Pep talk /ˈpep ˌtɔːk/ us. /ˈpep ˌtɑːk/

(n) a talk intended to make someone feel more courageous or enthusiastic.

The Enthusiast & Co’s origin story is the tale as old as time: just a girl, standing in front of her scanner, screaming “What the hell is a vector?”

For a brand photography shoot, I had created a slogan t-shirt that said enthusiast. (Created is a term best used loosely, as what I actually did was write enthusiast on a piece of A4 paper in Sharpie, scan it in, and then email a graphic designer pal saying “I need this in a vector please help me?”) And with the word under the microscope — by which I mean scan bed — it got me thinking more about it as a concept. How had I always taken enthusiasm for granted, when actually it’s one of the best things we have as humans?

In the 5 years since, The Enthusiast & Co has gone from one t-shirt design to a full, ethically- and environmentally-friendly shop of enthusiastic merch, a magazine, and a podcast. Most importantly, it’s a space where enthusiasm is always encouraged, where having the courage to care is celebrated, and where you might just see your passions in a whole new light.

I’m bringing it back to my roots as a writer here on Substack, and I’m so happy you’re here to join me.

Why subscribe?

Because then you get unadulterated access to the newsletter. Subscribe for free — or you can do it paid if you want (I won’t stop you!) — and you’ll get my exclusive fortnightly newsletter, as well as other articles I publish publicly too.

Stay up-to-date

You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox. (Plus, if you download the app, it means I can nestle in there with all of your — and my — favourites, thus inflating my ego.)

Join the crew

Be part of a community of people who share your interests.

To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.