From Homelessness to Success: Harry Sanders Builds StudioHawk

Harry Sanders, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, has transformed his life from homelessness to running a thriving international SEO business, StudioHawk. The company, which recently expanded into its third country, reported a turnover of £10 million. Despite his success, Sanders harbors a persistent fear that his achievements could vanish, reminiscent of the struggles he faced over a decade ago.

Sanders’ journey began at the age of 17 when he found himself homeless in Melbourne. His mother was grappling with personal challenges, and living with his father became untenable after a conflict with his father’s partner forced him onto the streets. Reflecting on that time, he shared, “I was living with my dad because my mum was going through a tough time. Dad ended up with a woman who didn’t want me talking about my mum in the house. One day, she gave my dad an ultimatum: ‘It’s me or the baggage.’ And he chose her. I ended up homeless.”

During his time on the streets, Sanders relied on gym showers and slept under bridges. His confidence and mental health deteriorated, and he faced significant challenges in securing employment. He stated, “My mental health was shot. People think you get off the streets with grit, but I had none left.”

Despite these obstacles, Sanders had a background in freelance Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), prompting him to pursue a business program offered by the Australian government. There, he was paired with a mentor who encouraged him to establish StudioHawk. The business started small, with just one client. He recalled, “I was relying on that money for rent. Luckily, my first client referred me to someone else, and I managed to keep going.”

As StudioHawk grew, so did Sanders’ responsibilities. “Hiring my first employee was another scary moment, as suddenly I was responsible for someone else’s livelihood,” he noted. He attributes his drive to a powerful psychological concept: “Someone running from homelessness is often going to outpace someone chasing a million dollars. That urgency made me grow up fast.”

In the years following its inception, StudioHawk expanded into the UK market and recently opened an office in the United States. The company’s impressive growth has resulted in revenue figures reaching £10 million, a milestone that Sanders describes as surreal. “There’s no way I could’ve imagined this. Honestly, it feels like a dream. At 17, I would’ve been happy just to have a job,” he explained.

StudioHawk has also gained recognition for its unconventional hiring practices, prioritizing self-taught professionals and individuals he describes as “wholesome nerds” over traditional CVs. Sanders believes his personal experiences underscore the notion that success does not always depend on a university degree.

After initially keeping his past private, Sanders now openly discusses his journey. He serves as an ambassador for the Lighthouse Foundation, an organization that supports mental health and housing for homeless youth. He donates all his speaking fees to this cause, emphasizing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. “At first, I was embarrassed, but I realized if I’m embarrassed, how will others feel confident talking about it?” he remarked. “It’s like mental health; change only happens when people speak up.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sanders offers practical advice: “Take baby steps. Put one foot in front of the other. If you improve 1% every day, that adds up fast.” His journey from homelessness to a multimillion-pound business serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of seizing opportunities.