BUSINESS OWNER:  Richard “Radio” Miller
BUSINESS NAME:  MIL MUZIQ GROUP
MAIN PRODUCTS/SERVICES:  Multimedia Entertainment and Marketing Brand
LOCATION:  Sioux City, Iowa

Short description of your business:

MIL MUZIQ GROUP (MIL) is a for-profit music company and brand specializing in all things music-related, marketing-related, business-related, and general entertainment.

What motivated you to start your business? What drives you each day? 

What motivated me to start my business was not having my own voice (in the church) to express my truths through music. Every moment that I’m able to produce, perform, and/or showcase my music is my way of expressing my thoughts and feeling through my creativity.

What’s unique about your business?

What is unique about my business is my ability to take the passion I have for music, knowledge of business/marketing, and culture/style of hip hop and infuse it with the energy of my faith. This creates a unique sound, stage performance, and overall unique perspective/business approach to the world of music, marketing, and business.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as you’ve grown your business?

My biggest challenge when it came to growing my business was not being placed in a box and educating others about the benefits my company can bring. Many people and businesses have preconceived notions when it comes to the culture of hip hop and how companies like MIL MUZIQ can benefit their company/organization. 

What has been your greatest reward? 

My greatest reward has not been money or recognition. It is the people that support and connect to my brand, music, and culture. In simple terms, it is the freedom to express and connect with others who relate to the movement.

How have you benefited from the startup community in Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use?

I have benefited tremendously from the startup community, specifically in the development and understanding of the world of business and marketing. I took a lot of time to study the people who have gone before me and learn from them. I attended entrepreneurial events and co-op spaces associated with organizations such as Siouxland Go, Briar Cliff University, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), etc.

Are there any experiences that were particularly influential in that regard?

I have had many influential moments. One in particular involved the Siouxland Growth Organization. They hosted a $5,000 grand prize entrepreneurial competition. This was at a time when I was just getting curious about becoming an entrepreneur. The knowledge and information I learned from watching, studying, and asking questions helped shape the beginning of my business ideas at that time.

Why is it important for the community to support startups and small businesses? What more can be done to help them?

It is important to support startups and small businesses because of the impact it has on the young business minds of our community. Also, there is nothing better than coming to an area where you see residents thriving, being able to make a living, raising a family from entrepreneurship, having the ability to create freely, and being supported throughout that process.

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when starting your business?

One thing I wish I knew when starting my business is how many doors will be closed in your face, how many people will tell you no, and how not to take the denials and rejections personally. Business is just business. Some people will understand; many will not.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business?

My advice to someone wanting to start a business is to be okay with change. Nothing will end the way that it starts. Also, remember you are dealing with people who don’t know what you know about your brand or abilities. Give them grace when they don’t understand; once they do, they will double back.

How can the community continue to help your business?

The community can help my business by following MIL MUZIQ on all platforms. Also, understand that every business can help your business in some way. Think outside the box and reach out to MIL MUZIQ. 

What are some future goals for your company?

I think far into the future and have really big aspirations/ideas. Many of which I cannot discuss publicly. However, one of my big and crazy ideas is to become the first hologram rapper and create a division of my company focused on using AI to create various hologram artists and characters.