607 Days Sober, 914 days of whiyou and the Realities of Brand Struggles and Personal Growth

Creating a brand sounded like an adventure filled with excitement and creativity.

And it is! Just a bit harder than I imagined.

The reality is far more intricate, especially when personal struggles come into play. Reflecting on my journey over the past 607 days of sobriety, I see a blend of challenges and blessings. This experience continues to push me to face my internal battles while nurturing the growth of WHiYOU, my fashion with purpose brand, which I began a life-saving 914 days ago. (Wow!)

In this post, I aim to share the behind-the-scenes struggles of building a brand while coping with substance-induced depression. My hope is to inspire others who may face similar obstacles and to remind everyone that acknowledging our realities can be powerful.

The Journey to Sobriety

Deciding to get sober was a monumental choice. It came after years of managing substance misuse, which I used as a way to cope with deeper emotional wounds. In those first few days, uncertainty loomed large. I often felt trapped in my own thoughts. Yet, as weeks turned into months, I began experiencing real change.

Sobriety has brought clarity, but it has also highlighted issues I had buried for years.

Emotions that had long numbed started to rise, and I found myself wrestling with anxiety, sadness, and self-doubt. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 48.5 million adults in the U.S. struggle with substance use disorders each year, 2.9 million in the UK, and more than 70,000 children in England have a parent struggling with alcohol misuse, with many facing similar internal battles. This journey is not just about avoiding substances; it is about confronting the reality of who I am and envisioning who I want to be.

The Impact on WHiYOU

Starting WHiYOU, a brand rooted in ethical fashion, aligned perfectly with my journey of sobriety. My vision is to create a space where fashion meets honesty and can impact change. Each piece should tell a story, allowing our community to feel good about their choices and proud to stand out for what matters to them.

Building WHiYOU while dealing with personal struggles has been tough. I often feel overwhelmed, especially on days when moving forward seems an impossible mountain to climb. There were times I wished I were further along, but I learn to honour my current state.

Creating this brand is a long-term commitment for me, one that will require patience and resilience. According to Statista, only 20% of new businesses survive beyond five years. While I haven't met all my goals, I've come to respect that every step is integral to the larger journey, and in this seemingly fast-paced world, legacies are crafted over time.

The Internal Struggles

A major hurdle in my recovery has been my internal dialogue. I regularly question my worth and abilities. The fear of failure feels paralysing at times. Through this process, I've had to learn how to quiet that inner critic, replacing it with encouragement instead.

This change has been challenging but necessary. I discovered that being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness. Sharing my story helped build connections and grow a sense of community. I think it reassures us that we are not so alone in our battles and that honesty can promote healing.

Embracing the Journey

Reflecting on my experiences, and now 607 days of sobriety and 914 days of building WHiYOU, it reveals that every struggle is to be celebrated and has contributed to my personal growth. There are still days when progress feels slow, but I remind myself that even small steps count as victories.

Can I build a brand from the comfort of my bed, because some days are just too hard to function in? Yes.

Is it harder? Yes.

Does it create a feeling of shame because others can function higher than I? Yes.

Is this part of an ever-growing story, and these darker times are merely small sentences in an ever-changing chapter and story...Yes.

When the time comes, will it help me build an understanding and inclusive team that can adapt to people's struggles? Yes!

Learning self-compassion has been crucial. Understanding that setbacks are a natural part of any journey helps me better appreciate the progress I've made.

For those who are facing their own challenges, I encourage you to take that first step. Turn One Day into Day One. Whether it's starting a new project, seeking help, or simply acknowledging your emotions, remember that every day presents an opportunity for growth.

The Power of Positivity

Though struggles are real, embracing positivity has been equally powerful. I've found that concentrating on things that inspire me and bringing joy into my life can significantly alter my perspective. Surrounding myself with supportive people and engaging in uplifting activities has transformed my outlook.

In fashion, there is a rising movement towards ethical practices. This resonates with my vision for WHiYOU. I firmly believe fashion can drive positive change, and I am committed to creating pieces that not only look good but also contribute positively to the world.

By focusing on the uplifting aspects of my journey, I’ve managed to channel my energy into creating a brand that aligns with my values. Even amidst adversity, we can infuse meaning, acceptance and purpose into our work.

It is vital to understand that everyone’s journey is different. We all face unique challenges, and taking time to heal and grow is perfectly okay. I have found that the speed of reaching our goals does not matter as much as the lessons learned along the way.

Reflection and The Path Forward

Reflecting on my journey leads to a vital question: Could I have accomplished this while still struggling with substance misuse? The answer is unequivocally no.

Sobriety has granted me the clarity and strength to chase my dreams. It has allowed all the suppressed thoughts to come to the surface, which often feels too heavy to handle, yet it has equipped me to build WHiYOU with intention. True growth stems from confronting our struggles and leveraging them as fuel for our passion.

In closing, I encourage anyone feeling stuck by their circumstances to take that first step. Whether navigating recovery, launching a business, or any life aspect, always remember that you are not alone. Embrace your journey, respect your struggles, and let them lead you toward a brighter tomorrow.

Building WHiYOU has been a voyage of self-discovery and resilience. I am thankful for the lessons learned and the relationships forged. Here’s to the next chapter, filled with hope, purpose, and the unshakeable belief that we can overcome any challenge.

Thank you to everyone who follows my personal progress and WHiYOU from afar, engages in, buys and supports.

-Ben Hunter, Founder & Director of WHiYOU.

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