_{This weeks Hussle Topic is all about who is most important to you as a creative and your success}

Yo Hussle fam,

There’s been something on my mind lately and a conversation i’ve had a few times: Who plays the biggest role in your creative success—your customers, mentors, or peers?

It’s a tough question, and honestly, I haven’t fully got to a final answer. Each group has its own unique value, but depending on where you are in your journey, one might matter more than the others at different times. So today, I want to go through the impact of each and share where I stand—at least for now.

Let’s start with the obvious—customers. If you’re selling your creative work, offering services, or running a business, customers are essential. They’re the ones paying you for your time, your skills, and your vision. Without them, there’s no financial foundation for your business to stand on.

But beyond the money, customers provide you with a form of real-world feedback that can’t be ignored. They’ll tell you what resonates and what falls flat, allowing you to fine-tune your craft to meet what the market wants. Working with customers pushes you to be more strategic, which is key if you want to turn your creativity into a sustainable business.

That said, not all customers are good for your growth. Some clients will respect your creative vision and let you take the lead. Others might see you as just another service provider, expecting you to simply deliver on their demands without much creative freedom. Balancing client needs with your own artistic voice can be tricky, and too much focus on pleasing customers can sometimes dull your creative edge.

The key is to attract the right customers—people who value your unique perspective and give you the space to experiment. These are the customers who’ll help you grow without compromising your vision.

Hussle Action:
Look at your current clients.

Are they pushing you creatively, or are you just delivering what they ask for to keep the lights on?

If you feel like you’re sacrificing too much of your creative identity, it might be time to seek out clients who align better with your values.

Now let’s talk about mentors. Having a mentor is like getting the cheat codes to the creative game. They’ve already walked the path you’re on, so they know where the pitfalls are, how to navigate tricky situations, and how to fast-track your growth. A mentor can give you the kind of advice that helps you avoid years of trial and error, offering new perspectives that you might not have considered.

Mentors can open doors that you didn’t even know existed. They can challenge your thinking, expand your network, and push you to think bigger than you might have on your own. Their experience is invaluable, especially when it comes to business strategy and personal development.

But here’s the thing: mentors aren’t always available when you need them. They have their own careers, commitments, and responsibilities, so while their guidance can be gold, you can’t always rely on them for day-to-day support. And remember, mentors give advice based on their own journey, which might not always perfectly align with your specific situation.

At the end of the day, while mentors can offer strategic guidance, the onus is still on you to adapt that advice and make it work for your unique path.

Hussle Action:
If you have a mentor, take the time to discuss your current challenges and ask for their perspective.

If you don’t have a mentor yet, start by find someone you look up and look for ways to engage with their content or work.

Build a relationship over time—mentorship is usually a long game.

Finally, let’s look at peers —the people who are on the same grind as you. Your peers are likely facing the same struggles, chasing similar goals, and trying to navigate the creative landscape in real time. This group can be your immediate support system, providing everything from collaboration opportunities to emotional encouragement. This is often where “clout” is built. If your peers don’t rate you are you really doing well is a question to think about?

Peers offer something that mentors and customers can’t: real-time feedback and shared experiences. When you’re surrounded by people who are in the same stage of growth, you’re able to learn together. You can swap resources, exchange clients, collaborate on projects, and even offer each other referrals. These horizontal networks are often overlooked but can be incredibly powerful for long-term growth.

That said, focusing too much on peers can sometimes lead to being stuck in the same loop. If everyone in your peer circle is dealing with similar challenges, it can feel like you're all facing the same roadblocks together without new solutions. While it’s great to have people who “get it,” it’s also important to keep pushing each other forward.Collaboration can be a game-changer for audience growth. Partner with other creatives or brands that align with your values and audience. This could be through joint projects, guest posts, or shoutouts. When you collaborate, you’re introduced to each other’s audiences, which can lead to a significant increase in your following.

Hussle Action:
Pick a peer you respect and reach out to them today.

Whether it’s for collaboration, feedback, or just to exchange ideas, your peers are a treasure trove of inspiration and motivation.

Building strong peer relationships can open doors to opportunities you didn’t expect.

I’ve been reflecting on this a lot, and I still don’t have a final answer. All three groups—customers, mentors, and peers—play a vital role in your creative journey, but their importance can shift depending on where you are.

For me, it’s really about balance. Some days, my customers feel like the most important piece of the puzzle because they fund my journey. Other days, I realize how much my peers push me creatively and keep me motivated. And mentors? Well, they help me see beyond what’s immediately in front of me, guiding me toward long-term success.

At the end of the day, you need all three—but how you prioritize them will depend on where you are in your journey.

Here’s what I want you to do today:

I’m still figuring out the balance myself, but I’d love to hear your thoughts (DM me). Who’s had the biggest impact on your creative journey—your customers, mentors, or peers? Or maybe you’ve found a balance that works for you.

Stay hussling,

Ibrahim

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_{I’ve found that curiosity is one of the keys to growing in this industry. The moment you stop learning, is the moment you stop growing so every week in Curiosity Corner. l share a bunch of random books, youtube videos, music I listen to and more that have and still help me develop both personally and professionally. Have a look and let me know your thoughts!}