Most people think personal branding is just for polished celebrities. Ruslan Smirnov’s journey from brain injury recovery to becoming a top mental health influencer proves otherwise. You’ll see how SEO for artists and smart music marketing strategies helped him build an online presence that truly connects—and why this is a memorable moment for anyone facing tough odds. That bold step marked the start of my journey into the realm of mental health influencers on Facebook and Instagram.
Hey, pals, it’s Ruslan Smirnov. Ever have those days when everything feels like it’s wrapped in a fog? The constant fatigue and emotional rollercoasters seemed like an unsolvable riddle. I believed I just needed to push harder—after all, isn’t that the entrepreneurial way?
My focus was on crafting Memorable Design using platforms like Squarespace and WordPress. Nowadays, thanks to Circle Squarespace, we’re rolling out ads on Facebook and Google, making it a vibrant creative hub. Little did I know, while managing the sleek designs, I was wrestling with my own internal chaos.
Thoth, who is searching for jobs for people with brain injury, already knows how it is not easy, especially if you are one of the creative professionals. I understand how challenging it can be to look for work while trying to manage fatigue, stress, and changes in focus or memory. For creative people who rely on steady energy and clear thinking to do their best work, the process can feel even more overwhelming.
From Fog to Clarity: A Personal Transformation
Thoth knows that finding jobs for those with brain injuries isn’t a walk in the park, especially if you’re in the creative field. I get how tough it can be to hunt for work while juggling fatigue, stress, and those pesky focus or memory challenges. For us creative types who thrive on steady energy and sharp thinking, the task can feel even more daunting.
Today’s challenges with mental health:
Hey, my friends! Remember those days when everything felt like it was happening through a misty haze? The never-ending fatigue and emotional ups and downs were like an unsolvable puzzle. I thought I just needed to hustle harder, because isn’t that what entrepreneurs do? My world was all about building Memorable Design on platforms like Squarespace and WordPress. Today, thanks to Circle Squarespace, we’re running ads on Facebook and Google, making it a dynamic creative space. Little did I know, amidst the polished designs, I was also grappling with my own whirlwind of confusion.
Memorable Design wasn’t just a business—it became my creative sanctuary. I poured my heart into crafting visuals for clients, presenting polished designs on the outside while navigating a whirlwind of internal chaos.
It wasn’t until much later, after some thorough medical evaluations, that I got the news: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) was my uninvited guest. That moment was game-changing—it explained the symptoms I’d been grappling with and gave me the clarity I needed to start tackling the condition head-on.
What does mental health advocacy mean to me?
Picture this: countless late nights perfecting designs and racing against deadlines. I took immense pride in what I created for my clients, rubbing shoulders with some of the top mental health influencers. But underneath that hustle, something was a bit off. What I brushed aside as just the usual obstacles on my ambitious journey—those pesky headaches, bouts of confusion, and mood swings—turned out to be the telltale signs of TBI.
What does healthy living, or Advocate Homecare, mean for me?
Healthy living is all about getting a handle on your traumatic brain injury, moving from confusion to taking action, and actively overseeing both your mental and physical health. It’s about being present rather than coasting on autopilot, teaming up with supportive mental health advocates, and tapping into resources like Guided Steps NY and Advocate Homecare for guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies to boost self-care and resilience.
What’s the scoop on my mental health influencer journey with the Squarespace Circle?
My mental health influencer journey with the Squarespace Circle kicked off as you were scaling up Memorable Design, diving into branding and design. Life was on autopilot until some medical checks unveiled TBI in the mix. That twist? It moved you from puzzled to proactive, teaming up with an experienced mental health champion and tapping into resources like Guided Steps NY and Advocate Homecare. This spark led you to share your narrative openly, spotlighting mental health and self-care, transforming Memorable Design into a hub for advocacy. Through blogs, social channels, and engaging speaking gigs, you nurtured a supportive network, combining design skills with a relatable approach to elevate the conversation on mental health.
When collaborating with the Goshen Grooves brand, you realized that dance plays a crucial role in supporting mental health. It provides an emotional outlet, reduces stress levels, and fosters a sense of joy and connection that enhances other advocacy and self-care initiatives.
Integrating dance into my life didn’t just stop at personal practice; it became an inspiration for my work at Memorable Design. By leveraging the emotive power of dance, I began to create campaigns and content that resonated more deeply with audiences, acknowledging the profound impact movement has on mental and emotional wellness. Engaging with communities through dance workshops and online dance challenges allowed me to connect with others on a shared journey toward healing.
