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Jake Evans on Finding Your Inspiration

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Jake Evans on Finding Your Inspiration

The refrain in Depeche Mode’s B-side “Pleasure Little Treasure” expresses an existential sentiment we all share. As the phrase “everybody’s looking for a reason to live” echoes before the chorus, we’re forced as the listener to consider our own reasons to live. What drives us to keep going forward? Especially more so in a world filled with gloomy uncertainty and a constant onslaught of negative news, it’s very easy to lose sight of ourselves and what drives us.

This is why it’s important to take a second every once in a while to step back and look inward. As we gaze at the culmination of experiences that shaped us and led us to who we are today, we’re reminded of those people and things that pushed us through the difficult times. It’s no different for game developer Jake Evans. Evan’s, or “Crayz” as he also goes by, his long career path has been rife with challenges and struggles. Yet Evan’s was able to overcome all of those obstacles by maintaining his inspiration, inspiration he got from one person, his cousin.

A Long Journey

Just starting out in any prospective career is difficult, and that’s especially true in the tech world. The prior knowledge, skill, and drive it takes to succeed in that highly competitive field is not for the faint of heart. Evan’s journey began as a teenager, as his adolescence coincided perfectly with the dawn of the modern internet. Immersed in the world of Myspace, he was quickly carving a niche for himself in the development world. As he puts it, “we created a few websites where people could grow their MySpace friend count and customize their profiles with designs and whatnot. Eventually we got so good at it we had multiple profiles with tens, even hundreds of thousands of friends (nowadays you call them followers).”

After this experience and Myspace’s slow vanishing act from the public eye, Evan’s had to make some money. After graduating high school he found himself working tirelessly in the oilfields of North Dakota just to get by. This wasn’t his true calling however, and after four years of that he left it all behind for game development. He would then go on to spend the following six years educating himself further in the world of game development before publishing his first game on steam in 2018. Since then he has released and published another game, as well as landed himself a game developer job with Facepunch studios.

As with any journey, Evan’s faced a lot of hardship along the way. Through extended bouts of being nearly homeless, hunger, and dwindling finances, he found

himself sacrificing everything to achieve his goal. While he has achieved success now and has a bright future ahead, Evans wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without maintaining his inspiration.

Inspiration

In the video game world, there is a dynamic colloquially referred to as “Big brother, little brother”. The “Big Brother” role applies to the usually older kid primarily playing the games. If there’s one controller then he has it. If it’s a multiplayer game, he gets to use controller one. If he messed up a difficult jump, it was probably your fault and he’ll let you know it. Then there’s the “Little Brother” role. This honorable title is given to the other one, the sidecar to the big brother. This person is the one watching the big brother play, trying to squeeze in advice as his only means of interaction. They’re also to blame for the big brother ever messing up in his game of choice.

This was no different for Evans, who had the honor of having the little brother role with his cousin Isaiah. Growing up, Isaiah introduced Evans to the world of multiplayer gaming. Suddenly Evans was exposed to games like Counter-Strike and Diablo II. Games with dynamic online communities and vibrant gameplay. Evans rode in the sidecar during this period, watching eagerly as his cousin quested tirelessly all while no-scoping his enemies.

Isaiah passed away unexpectedly in 2009. Having to come to terms with such tragedy was difficult for the younger Evans. Suddenly he found himself with the big brother role. Evan’s persevered, however, and he never looked back. Although Isaiah may have left the earthly realm, he has continued to sustain and live in Evan’s heart. He is what drives Evan’s. Thinking back on this period in his life, he cites Isaiah as the source of his inspiration, mentioning that “these games have had a special place in my heart ever since and are the reason I decided to start making my own games – because I wanted to recreate them, but better.”.

Since then, Evans has gone on to accomplish incredible things in his field and life. Now at 29, Evans works alongside his peers at Facepunch studios to push the limit of what’s possible in gaming. When he’s not in front of his computer, he finds himself with friends enjoying the beautiful outdoors that Montana has to offer. Yet whether he’s snowboarding, enjoying a cool drink with friends, or sweating tirelessly over his keyboard, Evan’s can thrive in part because of the person who inspires him most.

