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(Before you read, please grab a cup of tea or coffee, haha… it’s going to be a long one)
Hello everyone,
It’s Michael Huynh, Founder and Creative Director of Publish.
I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me, us and the brand. I know these are unprecedented times with the global pandemic and I hope everyone is staying strong and healthy. We are good here at Publish and want to thank everyone who has supported us through the years. We really mean it from the bottom of our hearts. We’re still here.
I wanted to provide you with exciting news about me personally. I have started a personal brand into a sport that could use creatives like myself to take the sport further. I have started a golf brand called Students. The idea is to provoke the emotional struggles of golf through parodies and underlying truth about our abilities to cope with situations under pressure. Golf seriously bring out the best of us and you’ll learn a lot about yourself by golfing. It’s literally the only sport that has the power to do this. I’d love to inspire others to pick up golf. They often say, “If you want to learn a lot about an individual, go golfing with them.” - You’ll see what I mean… hehe.
I’ve also taken a step back from Publish as Creative Director so my business partner Will can run the brand in the meantime whom I trust wholeheartedly. We’ve learned a lot from the pandemic and it has greatly affected the whole apparel industry and our brand. However, because of our determination, perseverance, and courage, we were able to keep the brand running strong. Will and I have built a beautiful company from the garage of my parent’s house, to providing opportunities for more than 100+ employees over the years. One of my closest friend Alex James whom worked with us since day 1... went on and successfully built your newest favorite brand, Pleasures. It’s been hell of a journey and I’ve learned a lot about myself through the years; my weaknesses and strengths as an entrepreneur, friend, father and human being. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, for better or worse.
Business is tough; it’s not easy and it’s not for everyone. I’ve been pursuing Publish for over 12 years now and felt the brand has outgrown me. While the brand has given me everything, the landscape of the apparel industry has also taken a toll on my health and put me into ER twice in 72 hours. I guess I was over stressed and wore too many hats. I’m currently on the road for recovery and I am improving by the day.
I can’t express how important health is. I wish I knew better.
After evaluating my health and life, I needed to do something that would not consume me so much while I recover. I took on the role as Brand Director and President with Russell Westbrook’s brand called Honor The Gift (www.honorthegift.co) - It’s super exciting working with Russell as he treats me like a brother. Russell is everything you’d wish for in a friend. Everything he does is for the inner city and under privilege and it’s something I truly admire. My role is to provide the brand and company guidance and experiences I’ve learned in the apparel industry and further expand the mission of the brand through our stories and campaigns I have assembled a team for Honor The Gift surrounded by extremely talented people and I’m super stoked to be working with them every day. It’s different owning a company versus running a company for someone else. Russell has put an immense amount of trust in me and I thank him every day for giving me the opportunity to work alongside him. Now that he’s with the Lakers, we are probably going to get to see him more often, haha. It’s going to get a little crazy, but it’s new energy I’m super excited for.
Aside from running Honor The Gift, I needed to stay creative and do something that is completely in parallel with my hobby and allow for me to go out, away from the computers and exercise. Golf has reinstated my health and I’m grateful I’ve found a sport that allows me to continue to be mentally healthy while continuing to get back into the creative seat. I simply needed a fresh start, something I can call home. Something I can call my own.
Students was the answer. This September 2021, I am launching the inaugural collection on September 1st through our website: www.students.golf and top 50 accounts globally. We’re launching a series of on and off-course apparel and accessories. Students encompasses my lifestyle on and off the course. I hope my new venture will help inspire you to pick up some clubs and start playing golf. Its a lot more exciting than it looks, trust me.
I’d like to invite you to follow me on my next journey. Please follow @studentsgolf on Instagram. This journey already feels different. I’m ecstatic, like never before. I am enthusiastic and energetic. For those who are already golfing and live locally in Southern California, I’d love to take you out for a round of golf. After all, I’m thankful for all the love and support you’ve given me and my endeavors through Publish over the years. This is my way of saying thank you. One day, I’ll be back in the creative seat for Publish. However, in the meantime, this is my new chapter, and it’s with Students. Let’s play.
P.S. You can personally email me at [email protected]
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