From Cleaner to Hero: How I Reclaimed My Identity Through a Hoodie

When I first moved from Italy to London, I worked as a cleaner in the public areas of the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel.

I had brought one formal shirt and jumper with me—for special occasions like dates.
But every time I wore them, I felt out of place.
I looked polished on the outside, but deep down, I felt the weight of doing low-paid manual work.
I’d make a good first impression—until they asked what I did.
After that, the mood changed. The night usually didn’t end well.

My confidence was tied to looking successful, but my reality didn’t match that image.

Then one day, something in me shifted.
I reminded myself: I’m not just a cleaner. I’m a builder.
I was doing this job to survive while working on my real mission—creating an AI-powered men’s style app to launch at TechCrunch Disrupt London.

So on the next date, I ditched the formal look.
I wore a blue hoodie, a blue T-shirt, and owned my truth.

When she asked what I did, I said:
"I’ve built several startups. Right now I’m doing a temporary job at a hotel so I can keep working on my vision."

Her response?
“Wow… You’re a hero.”
She said she’d never met anyone with a story like that.

That reaction stuck with me. It wasn’t just her. Other people I met started saying the same.

That’s when it hit me:
Founders need clothing that reflects their mission—not someone else’s definition of success.

That was the beginning of One Farad:
A motivation tool disguised as a hoodie with the 6 principles for entrepreneurs.
For resilient builders who show up, even when no one’s watching.

Remind yourself who you are everyday.

Best

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