Follow Jake Evans (crayz) on instagram and twitter.

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

Business

Sophia Amoruso Builds a New Legacy Through Strategic Investments and Education

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Sophia Amoruso / credit — sophiaamoruso.com

Reinvention defines the true entrepreneur. Few business figures embody this principle more completely than Sophia Amoruso, whose journey reflects the heart of entrepreneurial resilience and adaptation. Born in San Diego, California on April 20, 1984, Amoruso has transformed herself from an eBay vintage clothing seller to a multifaceted business leader, venture capitalist, and educator whose influence continues to evolve in 2025.

Amoruso’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 22 when she launched “Nasty Gal Vintage” on eBay, named after funk singer Betty Davis’s 1975 album. What started as a modest online store selling vintage clothing soon grew exponentially, with revenues reportedly skyrocketing from a rumored $223,000 in 2008 to nearly a rumored $23 million in 2011. I mean, talk about growth! By focusing on distinctive styling, photography, and customer engagement, Amoruso built a devoted following that helped propel the company to extraordinary heights.

The success of Nasty Gal attracted significant investment, with Amoruso reportedly securing a rumored $60 million from Index Ventures and Thrive Capital in 2012. The business continued to expand, eventually reaching over a rumored $100 million in revenue with more than 200 employees at its peak. This remarkable growth earned Amoruso recognition from prestigious publications, with Inc. Magazine naming her to its 30 under 30 list in 2013. Not too shabby for someone who started selling vintage clothes online, right?

Capitalizing on her business success, Amoruso published her memoir “#GIRLBOSS” in 2014, which became a New York Times bestseller for 18 weeks. The book, part memoir and part business guide, offered insights on entrepreneurship while chronicling Amoruso’s unconventional path to success. Its popularity led to a Netflix series adaptation, further cementing her status as a business icon. You could say the book struck a chord with aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

In 2017, Amoruso founded Girlboss Media, a platform designed to support and empower millennial women in their personal and professional lives. The initiative included Girlboss Rallies, weekend-long instructional events for young entrepreneurs, with ticket prices reportedly ranging from a rumored $500 to $1,400. Amoruso’s podcast, Girlboss Radio, accumulated over 20 million downloads during its run from 2015 to 2020—pretty impressive numbers by any standard.

Despite her meteoric rise, Amoruso’s journey has not been without significant challenges. In January 2015, she stepped down as CEO of Nasty Gal, acknowledging that the company could not continue under the current leadership. By November 2016, Nasty Gal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with reports citing leadership changes, a problematic work culture, and poor communication as contributing factors. In February 2017, Boohoo Group purchased Nasty Gal for a rumored $20 million.

These setbacks became important learning experiences that Amoruso now incorporates into her current ventures, positioning her past difficulties as valuable insights for other entrepreneurs. After all, who better to learn from than someone who’s seen both the highs and lows of business?

Today, Sophia Amoruso has reinvented herself once again, embracing new roles in venture capital and business education. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Trust Fund, a venture capital firm she launched in 2023. Named ironically because “nobody handed anything” to her, Trust Fund launched with a rumored $5 million target and focuses on backing digital consumer companies. Amoruso’s approach with Trust Fund reflects her own experiences, preferring to invest in lean companies that generate revenue and operate with a bootstrapped mindset.

Prior to establishing Trust Fund, Amoruso was an active angel investor, reportedly deploying over a rumored $1 million of her personal capital into more than 20 companies, including Liquid Death, Eight Sleep, Kindbody, Pipe, and Public.com. Her venture investment philosophy is informed by her own entrepreneurial experiences, particularly the challenges she faced. She’s been there, done that, and now wants to help others avoid the same pitfalls.

Simultaneously, Amoruso has built Business Class, a comprehensive educational platform for entrepreneurs. The program offers instruction from top founders, CEOs, and industry leaders, covering everything from idea validation to branding, marketing, and finance. Business Class has been profitable since its launch, reportedly generating over a rumored $5 million in course and membership sales and attracting more than 3,500 members.

