Meet Hailey Way

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

Hailey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience isn’t something we are born with.
It’s an armor we develop over time through challenges and setbacks.
I’ve failed classes, been in a car wreck, found myself in debilitating debt, and participated in unhealthy relationships. Each situation brought its own set of lessons, forcing me to adapt and rethink my path.

I learned to rely on my resourcefulness, seeking out new ways to get back on my feet rather than dwelling on the setbacks.
Asking for help when I needed it, challenged me to set my ego aside and embrace the wisdom and support of others.
Having another set of eyes look at my situation presents a different perspective that maybe I was blind to. By doing so, I grew a sense of humility and vulnerability, crucial for resilience.

Perhaps the most significant form of resilience came through introspection. Looking at each misfortune as a way to evolve was the best way for me to overcome the challenges.
It led me to examine issues and what they’re presenting to me. Understanding this gave me the clarity to make more intentional choices and to pivot in compromising situations.

Resilience, for me, has become less about bouncing back from adversity and more about transforming through it—moving forward with the knowledge that each obstacle equips me for the next. Being malleable with each challenge makes me durable.

Thinking introspectively, looking at alternative perspectives, and being vulnerable…this is what encompasses a resilient mindset.

A quote from “James and the Giant Peach” has always stood out to me:
“Try looking at it another way…”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve been journaling ever since I was 12 years old.
Writing has always been my sanctuary, and is something that I’ll carry with me for all eternity.
I loved recording every event and every feeling that resonated with me. From high euphoria, to low sadness, and everywhere in between; I wanted the memories.
Spoiler alert, my collegiate years were spent in journalism.

For a few years as a post-grad I worked as a community journalist in Seattle neighborhoods focusing on arts and culture. Growing up as dancer, I enjoyed the arts and entertainment beat in the local newspaper…(highlighting the creative pulse of the city seemed like a great avenue to go down for my first byline.)

At some point, I caught the travel itch. The epiphany of living in the same state forever was daunting. I didn’t want to stay here forever! I quit my comfy job and moved out of my home state. I made my way southeast to bartend music festivals and professional sporting events like Lallapalooza, and Formula One. Travel bartending kept my tank AND my bank full. While I was in between gigs, I had the freedom to sit down at the local café and write the day away.

Exploring the country this way was pretty lucrative and allowed me time to launch my own blog and shop “The Wayback Closet” to chronicle my adventures. While working EDC Las Vegas, a fellow bartender mentioned becoming a flight attendant to go between gigs more freely. I thought it was a great travel hack… little did I know it was a full time on-call job, with very little freedom.

But, I decided to embrace the change, and the challenge.

Flying came with all kinds of perks, but also with a whole lot of waiting around. I utilized my new role to make travel content for my blog and hone my craft. Since I was usually exploring [insert your favorite city here,] my travel chronicles became a steady practice to keep my blog active.

Fast forward…
The company went under and I found a home back in the Pacific Northwest where I freely explore my writing for personal and commercial projects. Even though I’m back where I started, I’ve found some mental clarity by exploring my mind, my voice, and how I can apply it to my writing. It’s challenging to sit still and navigate the world when I’ve been living so on-the-go the past few years.
But, it’s also been rewarding to slow down and craft a piece to be proud of.
To truly tap into an emotion,
spread out all the puzzle pieces…
and find the flow again.

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 even just on the last few years there has been big “ah, ha!” moments that forced me to check myself.

Keep Your Ego in Check: It can interfere with clear, analytical thinking. I prefer to take on the role of an observer and gather insights without revealing too much of myself. Staying a bit mysterious is sophisticated, timeless, and naturally intriguing.

Stay Adaptable: Plans don’t always unfold as expected. Be ready to pivot. When I was on the road with gigs scheduled back-to-back, I penciled everything in with the hope it would flow smoothly, but inevitably, things shifted. Whatever the reason, resist overreacting—it’s part of the journey. Instead, shift your focus to “What’s next?”

Embrace Your Surroundings for Inspiration: This is a mindfulness practice, finding meaning in unexpected spaces and in the people around you. Building connections with those who inspire is mutually rewarding and essential for a creative partnership. Lifelong friends who embody this quality are invaluable. Nurturing relationships with people who uplift and challenge you fuels the deepest growth.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The War of Art is a book that truly resonates with me. It dives into the universal experience of hitting creative blocks and emphasizes that the only way forward is to push through them. In journalism, deadlines don’t allow for the luxury of staring at a blank screen, but when I have unlimited time, it’s easier to procrastinate and let days slip by—a slow erosion of precious time.

Author Steven Pressfield describes this inner obstacle as “the Resistance,” a shadowy force within us that stands in the way of our creativity. We become our own biggest challenge, actively resisting the act of creating. Yet, paradoxically, facing this resistance is part of the creative process itself. It’s a battle we must wage against ourselves to ultimately bring forth our best work.

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Image Credits

Andrey Pavlenko

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