Meet Mikkel

We were lucky to catch up with Mikkel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikkel, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from seeing life through the lens of gratitude — being thankful for everything that comes my way. The wins, the losses, the beautiful and the messy. I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t just about being thankful when life feels good; it’s about choosing to see purpose even when it doesn’t. Because when you live with gratitude, your whole perspective shifts — every moment becomes a chance to learn, to grow, or to give something of yourself to someone else.

There’s this idea I once heard that’s always stayed with me: people love fruit trees because they bear fruit. But what makes them truly special is that they don’t keep the fruit for themselves. When the time is right, they let it go — they share it. And that simple act of release becomes a blessing to others.

I think that’s how we’re meant to live. To grow, to bear fruit, and to give it away. To let the things we’ve been given — our talents, our experiences, our lessons — feed others. That’s what generosity looks like to me. Staying rooted in gratitude and letting your growth become someone else’s nourishment.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At Give Hope Studios, I get to do what I love most — tell stories and build experiences that actually mean something. I’m a filmmaker at heart, but what fuels me is creating spaces where people feel inspired, seen, and empowered. Whether I’m directing a film, building a brand, producing a live event, or crafting a full creative experience, my goal is always the same: make something that give people hope. Hope and generosity is at the center of everything we do.

What excites me most about this work is the community that forms around it. LA can feel loud and overwhelming, but at Give Hope Studios we’ve built a space that feels like family — a place where collaboration is real, not just a buzzword. I get to work with incredible artists, global brands, and everyday people chasing big dreams… and every project, no matter the scale, reminds me why I do this: creativity is powerful, and it has the ability to lift people up.

Something I want people to know about our brand is that we’re not just making content — we’re building an ecosystem. A home for creatives. A launchpad for ideas. A studio where purpose and aesthetics live in the same room. I’ve always believed that art should give more than it takes, and that’s the energy behind everything we produce and since I’m a Filipino immigrant, we champion Filipino creatives.

And we’re growing fast. We’re expanding our studio offerings, building new partnerships, developing original films, and taking our live-event work to a whole new level. There are some projects I can’t talk about yet, but trust — 2026 is going to be our most ambitious year.

At the end of the day, I started Give Hope Studios because I wanted to create work that sparks something in people. Something that gives hope, opens doors, and makes the world feel a little more possible. If our work can do that — even for one person — then I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, leading with generosity.
Everything changed for me when I stopped creating from a place of scarcity and started creating from a place of giving. When you’re generous with your time, your ideas, your encouragement — doors open that you didn’t even know existed. Generosity builds trust, it builds community, and it builds momentum. It’s the quiet superpower that compounds over time.

Second, becoming an expert in my craft.
At the end of the day, nothing replaces the work. I spent years studying, practicing, failing, learning, and sharpening my creative instincts. And I’m still doing that. Mastery is a lifelong pursuit, but the more you invest in your craft, the more confident you become in your voice. That’s when things start to click. My advice to anyone starting out: put in the hours. Obsess over the details. Stay curious. Your skill set is the one thing no one can take from you.

Third, treating people well — truly well.
The work will always speak for itself, but how you treat people will echo louder and last longer. Clients, collaborators, crew, interns — everyone deserves respect, kindness, and clarity. This industry is small. People remember how you made them feel. And when you build a reputation for being someone who’s both talented and good to work with, opportunities naturally find you.

For anyone early in their journey, here’s my advice:
Lead with generosity — even when you think you don’t have much to give.
Hone your craft — even when no one is watching.
Treat people well — especially when there’s nothing in it for you.

If you do those three things consistently, your future will take care of itself.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Start With Why by Simon Sinek taught me the language of purpose.
It reminded me that the most powerful work isn’t driven by hustle or hype — it’s driven by meaning. That every vision needs a heartbeat. That clarity of purpose is what turns ideas into movements. My biggest truth from that book: when your “why” is anchored, your path becomes unmistakably yours.

Creativity, Inc. by Edwin Catmull and Amy Wallace showed me how fragile and sacred the creative process is.
It taught me that great art is born in rooms where honesty is safe, curiosity is welcome, and ego has no throne. That leadership is less about control and more about creating space — space for people to be bold, imperfect, and human. It whispered this reminder I carry everywhere: protect the creative spirit, and it will protect the work.

The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips invited me inward.
It showed me that our inner world is not a place to escape — it’s a place to tend. That healing, reflection, and emotional honesty aren’t distractions from the journey; they are the journey. It taught me to pay attention to the roots beneath the surface. The lesson that stayed with me most: if your inner garden is healthy, everything you create on the outside will bloom with more intention, more compassion, and more truth.

Together, these books shaped the soul behind Give Hope Studios.
Purpose. Creativity. Wholeness.
The “why,” the work, and the heart.

They remind me that the best things we create aren’t just built with skill — they’re built with meaning, courage, and a well-tended inner world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.givehopestudios.com
• Instagram: @givehopestudios + @mikkelaranas

Image Credits

Kay Jo Aranas, Tony Arriola