Life and Work with Haley Wehner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Wehner.

Haley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always felt like everyone around me knew exactly who they were and what they wanted to do with their life. For a long time, I felt unsure about what I “wanted to be when I grew up”. In high school, I really enjoyed my yearbook class. Spending countless hours designing yearbook spreads never felt like work to me, but it never clicked in my head that I could make a living doing the same thing.

Right out of high school, I got an internship with a professional food blogger (HandleTheHeat.com). I initially thought it would just be a temporary position while I went to college, but it has ended up being life-changing for me. This is where I was first introduced to managing social media, and I was given a lot of opportunities to grow as a graphic designer.

I ended up dropping out of two different colleges, and again, felt unsure about what I was supposed to do. I finally listened to my gut and decided to take this graphic design passion of mine seriously. I’m now in Scottsdale Community College’s graphic design program and am working on growing my business.

This year, I launched Haley Madison Design, a social media management, and graphic design agency. I’m SO excited to take my business to the next level and to continue to learn and grow every day. Working with clients from all over the globe has amazing, and I can’t wait to do it for the rest of my life.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think when a lot of people envision working from home or freelancing, they get an image of someone in their pajamas lounging around eating Cheeto puffs. Yes, I do wear my PJs most days with my dog in my lap while I work, but I’ve had to work harder and push myself more at running my own business than in any other aspect of life. Being my own boss has taught me how to be a time management whiz, but also to allow myself breaks when I need them. I’ve also learned it’s crucial to be prepared for the financial side of running a business, not just the creative side. Get an accountant, know how much to charge your clients, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Amy Poehler has a powerful quote that has always stuck with me – “Great people do things before they are ready”. For a long time, I made a lot of excuses – I told myself I was too young to run a business, there are so many other people who are way more skilled than me and a bunch of other bolognas. I think the hardest part is just starting. Take the leap, believe in yourself, handle things day-by-day, and you can accomplish anything. I’ve always been a perfectionist and an overly cautious person, but learning to take risks and push myself out of my comfort zone has been so, so rewarding.

Please tell us about Haley Madison Design.
I’m a Graphic Designer and Social Media Specialist. I have helped a wide range of clients with their business needs including food bloggers, real estate brokers, professional gym trainers, podcasters, and more. I’ve always loved the design, marketing, writing, photography, and branding, and I’m so thankful I get to utilize all my passions every day.

While I’ve worked with a lot of clients from around the globe, I’m so humbled to have been able to work with a lot of local entrepreneurs here in Phoenix. I love living in AZ, and it’s been amazing getting to help other businesses grow and reach their customers through strategic social media and intentional, creative design.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
My mom has always been a strong female leader and an entrepreneur herself, and it never occurred to me until I got older that some people don’t love the idea of women being in charge. Women are a powerful force when they team up and encourage each other, and I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of other amazing female entrepreneurs. I don’t know where I would be without all the support and respect they’ve shown me!

I’ve also experienced some weariness from people after they learn how young I am, but I think if you demand respect and prove your worth, you will surprise people in the best way possible.

I think a lot of the barriers that have surrounded women in the workplace for a long time are finally starting to come down, though there’s a way to go.

Contact Info:

• Website: haleymadisondesign.com
• Email: hello@haleymadisondesign.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/haleywehner
• Facebook: facebook.com/haleymadisondesign

Image Credit:
Celisse Jones

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