This blend of dance and design not only enhanced my advocacy efforts but also fortified my personal resilience. Embracing dance as a complementary tool in the mental health toolkit underscores the essence of my message: holistic well-being is achievable through diverse and dynamic practices. Whether it’s through complex choreography or simple, joyful movement, dance has become a pivotal component of my story—a vibrant expression of healing and hope.
Engaging with mental health professionals:
As my business expanded, so did the demands on my energy and time. Have you ever felt like you were going through the motions, like you’re physically there but mentally checked out? That was me on autopilot! It wasn’t until some in-depth medical evaluations that I was hit with the news—I had TBI. Talk about a plot twist! It was shocking (who would’ve thought?) but also a relief, because finally, there was a reason behind the constant mental fog and fatigue. Understanding my condition was like flipping on a light switch—I went from confusion to clarity, and with this new perspective, I was able to take steps to manage and adapt. Slowly but surely, the veil began to lift.
That pivotal moment was when I teamed up with a mental health advocate, a seasoned professional who had navigated these waters before. Together, we connected with Guided Steps NY and Advocate Homecare, discovering a treasure trove of resources.
Hey, friends! That aha moment nudged me into the exciting world of mental health advocacy. I soon learned that by telling my story, I could reach out to folks who might be silently going through the same challenges. Embracing this journey, I started crafting content about awareness and self-care. And guess what? Memorable Design morphed into more than just a design studio—it became a beacon for change. Through blogs, social media, and speaking engagements, I discovered an enthusiastic community that shares my love for mental health.
That breakthrough led me deeper into mental health advocacy. By opening up, I found out I could support others who might be quietly navigating the same waters. Diving into this role, I centered my content on awareness and self-care, transforming Memorable Design from a simple studio into a catalyst for change. Through blogs, social media, and speaking gigs, I connected with a passionate community that shares my excitement for mental health.
Who would’ve thought that my mission to build a successful business would turn my world upside down? It set me on a path where I can make a real impact, not just by crafting unforgettable designs, but also by encouraging others to cherish and truly understand their mental well-being.
Building a Community and Fostering Connection
In the midst of growing Memorable Design, I began to realize the power of community. The journey that initially seemed solitary quickly became a shared experience. I reached out to mental health professionals, collaborated with advocates, and engaged with online communities dedicated to mental health awareness. By facilitating open discussions and offering support, I learned that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
This openness inspired others to share their stories and struggles, creating a ripple effect that extended far beyond my expectations. The connections we formed provided both solace and strength, and ultimately, they anchored my commitment to this new mission.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on this journey, I see how each step—from building a business to becoming a mental health advocate—was interconnected. Every challenge faced and lesson learned has shaped the narrative of my life, underscoring the importance of embracing change and prioritizing well-being. Looking forward, I hope to continue using Memorable Design as a beacon for creativity and mental health support, promoting a culture where entrepreneurship and well-being coexist.
Together with a growing community, I plan to host workshops, create resources, and further expand my reach to advocate for mental health awareness. This journey has shown me that change is possible and that by stepping into vulnerability, we can inspire others to do the same.
Now, more than ever, I am committed to making a lasting impact—ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone.
As I worked with clients, I found myself drawn to stories—real, vulnerable, human stories. I realized that design wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about helping people feel seen. Without fully realizing it, I began sharing more personal reflections on Instagram—behind-the-scenes moments, thoughts on burnout, and small confessions about the challenges of being a solo founder. I didn’t label it as “mental health content.” I just knew I needed to express something real.
Then I started noticing messages from people who felt the same way. They resonated with my honesty. They told me my posts helped them feel less alone. And something clicked.
Memorable Design had always been about creating memorable experiences, but suddenly I understood: my own story was one of them.
Slowly, I began sharing more intentionally—my struggles with focus, my patterns of overworking, the emotional weight I carried but didn’t understand. And the more I opened up, the more I realized that my symptoms weren’t random. They were clues.
Eventually, after years of confusion, I discovered the truth: I had been living with TBI.
That diagnosis changed everything. It gave me permission to stop fighting myself and instead start understanding myself. It also reshaped the purpose of my platform. I wasn’t just a designer or a business owner—I was someone who could shed light on invisible struggles. I could talk about resilience, identity, and healing from a deeply personal place.
My journey as a mental health influencer wasn’t planned. It emerged naturally from a mix of creativity, vulnerability, and necessity. Today, I merge my Memorable Design brand with mental wellness advocacy, creating content that reflects both the beauty and the complexity of living with TBI. My mission is simple: to make mental health conversations more memorable, more human, and more accessible.
Looking back, the moment I opened Memorable Design was also the moment I opened the door to understanding myself. And that journey, with all its challenges and unexpected turns, is one I’m grateful to share with others.
