Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Jade
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a songwriter, living the cliché: Berklee grad, LA transplant, Warner Chappell’s latest acquisition. Spent a few years writing songs for pop music aristocracy. A mediocre success story straight out of a mediocre movie.
Around Covid, I decided to veer off-script. “Songwriter” was my identity until it wasn’t.
Covid didn’t birth this career shift though. I had written this idea in my journal years earlier, among a graveyard of other half-baked ideas.
Eventually I came to realize that too many people I knew were feeling stuck in life. I’ve always been a proponent of trying new things as a great way to get out of a rut. But I also realized that while there are so many unique things to do all around us (at least in LA), very few of us actually try new things on a regular basis.
Why? My hypothesis is that there’s too much friction around trying new things: too much research, planning, clunky event sites, and especially the cost when it comes to certain things.
So I set out to see if it was possible to remove all that friction for people (including the cost) and thus Renaissance Club was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It would be much quicker to answer “what went smoothly”?
– This is an unprecedented, unproven idea
– It cost me my life savings to build, and have thrice needed to nearly fold due to lack of funding
– I virtually abandoned my music career for 2 years to get this off the ground
– I’ve dealt with multiple lawsuits and threats
– Our growth stalled for 3 straight months and I had no idea why
– It took tremendous ideation and refinement to make this service feel truly valuable given the price point.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
We’ve been impressed with Renaissance Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Featured twice in the LA Times as one of the best new memberships of the year, Renaissance Club is a membership service that removes all the friction between you and trying something new.
It’s like speed dating but with experiences instead of people.
We are for people who value their time: Creatives, CEOs, Artists, Self Starters, Entrepreneurs, Producers, Corporate Conquerors, Spiritualists, Self-motivators, Busy Couples, Hustlers, Innovators, Trailblazers
…busy people who want to do cool shit, but also have shit to do.
With us, you’re going to try everything from archery to pottery, woodworking, cooking classes, whale watching, blacksmithing, martial arts, dance classes, live shows, falconry, skydiving, ancient art classes, meditation, and over 100 other experiences.
You never know what you’re doing next. Each experience is a surprise. All you choose is the date, then we handle the rest, including the cost.
We tell you the what, the when, the where, and the wear. All you need to do is show up with an open mind.
You can sign up Solo, or as a Duo with a partner of your choosing. The benefits are endless.
We are perfect for couples, friends, or relatives who want to strengthen or spice up their relationships. We are also great for Solo lone wolves who want to get out of their comfort zone, try new things alone, and meet new, like-minded people along the way.
We are here to spark creativity and connection, to help people out of personal or creative ruts, and to bolster small businesses you rarely stumble upon.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In the beginning, focus all your energy on how you can be more valuable to someone else than they can be to you.
When it comes to finding mentors and networking, change “How much can you do for me?” to “How much can I do for you?” and see what happens.
Pricing:
- Classic Membership (1 exp/mo) – $99/mo
- Biweekly Membership (2 exp/mo) – $189/mo
- Thrill Seeker Premium package (add-on) – $26/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renaissanceclub.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/renaissanceclub.la
Image Credits
LA Times
Sam Creighton
