Lessons from Canvas

When I started HACOY, I thought of it as a series of tasks to complete. Each design, each piece of marketing was a step towards success. But painting has shown me that this approach is flawed. A good canvas doesn't happen in one go; it takes time and layers. I’ve learned to slow down. To let the paint dry between steps, to take breaks, and to return with fresh eyes. This change in mindset has made my work more deliberate, less rushed. I see now that running a brand is not about ticking off boxes but about nurturing growth. It’s about knowing when to step back and when to dive deeper into the details. When I paint, I often start with a color or shape that catches my eye. Sometimes it's a vibrant red, other times an unexpected curve. But there are days when I struggle to find inspiration. The blank canvas stares at me, unyielding. It’s frustrating and humbling. These moments have taught me the value of persistence and patience. In the same way, running HACOY has its challenges. There are times when sales are slow or marketing efforts seem ineffective. But these are not failures; they’re part of the process. I’ve learned to accept that progress is not linear. It’s about embracing the ebbs and flows, finding beauty in uncertainty. The other day, my dog walked into a half finished painting. He left paw prints across the canvas, ruining what I had started. I could have been upset but instead, I saw it as an opportunity to start fresh. And so, I did. This experience reminded me that sometimes things need to be undone before they can be redone better. Running a brand is similar; there are times when we must let go of certain practices or ideas and start anew.