Today, @thehugxyz closes out Sep with over 5,000 artists from 130 countries. Our biggest month yet, but anything but smooth. We received plenty of public criticism. We also experienced growing pains - more support queries, more channels, all while our team remains the same. Then there’s also the realities of running a startup < 2 years old - aspiring towards some work-life balance to keep burnout at bay, while acknowledging that we aren’t yet profitable and have to manage cash reserves thoughtfully to keep our team employed and compensated. In the last few hours I had in Singapore, my mom and I got into an explosive fight over my career and life choices, which she labeled as “irrational”. She’s not entirely wrong, but in my books, passion outweighs reason every time. I share this because every moment and milestone we celebrate is matched by an equal amount of sweat and tears. I know this because everyone who is a part of HUG are not just artists and entrepreneurs ourselves - we are also dreamers with stories to tell. As we enter the final 3 months of the year, we are hungrier than ever - to help more artists get discovered, to give them the tools and opportunities to increase their probability of success, and at the very least, help them connect with each other and art lovers like never before. And while I’m confident that we will delight many, I also know we are human and will make mistakes along the way. So here is an open invite to everyone to be a part of our journey - hold us accountable, but if you can, please root for us as hard as we are rooting for you ❤️
@debsoon @KhuranaVedika @thehugxyz Keep going!! The HUG community is an inspiration for many others in the space! We are still early, and remember, this is the bear of all bears, and the growth now will pay off in the future! ❤️🔥
It's lonely on the leading edge where harder days outnumber celebration days...but I couldn't admire you and the ecosystem more. The artists you've helped, many who are dear friends, are spreading their art and experiences with other artists and creating true change for the better. Deb, you couldn't be doing a better job.💪😌
@debsoon @thehugxyz Aw man felt it hard on “mom” and “explosive” …. This path for 1st Gen is not easy. When all our parents what is “stability” … but this path chose us and because it chose us it equips us to walk in it. I send you a big hug Debbie, and thank you.
@debsoon @thehugxyz So much goes on behind the currents in life, so thanks for sharing with us. Keep on keeping on because y'all are crushing it and being an example to many while displaying nothing but grace and commitment
@debsoon @thehugxyz The worst that can happen is you followed your passion 💪