27 Oct MIKALA MEIDL AMBIENT INKS | EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT

EXECUTIVE IMPACT: MIKALA MEIDL SPOTLIGHT

LEADING WITH PURPOSE: BUILDING A CONSCIOUS COMPANY THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY, INTEGRITY, AND HEART

At Liftoff Enterprises, we spotlight leaders who redefine what it means to build with purpose — those who blend creativity, community, and conscious leadership to drive impact. This Executive Spotlight features Mikala Meidl, CEO of Ambient Inks, a merchandise management company reshaping how artists, brands, and organizations connect with their audiences — and with the planet.

AMBIENT INKS: CREATIVITY THAT CARES

Founded on a mission to merge artistry with ethics, Ambient Inks supports touring musicians, small businesses, non-profits, and events in managing every aspect of their merchandise operations — from design and printing to fulfillment, shipping, and logistics.

“What truly sets us apart,” Mikala explains, “is our commitment to sustainability and conscious business practices. We partner with apparel brands who care about their environmental footprint, use eco-friendly packaging, and operate with transparency, inclusivity, and integrity.”

Ambient Inks doesn’t just make products — it builds movements. With eco-conscious production methods and a people-first culture, the company has become a trusted partner for artists and organizations who want to make an impact far beyond the merch table.

MIKALA MEIDL: GROWING THROUGH EVERY CHAPTER

Mikala’s journey at Ambient Inks began a decade ago — long before she became CEO.

“I started washing screens and folding tees,” she recalls. “Over time, I learned every corner of the business — from poster printing to e-commerce, operations, and account management.”

That hands-on experience shaped her leadership philosophy: lead by understanding, empower through empathy, and grow through learning.

But it was motherhood that deepened Mikala’s vision.

“When I had my first daughter in 2022, I was faced with a new set of expectations as a working mother,” she shares. “I became even more determined to show that you can be an amazing mother and an incredible CEO.”

Then, after the birth of her second daughter in 2025, Mikala faced life-threatening complications.

“It took months to heal,” she says. “That experience gave me profound clarity about my purpose — to create change for working mothers and build a more inclusive world for women everywhere.”

SUSTAINABILITY AS A BUSINESS STRATEGY

The textile and merchandise industries have long struggled with waste and unethical production. Mikala and her team are leading the charge to change that.

“The apparel industry is evolving quickly,” she says. “We now have access to garments made from recycled materials — even from water bottles or 100% recycled cotton. It’s exciting to offer clients products that not only look good, but do good.”

Through conscious sourcing, innovative technology, and partnerships with like-minded suppliers, Ambient Inks proves that profitability and sustainability can coexist — beautifully.

BUILDING TRUST AND COLLABORATION IN MUSIC AND BEYOND

The music industry moves fast — and merch plays a vital role in connecting artists with their fans. For Ambient Inks, trust is everything.

“In touring, there are a million moving pieces,” Mikala explains. “If we don’t do our job, an artist could be without merch on tour — leaving fans empty-handed. That’s why collaboration and communication are at the core of what we do.”

From concept to delivery, Mikala’s team works hand-in-hand with artists to create meaningful, sustainable products that fans treasure — each piece carrying the emotion of a live performance or special moment.

“There’s no greater gift,” she says, “than seeing a fan light up as they hold a shirt or poster that represents a memory they’ll never forget.”

A RECENT WIN: MERCH WITH A MISSION

One of Ambient Inks’ proudest moments came in May 2025, when the company produced merch for Curebound’s Concert for Cures, featuring Elton John.

“We printed a stunning six-color poster on holographic foil and an event tee,” Mikala says. “It was such an honor — not only to work for a legend like Elton John but to collaborate with a mission-driven organization raising funds for cancer research. That’s exactly what we love to do — make merch that makes a difference.”

LEADERSHIP WITH BALANCE AND HEART

As a CEO, Mikala embraces a holistic approach to leadership — one rooted in self-care and sustainability of both people and purpose.

“It took me a long time to realize that self-care is essential to leading well,” she admits. “When I’m balanced, I’m more creative, inspired, and effective.”

For her, that balance includes time with family, unplugging from work notifications, and prioritizing rest and reflection.

“It’s not about doing everything,” she says. “It’s about doing what matters — well.”

THE POWER OF TEAM AND TRUST

Mikala’s biggest leadership lesson centers on the strength of her team.

“As a leader, your job is to inspire and empower, not to do everything yourself,” she says. “Surround yourself with people who fuel you, who challenge you, and who bring new perspectives. Hire experts. Give them autonomy. Trust them.”

She adds, “The right person can transform your business — and the wrong one can drain it. Trust your instincts, and lead with empathy.”

A COMPANY THAT PRINTS WITH PURPOSE

While many know Ambient Inks for apparel, Mikala hopes more people discover their screen-printed posters — handcrafted works of art that merge nostalgia, design, and storytelling.

“There’s something timeless about holding a tangible piece of art,” she says. “It connects people in a way digital never can.”

LOOKING AHEAD: A FUTURE LED BY WOMEN, PURPOSE, AND POSSIBILITY

Through every challenge and triumph, Mikala continues to build a company where creativity, sustainability, and humanity coexist.

Her leadership proves that success and empathy are not opposites — they’re allies.

“I want to show my daughters — and all women — that leadership can look like compassion, courage, and conviction all at once,” she says. “We’re building something that matters — for our team, our artists, and the planet.”

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Permission granted by Mikala Meidl to feature all quotes, names, company references, and brand materials across Liftoff Enterprises platforms.