_{This weeks Hussle Topic is all about how to equip yourself to DIY}

Yo Hussle fam,

Let’s be real for a second—when you’re building something from the ground up, especially without a budget, you’ve got to get comfortable doing things yourself. I’ve been there. When we were building GUAP, there wasn’t a team of people to call up for every little thing. I had to teach myself how to shoot, how to edit, and even how to build a website—all just to get the vision off the ground.

The reality is, knowing how to DIY different aspects of your hussle isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. You save money, you’re in control of your creative vision, and, most importantly, you can keep things moving without waiting on anyone else. It’s really that Hussle Spirit.

So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a minute, here are some must-learn skills to level up your hussle and get sh*t done.

We live in a visual world. Whether it’s an Instagram post, a logo, or promo materials for your next project, you need to know how to create visuals that speak to your brand. Learning to use tools like Photoshop or even Canva will give you the power to control your brand’s look and feel.

Why It’s Important: The way you present yourself visually is a huge part of your brand. The more control you have over that, the better.

Hussle Action: Download Photoshop, Illustrator, or start with Canva (it’s free). There’s no shortage of YouTube tutorials to get you up to speed. You don’t need to be a design genius, but you do need to know enough to get your ideas out. Just have a clear vision of what you like and find a way to make it using online tools.

Content drives the world. Knowing how to create high-quality photos and videos is a non-negotiable in today’s hustle. It’s how you connect with your audience, showcase your work, and promote your brand. Start by learning the basics of shooting and editing content.

Why It’s Important: If you can create your own content, you don’t have to rely on someone else to do it for you. Consistent content is key to growing your brand, and this way, you can make it happen whenever you need to.

Hussle Action: Start with what you’ve got—even if it’s just your phone. Use free editing apps like VSCO for photos and InShot for videos. You’ll be surprised how professional things can look with just a little bit of effort. Also spend a lot of time on youtube understanding the basics of photography/videography. You will learn a transferable skill that would mean you can pick up any camera and shoot.

Every legit brand needs a website. Even if you’re just getting started, having a place where people can learn more about you and what you do is crucial. And the best part? You don’t need a coding degree to make one.

Why It’s Important: Your website is your digital storefront. It tells people you’re serious about your business. Even a simple, clean site can do wonders for how you’re perceived.

Hussle Action: Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress let you build websites without needing to code. Even on Canva you can too. Dive into one of these platforms and get your online presence looking professional easily.

Sales isn’t about being pushy—it’s about understanding people and knowing how to communicate your value. Whether you’re selling a product, pitching a client, or even promoting yourself, learning the psychology behind sales is a game-changer.

Why It’s Important: Understanding why people buy helps you position yourself and your work in a way that resonates. It’s not just about selling, it’s about connecting.

Hussle Action: Check out books like "Influence" by Robert Cialdini or "Sell Like Crazy" by Sabri Suby to get started. Learn what makes people say “yes” and how you can use that knowledge to close deals.

Good copywriting is key to grabbing attention, but not everyone is a natural-born writer—and that’s okay. In today’s world, you can level up your how to write by using tools like ChatGPT or Jasper AI to help you generate content, whether it’s captions, email newsletters, or product descriptions.

Why It’s Important: AI tools can help you get your ideas out faster, but they’re not a replacement for your unique voice. Use them to streamline your writing process, then go in and edit to make sure your tone and style shine through.

Hussle Action: Play around with free AI writing tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, generating ideas, or creating drafts. But remember—AI can’t replicate your authenticity, so always personalise it to fit your voice.

If you’re not keeping track of your money, your hussle’s going to fall apart—fast. Learning how to manage your finances is one of the most important skills you can develop as a creative entrepreneur. You don’t need an accountant right away—just a basic understanding of how to budget, track expenses, and pay your taxes.

Why It’s Important: Financial control = creative freedom. When you’ve got your money in check, you can make smart decisions about your next moves.

Hussle Action: Use apps like QuickBooks or Wave to track your income and expenses. Even if you’re just starting out, knowing where your money is going is key.

Your brand is your identity. It’s not just a logo or color scheme—it’s the feeling people get when they see your work or hear your name. Having a strong, consistent brand sets you apart from the crowd and makes you memorable.

Why It’s Important: A well-defined brand makes it easier for people to recognise and connect with you. Your brand is the story you’re telling, and it needs to be clear across everything you do.

Hussle Action: Start by defining your brand’s message and what you stand for. What do you want people to feel when they interact with your work? Once you know that, make sure your visuals, tone, and messaging are all aligned.

Networking doesn’t have to feel fake. It’s not about collecting business cards—it’s about building real relationships. The people you connect with today can open doors for you tomorrow, so you’ve got to put yourself out there.

Why It’s Important: Your network can lead to opportunities, collaborations, or even mentorship. You can’t do it all alone.

Hussle Action: Start small. Attend creative events, join online communities, and engage with people on social media. The key is to be genuine—don’t network just to get something, network to build relationships.

Once your hustle starts growing, you need to stay organised. Whether you’re managing multiple clients, projects, or just trying to keep your creative life in order, basic project management skills are key to staying on top of everything.

Why It’s Important: Organization keeps you from dropping the ball on important projects. The more organized you are, the more efficient you’ll be.

Hussle Action: Use tools like Notion, Trello, or Asana to organize your tasks. Set up boards that help you keep track of deadlines, tasks, and goals. Trust me—this will save you a lot of stress down the line.

Here’s the thing—you don’t need to know everything right away, but the more skills you have in your arsenal, the more you can get done without waiting on others. DIYing your hussle isn’t just about saving money—it’s about having the power to bring your vision to life, no matter what. Pick a couple of these skills, dive in, and start building from the ground up.

The hustle’s never easy, but the more you know, the more you grow.

Stay hussling,

Ibrahim

_{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!}