The platform combines structured educational content with a community component called “The Lounge,” where entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. Amoruso has also demonstrated a commitment to expanding access to business education through scholarship programs targeting underrepresented groups. Because let’s face it—business education shouldn’t be limited to those who can afford it.

In early 2025, Amoruso reflected on her personal journey and intentions for the year ahead on her personal website. In a January 2025 post, she described 2024 as an “epochal year” in which she turned 40, traveled extensively, and fell in love with London. After a period of significant personal and professional change, she expressed a desire for more stability, particularly finding a home for the long term. It seems even the most successful entrepreneurs crave some rootedness after years of constant evolution.

Amoruso’s relationship with the “girlboss” term has also evolved. In recent public appearances, she has distanced herself from the label, stating plainly, “I don’t use the word. I don’t really identify with it.” This shift reflects both her personal growth and the changing cultural conversation around women in business. Perhaps we all outgrow the labels that once defined us?

Sophia Amoruso’s impact extends beyond her business accomplishments. She has become a symbol of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship, demonstrating that failure can be a stepping stone to new opportunities. Her willingness to share both successes and setbacks has resonated with a generation of entrepreneurs seeking authentic guidance. In a world of carefully curated business personas, her transparency feels refreshingly real.

By transitioning from direct-to-consumer retail to venture capital and education, Amoruso has demonstrated the value of leveraging past experiences to create new value. Her current focus on empowering other entrepreneurs through investment and education suggests a leader who has found purpose in helping others navigate their own business journeys. She’s come full circle, in a way.

As 2025 unfolds, Sophia Amoruso continues to redefine her role in the business world, embracing new challenges while drawing on the valuable lessons of her past. Her story remains one of the most compelling narratives in modern entrepreneurship—a testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and the courage to begin again. And honestly, who knows what she’ll do next? If her track record is any indication, it’ll be worth watching.

The beauty of Amoruso’s journey lies in its authenticity and unpredictability. Unlike the carefully plotted careers of many business leaders, hers has unfolded with unexpected turns and genuine evolution. From vintage clothing seller to author to venture capitalist—each phase has built upon the last while remaining distinctly its own chapter. For aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a roadmap, Amoruso offers something more valuable: permission to forge your own path, stumble along the way, and emerge stronger for it.

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Business

How Nawab Hussain Ali Al-Balooshi is Empowering New Investors

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Nawab Hussain Ali Al-Balooshi

When you think of cryptocurrency education in the UAE, Nawab Hussain Ali Al-Balooshi stands out as a dedicated voice in the space. Since diving into the world of digital currencies back in 2019, he’s become an active participant in Dubai’s evolving crypto scene, focusing his efforts on education and accessibility.

Al-Balooshi, who heads up the education platform Bitcoineen, didn’t just stumble into cryptocurrency by chance. Like many who got caught up in the blockchain revolution, his journey began with a simple curiosity about digital systems and encryption. He turned that curiosity into a focused mission to help others navigate this complex landscape.

“It’s not just about buying and selling digital assets,” he often reminds his students. Through Bitcoineen, Al-Balooshi has developed educational programs that aim to make sense of the crypto world in practical terms. His company has established itself as a resource for cryptocurrency education, particularly for those who’ve been hesitant to explore digital investing.

What’s noteworthy is how Al-Balooshi has built a social media presence centered on educational content. His Instagram has grown to over 483,000 followers through educational content that aims to help people understand this new financial frontier.

Over on TikTok, where he’s gathered 214,000 followers and 2.6 million likes, Al-Balooshi adapts his educational approach. His short-form videos break down complex topics into accessible segments while maintaining focus on core educational principles.

“Many of our students have achieved significant growth through proper learning and strategic approaches,” Al-Balooshi shares, emphasizing that success in cryptocurrency investment isn’t overnight magic – it’s about understanding the fundamentals and applying proper strategies.

