EP 64: Each One, Teach One: Inclusive Communities for the Modern Nature Enthusiast with Michael Washington of Usal Project

For this week's episode, I’m speaking with Michael Washington.

Michael is the founder of Usal Project, an LA-based community offering experiences and goods for the modern nature enthusiast. Usal hosts over 20 monthly experiences that (in addition to forest therapy) include: foraging and herb walks, falconry, oceanic species dives, incense-making workshops, flower arranging classes, community hikes, and more.

In this conversation, Michael and I talk about the importance of cultivating community in a world where people are struggling with loneliness. We also discuss his relationship with nature growing up in Texas, how the music industry shaped his path, the origin story of Usal, why diverse perspectives and voices are essential in the outdoor space, and Michael’s perspective on failure, self-doubt and building a rapidly growing business. 

“As long as you mean well, as long as you’re putting your best foot out there, it’s hard to look back and be like ‘it was a failure’. I’m more happy failing with something I really liked than failing with something I really tried to make other people like.” - Michael Washington

“It’s a radical thing to do a sport [or activity] where no one else in that sport looks like you.” - Michael Washington

“It’s really easy to start something, it’s really hard to see it through.” - Michael Washington

“A good way to go about your life is to invite people into your world who you have complete differences with because it's really the best way to learn. And I think going back to what Usal is, which is at the end of the day, somewhat of a school–like a fun, weird school–deep in my heart, I feel the best way to learn is from people that share different identities and different backgrounds. I'm definitely intrinsically interested finding those types of teachers.” - Michael Washington

Resources

Show Notes

  • Michael’s relationship to nature growing up as a child in San Antonio “the biggest little city”

  • How being in the music industry planted the seed for Michael’s current path

  • Michael shares the insight and opportunity that inspired him to create Usal Project

  • Michael’s invitation to listeners that will fundamentally improve your life

  • The common barriers that prevent people from exploring the outdoors

  • Michael’s intention when it comes to the curation of nature-based classes for Usal

  • Life lessons that come from trying new activities

  • The unconventional way Michael structures his business and what it means to be “Usal”

  • Michael Washington gets real about perfectionism, self-doubt, creative output, growing a business

  • Failure as the greatest gift - “I’m more happy failing with something I really liked than failing with something I really tried to make other people like…because then you’re just lost.”

  • What people may be surprised to learn about Michael

  • The last 5 questions!

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episodesAlyssa Benjamincommunity, diversity, exploration, small business