of a strong family.
Recently, my creative journey hit a high note with the release of my latest single, “Big Big GOD,” featuring the Detroit Youth Choir, Kevin Stewart, and Leila Taraneh. This launch not only marked a musical milestone but also exemplified the power of collaboration. It coincided with the kick-off of the #BelieveBIG movement, an initiative by MZP that encourages young folks to dream big and believe in their potential. The fact that the combined streams of MZP artists have topped 1 million is a testament to the impactful collaborations shaping our musical endeavors. My story is all about passion, perseverance, and embracing the transformative force of collaboration in the pursuit of our dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges I’ve encountered, both in my career and personal life, have woven together to form a profound lesson on the value of collaboration. Incorporating others into my professional journey and cultivating a sense of community through collaboration has been an essential aspect of my personal growth. Despite being an only child in my household, I’ve earnestly dismantled the “I” mentality, embracing the collective ethos of “we” as the guiding principle for all my endeavors.
Navigating the complexities of a divorce and simultaneously raising small children has been a transformative experience that underscored the importance of collaboration. Balancing professional commitments while ensuring the well-being of my children demanded a collaborative approach, both within my work and personal life. The challenges became opportunities for collaboration with colleagues, artists, and, in the context of my personal life, with my new family, including my wonderful wife, Dana.
Integrating into a new family post-divorce requires a collaborative spirit, patience, and adaptability. Dana and I have faced these challenges together, recognizing that the blending of two families is an ongoing process that demands collaboration and understanding.
In my career, collaboration has become more than a strategy; it’s a philosophy that guides my approach. The journey, marked by its twists and turns, reinforces the belief that collaboration is not merely a means to achieve success but also a source of strength and resilience in the face of life’s complexities. It’s a reminder that together, we can create something greater than the sum of our individual parts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Embarking on my artistic and creative journey, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Musical and Technical Director for Triumph Church in Detroit, Michigan, from 2013 to 2021. It was a humbling experience, crafting musical atmospheres that resonated with the congregation and contributed to their spiritual journey. Similarly, as the Musical Director for The Word Network from 2006 to 2020, I played a part in sharing uplifting music with a broader audience through the powerful medium of television.
Working alongside an array of talented artists has been a cornerstone of my creative endeavors. Collaborations with gospel powerhouses such as LEXI, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Vashawn Mitchell, Ron Poindexter, Deon Kipping, Maranda Curtis, and Dorinda Clark-Cole have been transformative experiences. Each collaboration became a chance to contribute to the collective artistry, learning and growing alongside these remarkable voices.
On a more grassroots level, I’ve had the privilege of producing for many independent artists such as Darius Twyman, Dana D. Berry, Bishop Greg Davis, Larry Callahan & Selected of God, Dena Nicole Bass, Yemohni Jones, and many more, each with their unique voice and story. It’s within these intimate collaborations that the essence of creativity and community truly shines.
In an effort to create a platform for artists, the idea of the “Five for Five Live Experience” was conceived and brought to life through the collective imagination of myself and Kevin Stewart. This initiative has seen two successful live recordings, one on September 2, 2022, featuring solo artists, and another on February 20, 2023, showcasing choirs. During these events, we had the honor of recording my new single #BigBigGOD, a project that resonated with the collective spirit of the community. This ongoing endeavor is not about personal glory but is dedicated to providing a space for artists to shine collectively, sharing their gifts in a way that celebrates both community and creativity.
I am humbled to share that the Five for Five Live Experience has now taken to the road, becoming a ministry performance platform for independent artists, whether produced by myself or otherwise. It has evolved into a testament to the collective spirit of artistic expression, providing a stage for diverse voices, including those of renowned artists, to uplift and inspire audiences on a broader scale. This development is a reminder that creativity is not confined to a singular space but has the power to resonate and minister to hearts wherever it goes.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You know, one big lesson I’ve learned is that trying to control every little thing can actually hold back a community. I’ve seen how communities really thrive when individuals have the space to explore and grow on their own terms. It’s become a guiding principle for me, both personally and professionally.
And you know what’s cool? Collaboration is like the secret sauce in everything I’m into. It’s not about trying to micromanage every detail; it’s more about creating a vibe where everyone can bring their unique strengths to the table. I’ve found that some of the best stuff happens when different perspectives and talents come together.
In my world, collaboration isn’t just a fancy strategy – it’s a way of life. Whether I’m diving into music, business ventures, or just navigating relationships, I’ve seen how trusting people to bring their A-game within a supportive community is key. This lesson keeps steering my journey, reminding me to create spaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their real selves to the mix.
Contact Info:
- Website: Myzealproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigmizellceo/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.mizell1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu41QGXvJwm_F96QcLtEe3A
Image Credits
Q11 Photography
