Meet Haley Aho

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Haley Aho a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through my values, family heritage, and culture. Being a Hmong, Han-Chinese, Finnish, and Austrian queer woman, my identity is tied to how I have encountered my experiences from adolescence to my blossoming adulthood. Being instilled with beliefs of community and connection allowed me to discover my passions of creativity, honoring traditions, and those that have come before us. I want to continue the beauty, construction, learning, and longevity of humankind’s existence and experience.

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

As a young child, I started my artistic journey by singing and acting in church, reading books, and watching movies with my Nai Nai (Paternal Grandma in Mandarin Chinese). In middle school, I would be interested in playing the viola, drawing, writing stories, and practicing makeup application. In high school, I began exploring acting, dancing, singing, and being an editor at the newspaper club. However, after being introduced to a follow spot machine, my journey altered into theatrical design and production; I delved into stage lighting and special effects makeup.

In my university years, I continued my study in theatre, developing my skills during lessons, labs, and productions. I focused on lighting but grew interested in set design, drafting, construction, and rigging. I broadened to different mediums of production, diving into dance and fashion. Later, through the connection of departments and friends, I exposed my cosmetology and special effects skills in the film program. Eventually, I would be asked to join local independent film studios, Del Kary Productions and Take2Studios, to showcase my self-taught skills.
I have multiple short films credited but released my feature film debut, Cheater, Cheater (2024), directed by Del Kary. Currently, I am breaking into the local Live Event and Live Entertainment industry. I plan on continuing my cosmetology education, OSHA training, and Event Safety certifications.

What I love most about being a Stage Technician and Independent Filmmaker is the continuous but differing projects that allow constant creativity, expression, and problem-solving. I can take on multiple roles that expand art, history, culture, community, and conversation. These aspects are important to me in my everyday life that it reminds me of the impermanence of human existence, and humanity’s willingness to speak, tell stories, reflect, and remember our mortal and transcendental experiences. I love how art can connect with many subjects and people regardless of their identity, background, and origin. It creates more ways that art can be viewed, inspired, revered, hated, and transformed, thus continuing the beautiful cycle.

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?

I initially knew that I had to heal my inner world. My personal goal was to confront, learn, and restore the joy and passion I had before my traumas impacted me. Reflecting now, I can see how my dedication and energy to art, relationships, and life have dwindled. Through therapy, getting to know myself deeply, and treating myself with respect, I learned that being vulnerable wasn’t shameful nor a sign of weakness. Discussing my feelings, thoughts, and relationships brought deconstruction, honesty, repair, and peace. Not to mention the support through these epiphanies from my partner, family, friends, and loved ones have helped me continue to live a meaningful life. I hope anyone who struggles with their inner world can find and access the help they need.

Additionally, I grew attached to a couple of wise principles that my university professors taught.

1. Use your voice! Give and Receive Critique.

Let others hear your thoughts, improving their craft and your own. Creating art is about hearing the feedback and perspectives of others who view it. You may not agree or use their suggestions but hearing their thoughts improves on how you hear critique and use it constructively. Critique is not tearing someone down but helping them grow.

2. Treat every job and opportunity as a chance for a future interview.

There can and will be someone who will watch your hard work, interaction with others, and communication. They will either grant you a job or be a great networking connection. Sharing your goals and talents with others can and will grant you many new possibilities.

3. Be a student; There is always an opportunity to learn in every situation!

Masters and teachers don’t know everything, just like students. Both can find something new to learn, make compromises, and problem-solve with each other.

For anyone starting their path, I want to grant you the peace and relief that your hard work will pay off, earning you great fortune, and success. If you feel it in your bones and spirit, it will come to you when it is ready. Place faith in yourself, talents, and how the universe will unfold new transformations. There will never be the perfect moment to begin or a perfect product; what matters is a willingness to learn, share your discoveries, and continue with your newfound knowledge. Don’t be afraid to take risks and be uncomfortable; you will never know what could open new avenues. Making mistakes is a part of life, it will happen. There will be lulls but there is always a silver lining. Use every moment to do what makes you happy, brings you peace, and achieves your desires.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My time management skills are becoming balanced with the adjustments of my life, career, and goals. I am not perfect; I still am late on projects and tasks. There are many crafts, presents, and paintings I have yet to complete. I plan to continue becoming organized and removing distractions that occupy and disrupt my focus. I’ve realized a lot of the obsessive and addictive substances that I used became a barrier to my goals and myself. I’ve struggled with using nicotine and self-medicating with cannabis. With the support of my partner, I’ve officially ended smoking this year; I hope to continue living, smoke-free. I’ve noticed how my body and energy have shifted in a healthier direction, bringing more attention to my career and artistic goals. I’ve also taken the initiative to create a healthier relationship with my phone or other technology usage, allowing myself to leave it to complete different tasks or to do a non-technology activity like reading, sewing, or painting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: haili.studios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-n-aho-4834b7202?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BE7%2BPs6HgRpKtZn1%2BSODxcg%3D%3D
• Twitter: haili_studios

Image Credits

Haley N. Aho