Chicago Hustles: A Legacy of Resilience and Creativity
Born From Passion, Built With Resilience
In Fall 2011, Chicago Hustles was founded by Duane, also known as Durte Genius, a Fortune 500 brand marketing strategist, visual artist, photographer, and philosopher. Driven by a deep appreciation for Chicago’s creative and entrepreneurial community, Duane single-handedly built a platform to amplify the voices of solopreneurs, small businesses, and minority-driven ventures often overlooked by larger publications.
From the beginning, the mission was clear: to celebrate Chicago’s vibrant cultural heartbeat and create an inclusive space for creators to thrive.
The First Hustle
In its first six months, Chicago Hustles Magazine achieved incredible traction, amassing over 0.5 million views between October 2011 and April 2012. This rapid success demonstrated the platform’s ability to connect deeply with the city’s creative pulse.
However, a major hack during this period became a pivotal moment. Instead of surrendering to the setback, Duane persevered, rebuilding the platform a remarkable 18 times to date, mirroring the resilience of Chicago’s creative community.
Milestones That Define Us
By September 2015, Chicago Hustles had achieved the following:
- Documented 425+ events.
- Captured over 300k moments.
- Reached 1.7 million views in 3 years.
These accomplishments reflect the platform’s unwavering dedication to highlighting Chicago’s creative and entrepreneurial talent, becoming an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Our Purpose.
Over time, Chicago Hustles evolved into a trusted platform known for its high-quality content and genuine commitment to the local scene. The brand’s newsletter and events have become a beacon for Chicago’s creatives, providing visibility and opportunities for collaboration. With over 10,000 engaged members, Chicago Hustles continues to thrive as a hub of inspiration and support.
As Chicago Hustles grew, it evolved to embrace these four core values that became the foundation of our mission:
Creativity: We celebrate innovative ideas and the unique talents of Chicago’s visionaries. Your creative spark is what drives our city forward, and we’re dedicated to nurturing and showcasing that creativity.
Community: At the heart of Chicago Hustles is a supportive network of like-minded individuals. We believe in uplifting one another, forging strong connections, and building a community where everyone can thrive.
Collaboration: Great things happen when we work together. We encourage partnerships and teamwork, fostering an environment where collaborative efforts lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Connection: We are committed to highlighting local talent and sharing meaningful stories that resonate. Your journey and your voice are important to us, and we aim to amplify them in every way possible.
Over the years, Chicago Hustles has established itself as a trusted partner to some of the world’s most influential brands and cultural icons. These collaborations include:
Corporate Leaders
Nokia, Hornitos, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Bank of America, Canon, Tanqueray
Music Icons
G.O.O.D Music, Wu-Tang Clan, Rock the Bells, Soul Summit, RadKey
Sports Teams
St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox
Festivals
Riot Fest, North Coast Music Festival, Chicago Pride Festival, Puerto Rican Fest
Food & Beverage
Absolut Vodka, Red Bull, Shellback Rum, Mount Gay Rum
Startups
Hinge (Dating App), Circle App, FashionBar Chicago
Each partnership underscores the platform’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections within and beyond Chicago.
Core Values: The Heart of Chicago Hustles
Creativity: Celebrating boundary-pushing visionaries and their transformative ideas.
Community: Building a supportive network that empowers individuals to thrive.
Collaboration: Cultivating partnerships that spark innovation and drive success.
Connection: Amplifying the voices and stories that matter most to Chicago’s creative scene.
A Platform With Purpose
What began as an independent online magazine has grown into a trusted, impactful platform that champions creativity, collaboration, and community. Through:
- High-Quality Content: Sharing stories that inspire and resonate.
- Engaging Events: Creating spaces for connection and growth.
- The DIBS Newsletter: A trusted resource for Chicago’s creative community.
With over 10,000 engaged members, Chicago Hustles continues to foster visibility, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring every creative has the support they need to succeed.
Looking to the Future
More than a decade since its inception, Chicago Hustles remains a beacon of resilience, creativity, and community. Guided by its founder’s vision and the city’s indomitable spirit, the platform is poised to elevate new talents, forge impactful collaborations, and shape the next chapter of Chicago’s cultural evolution.
Together, we’ll continue amplifying the stories, ideas, and voices that define the city’s creative legacy.
One City. One Hustle. One Legacy of Resilience.
Join us as we build a future that honors Chicago’s creativity, innovation, and relentless hustle. Let’s redefine what’s possible—together.
Decision Time.
Minimize Costs. Zero Overhead. Maximum Impact.
Testimonials
“Duane helped me solve a brand and functionality issue in one. He’s fast and attentive, keeps you up to date at every stage (which I love) and most importantly, delivers.” – Nadine Heir” Founder and CWO Write Wiser
Maximize Your Potential
Ready to maximize your brand’s impact?
Sign up now for a complimentary 20-minute consultation with me. Need immediate assistance? Click the bubble to chat directly.
Or Click Right To Chat.