Stamped with Love: A Journey from Survival to Style

Hi, I’m Hugh, and this project means everything to me.

A little about me…

I grew up in a loving home and had a great education, but from a very young age, life took some dark turns.

At just 11, I was exposed to hard drugs.

At 12, I was an Independent in personal services…

I moved out at 18

Studied at Oxford and the University of the Arts London

And now, at 26, I’ve found myself back at home with my parents, unable to get a job and trying to piece my life back together.

But here’s the good part.

I’m now clean with the help of Turning Point, and finally reconnecting with my creativity. It feels like I’m rediscovering a spark I thought I’d lost years ago.

And I’m incredibly lucky and grateful to have a family that still welcomes me with love and a roof over my head.

About the project

This project of sticking stamps from all over the world onto hats (and soon other items too) has become one of the most healing and fulfilling things I’ve done in a long time.

It started as a distraction and has become a genuine passion. It gives me pride, peace, and purpose. And when I wear the hats out, people always ask about them. It’s made me realise I might actually have something special here.

They’re not just hats. They’re little time capsules, bits of global history, and every single one is completely unique.

Where this is heading

Right now it’s hats. But I’ve got loads of ideas. Lampshades, accessories, even custom pieces where people can get their own items stamped.

I’m taking it one step at a time. The dream is that people all over the world could wear these hats, spot their home country’s stamp, or meet someone else wearing one and compare stamps. Like a wearable passport or a conversation starter.

What the funds will support

I’m using quality materials and ethically sourced stamps, and I want to keep it that way. But it’s not cheap. Varnishes, supplies, the hats themselves, plus tools to help me create and share the work.

This is currently the only thing I’ve got going for me, so I could also really use a bit of help covering my phone bill and my Adobe subscription, which I use for editing and other creative work.

My parents are feeding me and giving me a roof, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful. But I want to stand on my own two feet again and give back to them for everything they’ve done for me.

Final words

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Even if nothing comes of this fundraiser, I’m still going to give this project everything I’ve got because it truly feels like my lifeline.

I’m working hard to turn things around. To prove to others and to myself that I can come out of the darkness and build something meaningful.

If you’re able to support me, I’d be honoured to have you be part of this journey.

With love,

Hugh