Bitcoineen’s approach to crypto education focuses on practical, applicable knowledge. Al-Balooshi has developed a curriculum that aims to connect theoretical understanding with real-world application in the crypto education space.

For those interested in learning more, Al-Balooshi maintains an active presence across social media platforms, with his resources available through his Linktree. His educational content, primarily in Arabic, serves as a resource for Arabic-speaking audiences looking to understand the complexities of cryptocurrency trading and investment.

As Dubai continues to develop its presence in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, educators like Al-Balooshi contribute to the conversation. His work focuses on teaching about cryptocurrency and helping people participate in the digital economy.

Through Bitcoineen and his various platforms, Al-Balooshi demonstrates his approach to cryptocurrency education – making complex concepts accessible while maintaining their essential depth. His ongoing work continues to contribute to the broader conversation about cryptocurrency education in the UAE.

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Business

How Digis Became a Global Software Development Force

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Digis

Software development and IT services rarely see success stories quite like Digis. What began as a modest startup in 2015 has blossomed into a global technology partner, now boasting an impressive team of more than 200 specialists scattered across six countries. Their journey offers a fascinating glimpse into how modern tech service providers can evolve and thrive.

When nineteen-year-old Nick Nagatkin founded Digis nearly a decade ago, few could have predicted its meteoric rise. The company’s growth trajectory has been remarkable, particularly in the face of global challenges. Their resilience became evident during pivotal years, with the company achieving triple-digit growth and consistently expanding their global footprint. Perhaps most impressive was their nimble response to unprecedented market shifts, smoothly transitioning 80% of their workforce to remote operations while maintaining peak performance and client satisfaction.

This adaptability proved crucial to their continued success. One of the company’s defining moments came with the development of their patented Smart Outsourcing Automation Paradigm. This isn’t just another corporate buzzword – it’s a comprehensive approach that fundamentally reimagines process automation and client integration, setting Digis apart from run-of-the-mill software development providers.

A typical collaborative session at Digis offices

Walking through Digis’s service offerings reveals a carefully curated ecosystem. Their expertise spans from staff augmentation and dedicated development teams to sophisticated IT consulting and digital transformation. They’ve built a particularly strong reputation in custom software development, intelligent automation solutions, and their comprehensive managed IT services. Each of these areas reflects a deep understanding of what modern businesses truly need to succeed.

Such comprehensive service delivery wouldn’t be possible without exceptional leadership. Nick Nagatkin’s innovative approach has turned heads in the industry, leading to his inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe Tech 2022 list. When WN Media Group UK named him CEO of the Year 2023, it merely confirmed what many already knew. Beyond running Digis, Nagatkin has become something of a tech world polymath, serving as a mentor at Big Money University while actively investing in promising startups that catch his experienced eye.

The numbers behind this success tell a compelling story: over 300 successfully completed projects, more than 74 verified reviews on Clutch, and an impressive 35% of clients who come back asking for additional specialists within just three months. Perhaps most telling is their remarkably low 9% attrition rate, a figure that speaks volumes in an industry known for high turnover.

Building on this momentum, Digis expanded its reach in 2023 through an investment in Scalamandra, a specialized Scala engineering firm founded by Elijah Podavalkin. This partnership has opened new doors for enterprises hungry for rapid expansion, further cementing Digis’s position in the market.

At the heart of their continued growth lies a refreshingly practical approach to client service. They don’t just make promises – they deliver results, starting with CV delivery within 24 hours and backing their confidence with two-week trial periods for new specialists. Their rigorous selection process ensures access to top-tier talent, while their global coverage means they’re always in sync with client time zones.

Those following Digis’s evolution can find them sharing insights and updates on LinkedIn and Facebook, where they maintain an engaged presence in the tech community. As the tech world continues to evolve, Digis seems well-positioned to tackle whatever challenges might arise. Their focus on process optimization and cost reduction for IT products isn’t just timely – it’s essential. In an industry where change is the only constant, Digis’s adaptable yet quality-focused approach suggests they’ll continue to shape the future of global tech services.

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