Exploring Life & Business with Aliya Mooney of Hearthstone Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliya Mooney.

Hi Aliya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as a brand designer and photographer started over 11 years ago, beginning with shooting for friends and classmates. This led to dabbling in wedding photography, events and sports documentation, and more throughout high school and into college. At that time, I wasn’t really interested in making a legit business out of photography — I just really loved connecting with people and making them feel seen and special.

What I’d describe as my true joy and passion, brand design, was totally random. I picked up some extracurricular design classes in college and found myself spending hours on design projects without realizing it. I loved the nature of strategy and emotional appeal paired with technical execution. It fascinated me.

Career-wise, I worked as a designer full-time in house and at an agency for the first few years out of college but felt frustrated by the limitations that came with working for someone else. My husband and I decided in May 2024 that it was now or never — if I wanted to pursue building my own brand studio, now was the time to try. And so Hearthstone Creative was born.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think any entrepreneur could ever honestly say they’ve had a smooth road in their journey. Especially in the age of social media algorithms, the rise of AI, and the continual devaluing of human-made creative, it’s been a tough journey to figuring out how to carve out a space in the industry. My faith has been very grounding as I’ve figured out how to maneuver through unknowns and uncertainties in the economy, the ever-saturated industry of brand design and photography, and the state of the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of Hearthstone Creative. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Hearthstone Creative is a brand design and photography studio that focuses on serving soloprenuers and small businesses specifically in creative fields (photography, interior design, floral design, to name a few).

Right now I’m running everything solo, which allows me to provide a very personalized experience to my clients. I pride myself in taking time to really get to know and understand them, what their goals are, and use my background in marketing and brand strategy to build them unique brand identities that are visually striking, intentional, and effective.

My goal through and through is to serve others, to elevate them and their business dreams to the next level. It’s been such a joy and privilege connecting with other business owners in the Phoenix area and get to walk alongside them in what currently feel like intimidating (but thrilling!) times.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many, I’m worried I won’t be able to name them all!

My husband, Kyle, who’s been my rock and my biggest advocate. Hearthstone was originally his idea, and if he hadn’t encouraged me to try, I probably would still be dreaming about it.

My parents, who are so wise and such champions of my entrepreneurism. My dad was my first real design client, and my career as a designer really kicked off because of him.

Several past coworkers, bosses, professors, and mentors: Lilly, Mark, Cassie, Julia, Laura, Jackie, Andrew, Delphine, just to name a few. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

It truly takes a village, and I’m so grateful for mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hearthstonecreative.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearthstone.creative/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearthstone-creative-llc/

Image Credits
Headshot: credit to Lestina Creative

First 3 photos of gallery: credits to Stories by MintySnaps