What do you get when you mix your business passions with a stubborn desire to be in control of your destiny? A burgeoning bartender or Starbucks barista? No. You get the one thing we all desire- to become a boss in life and business. Julie Cavaliere, an actor, writer, producer, director, and owner of Very Cavaliere Productions, says that she found her motivation for indie movie production after collaborating with an indie producer and acting roles in shows such as FBI: Most Wanted. 

Many business entrepreneurs struggle with balancing taking their careers into their own hands and learning new skills that can further their endeavors. They get stuck trying the same methods or plans as an owner while expecting different outcomes. The truth is, it takes more than arduous work to be your boss in business and life. Here are three keys:

According to Cavaliere, she always had an interest in film production and development, but she was broke and had no connections in the film industry. She did not let those challenges stop her from succeeding in her calling. She became the ultimate millennial multitasker using roles such as working children’s events, bartending, and acting in small roles to fund her passions. Sometimes you have to humble yourself a take on roles that you would not normally do to get to where you need to be in life. 

Adapt to change and sharpen your business acumen at the same time. The many different hats you wear along your business journey will serve you well as an upcoming CEO in the making. 

How can you be in charge of the script of your own life if you have never submitted your work on the world stage? Too many of us have great business ideas and plans that are stuck in our heads and are not played out in the real world. That is what Cavaliere did when she pitched her production-ready script with her partner Michaela Ternasky-Holland to Meta Quest, Facebook’s virtual reality platform.  “I am grateful to Meta for funding production and distribution and giving me free creative rein and full rights of my IP,” says Cavaliere. Together they created Reimagined Volume I: Nyssa, which Cavaliere wrote and directed and is part of an anthology series that is World Premiering at the Venice International Film festival.

The unknown is scary and uncomfortable. The late Fred Rogers created the popular kids show Mister Rogers Neighborhood because he didn’t like kids TV options at the time. “I went into television because I hated it so,” he said, “and I thought there’s some way of using this fabulous instrument to nurture those who would watch and listen.” Get comfortable with being uncomfortable to make progress in your life plans. 

Cavaliere says, “There are lots of opportunities for female creative writers to take control in this space of virtual reality and digital production.” You have to be an initiative-taking learner and a seeker of business collaborations for your idea to come to life. The cost of virtual reality sets was high, but Meta took on her anthology series because they believed in the concept and idea of her project. There will be money, time, and staff challenges but if you continue to seek the right people, the right people will come into your life. 

“The best way for you to get what you want is to ask for it. Eventually, if the idea is good, someone will answer your call, persistence pays off- don’t be afraid to hear the word ‘no,'” says Cavaliere.