Founder Files 001
(Photo credit: Mitch Kapler)
Welcome to Founder Files, a weekly blog for those who thrive on the unconventional. I’ll be sharing my real, unfiltered experiences of building a startup as a first time founder. My writing will be centered around peak performance, my life, and insights from outliers.
My name is Sam, I’m the founder & CEO at Melts, and my team and I are building the new era of hydration. Stoked to be on this journey with you.
Introducing, Founder Files 001.
—-----------------------------------
On self perspective:
“I oscillate between thinking I am crazy, and thinking I am not crazy enough.”
// Joyce Carol Oates
I’ve always admired those who embark on expeditions greater than themselves, sail across uncharted waters, and explore the unknown. The possibility, uncertainty, and courage ignites my soul on my fire. Whether these journeys are as literal as flying a plane or they’re beyond our physicality does not matter. The engagement is of importance.
Building Melts has been a transformative experience. The last few months have brought me to moments of pure imagination and ecstasy. Simultaneously, I’ve experienced my fair share of doubt. I’ve spent time trying to build my personal brand since I’m currently the face of my company. Last week, I came across a quote that resonated with me and provided clarity:
“When your story is the marketing, all you have to do is live. The best artists and entrepreneurs figure this out, and essentially hack the universe. They look like they're doing a million things, but really they’re doing one. They're making art, and living inside their work. They never turn off, because there’s nowhere else to go.”
// Zach Pogrob
When we allow our lives to become effortless art, creation is not forced. Creation flows through us. Creative execution becomes a drug that you can’t quit. Artists, in their nature, must be rebellious to produce extraordinary outputs.
—----------------------------------
On the dance between peace and chaos:
I often find myself living in my head. Immersed in a futuristic, imaginary world. Dancing between peace and chaos, slowly bringing to life what I once only envisioned.
I feel I’ve reached a point where creation is the only way through. An intrinsic force exists, begging to understand how systems and people operate. Through execution, I comprehend.
—-----------------------------------
On the founder’s journey:
The founder's journey is uniquely freeing. It seems to be one of the only paths where rebellious authenticity is celebrated. You are given the key to your cage that you realize never existed. Then, you receive a marble block and a chisel. What’s next is your choice.
You become an artist. You begin to sew together people, experiences, and ideas from different times, locations, and minds. The tapestries of the future are weaved together with threads from the past.
The obsessed live in what appears to be chaos, but in reality, it’s clarity and calmness. Obsessed creation is home for the soul.
I don’t know if I’m crazy or not crazy enough. Only time will tell…