Meet Richard Bonilla

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard Bonilla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Richard, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from adversity. Growing up, I watched people close to me struggle — financially, emotionally, and spiritually. There was a moment when I realized I could either inherit that outlook or challenge it. I chose to challenge it.

I made a decision at one point in my life where it became clear there were really only two choices: see the good or see the bad in things. That doesn’t mean I ignore reality. I’m a New Yorker. I see the flaws, the risks, the tough side of life. But I also understand that we always have a choice. You can walk the path of pessimism or the path of optimism. And I’ve learned that optimism makes the road lighter. The challenges don’t go away, but your energy, your clarity, and your ability to keep moving all shift when you choose to see possibility instead of defeat.

What shaped my optimism most wasn’t just wanting a better life for myself, but believing that I could build one through discipline, connection, and vision. I’ve started businesses from scratch, pivoted when things failed, and continued to believe in people, even when they weren’t ready to believe in themselves yet.

Optimism isn’t ignorance. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s a choice. And in my experience, it’s the better one.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a builder. I build businesses, brands, and people.

Professionally, I work across hospitality, marketing, and coaching. I run Mélange, a hospitality and media consultancy that helps venues grow through AI driven marketing, guest experience strategy, and fractional executive support. I also lead Elite Lifestyle International, which is my personal coaching platform that helps people in transition — entrepreneurs, creatives, and career shifters — structure their time, build confidence, and create lives that feel aligned.

One of the things I’m most excited about right now is the expansion of the Old Rabbit Club, a bar concept I took over in NYC with my longtime friend and business partner. It’s a deeply personal project, and after beating our sales projections in the first year and growing even more this year, we’re now opening a second location in the Lower East Side.

At the core of all my work is this belief: you can’t fake impact. Whether it’s helping someone launch their next chapter or bringing a space to life, I focus on structure, clarity, and energy. That’s what my brands are built around.

If you’re curious about what we’re building, I’m always open to connecting.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most important things that shaped my journey were self awareness, communication, and execution.

Self awareness gave me clarity. It helped me understand what I’m good at, what drains me, and what actually matters to me, not just what looks good on paper. If you’re early in your journey, invest time in learning who you are, not just what you want. It will save you years of chasing the wrong things.

Communication opened doors. Whether it’s pitching a business, coaching someone, or navigating a tough conversation, how you communicate shapes how people receive you. Learn to listen, speak clearly, and connect with people. It’s not about being impressive. It’s about being real.

Execution is what moves everything forward. Ideas are everywhere, but being able to act on them consistently is what creates results. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, adjusting, and staying in motion.

If you’re just starting out, focus on these three. Know yourself. Learn how to connect with others. And most importantly, keep going.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I would spend it focused on my health, deepening my connection with friends and family, and fully living through meaningful experiences. I would also use that time to build something lasting, a foundation rooted in discipline, clarity, and action. Something that could be passed forward, whether through a formal organization or a structure that helps others grow long after I’m gone. My goal would be to live well, love deeply, and leave behind something that continues to serve others.

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