Meet Hayley Henning

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hayley Henning. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Hayley, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

My self-discipline stems from my upbringing, which was marked by resilience and determination. Raised by a single mother in a challenging environment, I grew up with very little, but I was always grateful for what we had. However, I vividly remember the frustration of not having enough food in the house or enduring the heat because we could only run the air conditioning minimally in the desert where we lived. These experiences shaped my perspective and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and a drive to work hard.
As a single mother myself, I reflect on those difficult times from my childhood, and I’m determined that my children will not have to endure the same hardships. This determination fuels my self-discipline. I know that I am the sole provider for my family, and there is no safety net to catch us if I falter. I have to make it happen on my own.
At just 19 years old, I built Characters IO from the ground up, and by 22, I was a mother. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with motherhood required an immense amount of discipline. I had to work tirelessly to create opportunities and provide a better life for my family. To this day, I take pride in the discipline that I have cultivated because I have seen firsthand how delayed gratification and hard work can turn dreams into reality. I truly believe that the American dream is within reach for those who are willing to put in the effort, and my story is a testament to that belief.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a single mother, my focus has always been on providing a better life for my children and building something meaningful with Characters IO. I founded Characters IO when I was just 19 years old, driven by the need for a job as a broke college student. What started as being a princess myself, has grown into a thriving company with 21 locations nationwide, serving families across the country.
Characters IO is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of my dedication to creating memorable moments for children and their families. We bring beloved characters to life at parties and events, making each occasion truly special. What excites me the most about Characters IO is the joy and wonder we bring to children’s faces. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of children when they meet their favorite characters is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me every day why I started this journey.
Our brand is built on the values of authenticity, creativity, and a genuine love for what we do. We carefully select and train our performers to ensure they embody the magic of each character, providing an immersive and unforgettable experience for every child. We also pride ourselves on our attention to detail and commitment to excellence with regard to our costumes and wigs, which has allowed us to expand rapidly and become a trusted name in the industry.
Looking forward, we are excited to continue our growth and bring even more magic to families across the nation. We’re currently working on expanding our offerings, including introducing new characters and services that cater to a wider range of events. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to give back to the community through charitable initiatives, like partnering with hospitals to bring characters to children who need a little extra joy during tough times.
In everything we do, my focus remains on creating a positive impact—both in the lives of my children and in the lives of the families we serve. Characters IO is not just a business to me; it’s a way to bring happiness, inspire imagination, and create lasting memories for the next generation.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I can pinpoint three key qualities that have been most impactful: discipline, resilience, and adaptability.
Discipline: Discipline has been the backbone of my success. It’s the ability to stay focused, make sacrifices, and keep pushing forward even when things get tough. For me, discipline meant waking up early, working late, and making decisions that prioritized the long-term growth of my business over short-term comforts. My advice to those early in their journey is to develop a strong sense of discipline by setting clear goals and holding yourself accountable. It’s about creating routines that align with your goals and sticking to them, even when motivation wanes. Discipline isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you can cultivate through consistent effort.
Resilience: Building Characters IO wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Resilience—being able to bounce back from failures and keep moving forward—was critical. I learned that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities to learn and grow. For anyone just starting out, I would say, embrace challenges and failures as part of the journey. They are not only inevitable but essential for growth. Develop resilience by maintaining a positive mindset, learning from each experience, and never losing sight of your vision.
Adaptability: The business landscape is always changing, and the ability to adapt has been crucial in keeping Characters IO relevant and successful. Whether it was adjusting to new market demands, incorporating new technologies, or navigating unexpected challenges like the pandemic, adaptability allowed me to pivot and innovate. My advice here is to stay open-minded and be willing to learn and evolve. Don’t get too attached to one way of doing things; instead, be flexible and ready to change course when necessary. The ability to adapt quickly to new situations will set you apart and keep you ahead of the curve.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

When I reflect on who has been most helpful in shaping the skills and qualities that have led to my success, it may seem unusual, but I have to acknowledge the adversarial experiences I’ve faced, particularly within my family and with my ex-husband. These challenging situations, both personally and legally, have played a significant role in defining who I am today.
Rather than having a traditional mentor or support system, I found that the difficulties I encountered forced me to develop resilience, perseverance, and an unshakable sense of determination. These experiences taught me how to navigate tough times with a clear mind and a strong will. They pushed me to grow, to find solutions even when the odds were stacked against me, and to keep moving forward no matter what.
In many ways, these challenges have become my greatest teachers. They’ve equipped me with the ability to handle a lot without being easily phased, which is now one of my strongest qualities. I’ve learned that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth, and instead of letting it break me, I’ve used it to build the mental and emotional toughness needed to succeed in business and in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://characters.io
• Instagram: @hayley_henning and @characters.io
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USA.Characters.io/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/partyentertainment1