The journey thus far

Let me catch y'all up!

Author

Justus Pugh
March 03, 2023

Welcome!

If you’re reading this, you have supported my journey in life, career, and becoming.

While this letter is much overdue, it also feels timely to be writing to you all at such a critical juncture in my life. Not only am I freshly stepping into my 25th chapter of life- but I also just returned to the states after a life-changing trip to Ghana. I ventured to the land of my ancestors for a clean slate. To connect to the source, in order to understand my own. And to understand my purpose after spending the first 2.5 years of my career climbing, falling, and climbing again- as I worked to make a name for myself in Chicago; the city that raised me.

Ghana gave me the time and space to reflect on my accomplishments across a couple spectrums.

Professionally,

Overall, I’m proud of all the firsts.

First time managing so much responsibility (straight out of college!), first time negotiating my salary and needs as an employee, and first time deciding to take a bet on myself, amicably leaving the company at the end of 2022.

Entrepreneurially,

  • I built my own business; Movement Labs Co, launched the beta version of the “What’s the Move?” App, and grew the company to a team of 6!

  • Successfully took on my first client as an independent contractor, developing the strategic plan for Grow Collective; a farmer incubator, resource hub, and community activation collective funded by USDA’s Urban Agricultural Innovation Grant.

  • Hosted my third annual “Travelling Thrift Shop” event, where I hosted 100+ people for a community yard sale and picnic, vendor market, book exchange, family-friendly activities, live performances around the bonfire, and more.

These endeavors have really shined a light on my capabilities. But more importantly, it showed me my expertise. And, dare I say, my genius!

While it may seem like these projects aren’t connected, the through line is in community, cooperative economics, and creative innovation.

Creatively,

I never thought I could seriously BE an artist. You know, like, do it primarily and prioritize it confidently. I dreamed of it, but I thought it’d have to wait until I retired from a long career in business.

But if there’s anything the last couple years have shown me, it's that I always have been, and always will be, an interdisciplinary artist- I just had to gain the courage to say it with my chest.

So now you’re caught up. Mostly.

I want to keep this short and sweet so I’ll talk about the other nuances and layers to the projects I’m working on in subsequent letters.

 I’ll close out with what’s next, and how you can support.

  • Advice and counsel! I am focusing on my own endeavors for the next couple months, while I develop a plan for what’s next; including bolstering my income(!), pursuing higher education, and considering the political realm.

  • Now that the app is built, we are starting beta testing and fundraising(!). Our goal is $10K by March, $50K by May, and $125K by the end of the summer. Check out our pitch deck and let me know your thoughts, if you're willing to invest, and any other ways you may be able to help us achieve our goal.

  • I am currently in the running to be Chicago's first ever Poet Laureate!!! This nomination is no doubt a testament of my dedication to my creative practice, my community, and my capacity to continue sparking inspiration in the city. Send me good energy and prayers as I advance to the next round of the selection process!

So, yea, it’s a lot going on!

My time in Ghana has lit a fire within me, and turning 25 has already added so much fuel to the flame!!

Thank you all so much for being an ember. It’s lit!

All love,

Justus Cornelius Pugh