A Letter From My Past Self

As I was perusing through my A3 sketchbook – aka the book holding all of Rust’s original business plans, important info and dreams – recently, I came across a letter from my past self.

From Viv, circa April 2018, to be exact.

It was written in the early days of Rust. I don’t think I’d even designed the branding, or set our website live. Everything was still *so* new and like a never ending stumble through the dark.

As I read through it, I felt an instant wave of pride. Pride for that version of me, who continued to persevere and give it a crack, even when she had no idea what would happen.

And pride for me. Today. I’ve come so far since writing this, and yet I still hold so many of these beliefs close to my heart.

So I’ve decided to share the letter with you. Because it helped me a few days ago – it was the boost of confidence *exactly* when I needed it. I hope it does the same for you, dear reader.

A Friendly Reminder 17/04/18

Your website is never going to be as perfect as you’d like it to.

You’re always going to question your brand colours, and wonder if you made the “right” choice.

There will always be someone out there with more money and well connected friends.

There will always be someone younger who started innovating and creating before you did.

Just because you’re starting a business at 23 doesn’t make you any less qualified than anyone else.

And 23 isn’t too late either. Don’t forget that.

Yes, you could’ve started sooner or finished that degree, but the Universe had a plan for you that led you to now.

To Rust.

Unfortunately, you had to work for big companies and shitty bosses and clean houses in order to land where you are today.

Today you are working and studying and still making time to pursue your dream.

You are checking Instagram and reaching out to people and making moodboards and writing blog posts.

You are starting a business from the ground up, and that takes time, care and watering.

You’ve started Rust with no savings and no experience, just a willingness to learn that has helped you take the leap.

Remember that you’re brave enough to ask questions and seek out advice and build a community of gals just like you.

You’ve made it this far and can overcome whatever bullshit gets flung your way, because you’ve been to hell and sent a fucking postcard and returned to build something positive out of that ick.

You’ve got a wonderful support network of family and friends who are proud of you and will help in whatever way they can.

You’ve got the internet and a borrowed computer and a pen and paper for your craft.

What more could you need?

Launching Rust isn’t about being the best right away.

You don’t need to be at the top or pulling 10,000+ jobs.

You know where you want to be and what kind of clients you want.

You’ve done your homework, you’ve done the pesky tasks.

The idea of invoicing doesn’t terrify you, but even if it did you’d just ask for help and the worry would be gone.

You’re a write with knowledge of design. A team player who likes to work alone. Fond of blogs but in love with books.

You bring your you-ness to this brand which is what makes you unique.

You don’t have to follow anyone’s rules with Rust – it’s all yours.

You built this, and worked through the tears and went deep into review sites.

Everything about this business is yours, and nobody can take that away from you.

Don’t forget that bit.

Also, everything’s gonna work out just fine. Rust will be a total success in your eyes – and beyond – I can feel it.

Viv