From Art School Dropout to Startup Advisor: My Unconventional Path
Introducing a new phase of this newsletter and me! 👋🏻 Welcome to Sub Rak a weekly dive into the world of startups, creativity, and unconventional career paths
Who Is Kel? 👩🎨
As a former founder turned startup advisor and consultant, I've worn many caps in my 20+ year journey through NYC's design and tech industry. My superpower? Transforming dreamy ideas into life-changing products, creating real-world connections in the digital age, and sharing no-code hacks for aspiring entrepreneurs.
My Journey: The PG-rated Version
The Art School Years 🎨
I'm a 2x art school dropout who finally graduated at age 24 with a degree in Graphic Design. I'm a late-bloomer, partly due to undiagnosed depression (finally treated at age 40). But once I found my passion—design—I was a force. I accepted a coveted post-grad internship at MassMoCa, an immense art museum in Western Mass.
New York Dreams 🍎
In 2004, I moved to NYC with $3000 (from selling my car) and a dream to work at any top design studio. Living in a windowless room (aka a closet) for $400/month, I found a job frosting cupcakes at Billy's Bakery. In my spare time, I made zines at a friend's Kent St. loft in Williamsburg. I sent these zines to my design idols (Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, Todd Oldham, and more), and quite a few responded. Todd Oldham Studio called me in to meet. He needed help weaving ribbon pillows for a TV show. I inserted myself into the studio, made his team fall in love with me, worked my bum off, and was offered a job. I was ecstatic! Todd was so influential to me; I worked with him for 7 years.
A Turning Point 🌀
At 34, major life events shook me to my core. I was living with a kind, smart man (my boyfriend of 7 years) when I fell in love with a woman. This propelled me to 'come out' and rethink my entire existence. Simultaneously, I was laid off from my job as digital photo editor at Fast Company's Co.Design. I went through breakups (with both the man and the woman), and my landlord hiked the rent. Panic and tears dominated that summer. But weeks later, I was offered a position as Photo Director at Metropolis magazine, and months after that, I opened an Instagram account that would become infamous: h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y.
The Origin of h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y and Lex 🐣
A decade ago, I started h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y to connect with other queer people while navigating my newfound identity. I obsessively searched digital archives and old blogspots, unearthing cool images of lesbian culture from the late 1800s to early 2000s. People loved what I shared; some followers even recognized themselves in the photos. The account brought me joy, real-life friends, and a sense of community. It's also where the idea for Lex (lex.lgbt) was born. What started as a whimsical thought—"What if followers of h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y wrote personal ads?"—evolved into a passion project and then a venture-backed startup. Developing Personals into Lex was thrilling and challenging. I learned so much in such a short time; it was wild.
A Necessary Pause 🌷
This time last year, I was struggling with my mental health. Running a company is extremely difficult, and your own brain can make it even harder. I decided to take a sabbatical and step down as CEO. A 3-month break wasn't enough; I needed a 9-month regroup. In January, I told the team I wasn't returning to Lex. I needed more time, rest, and repair. I was fortunate to have the space and support (thanks to a generous partner) to take this time off. Around the 9-month mark this June, I started feeling like myself again. Now, I'm back and better than ever, excited to share my knowledge and help other creatives, founders, and non-techies turn their dreamy ideas into fulfilling and profitable businesses.
What Sub Rak Offers ✏️
Every Friday at 10am EST, subscribers can expect:
Raw, unfiltered insights into Founder Life™️
Practical tips for finding your 1000 super fans
Personal anecdotes illustrating the rollercoaster living on an unconventional path
Frameworks to navigate your biggest visions
Let's Sub Rak Together 🥪
This newsletter isn't just about my experiences - it's a platform for mutual growth. Whether you're a creative, a founder, or someone on an unconventional path, there's something here for you.
Got questions? Ideas? Or just want to connect? Drop me a line at kel@kelrakowski.com. I read every email and love hearing from you.
Remember: We’re building this together – you’re new thing and my new thing.
Here's to creating a life and career on your own terms and in your own time!