Meet Hayley Paige

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hayley Paige. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hayley below.

Hi Hayley, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I think optimism comes from mindfulness and self-awareness—taking a moment to see things as they really are, rather than making them bigger than they need to be. That can be especially tough for anyone with a big imagination, where it’s easy to get caught up in “what ifs.” I always remind myself to save my exaggerations for design and drawing :). But learning to recognize where you stand, tune out the noise, and process things clearly is a real skill.

For me, optimism isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about shifting focus—knowing what’s in my control and letting go of what isn’t. It’s about appreciating both the highs and the lows, staying humble in success, and handling setbacks with humillity. It’s choosing to not let circumstances define my sense of power.

Optimism is seeing possibilities instead of roadblocks, avoiding a victim mindset, and staying present, adaptable, and open to what’s next.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a wedding dress designer and creative director about to relaunch my signature collection after a long journey to regain my name and creative freedom. Designing bridal gowns has always been my favorite way to connect with women—there’s something truly special about creating art pieces that become part of someone’s most cherished and loving memories.

In addition to wedding dresses, I also have She Is Cheval, an online shoe brand that blends design with razzle-dazzle, and a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and empowering creators in their careers called, A GIRL YOU MIGHT KNOW FOUNDATION. Right now, I’m focused on bringing my new bridal collection to life, expanding She Is Cheval, and continuing to support creatives through advocacy and education.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have become more focused on: work ethic, optimism, and financial awareness.

Work Ethic – Put in the Reps & Avoid Distractions
The best way to improve at anything is to do it—over and over again. It’s easy to get caught up in what looks like progress but isn’t, like spending hours replicating someone else’s TikTok strategy instead of refining your own voice. I’ve learned that the most valuable use of time is creating, iterating, and staying focused on what actually moves things forward.

Optimism – Focus on Polishing the Gems, Not the Rocks
Perspective is everything. Instead of fixating on what’s missing or what didn’t work, I’ve found it’s more productive to lean into where credibility already exists. If something is gaining traction—whether it’s a skill, a product, or a creative idea—nurture it, refine it, and build momentum from there. Optimism is truly about putting your most precious resource, energy, into what’s working.

Financial Awareness – Know the Business, Not Just the Craft
Whether you’re a designer, artist, or creator, understanding the financial side of what you do gives you real creative freedom. Even if numbers aren’t your thing, getting familiar with how pricing, margins, and expenses impact the bigger picture makes a huge difference. You don’t have to do everything yourself, but you should know enough to make smart decisions and protect what you’re building.

Advice for anyone starting out? Keep creating, trust your instincts, don’t mistake motion for progress, and make sure you understand not just what you’re making—but how it all comes together.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I have a very wise and wonderful mentor—someone who knows a heck of a lot more than me. I truly believe you have to be careful who you take advice from. Surrounding yourself with the right people is just as important—not just ‘yes’ people, but those who challenge you, point out your blind spots, and help you grow.

It’s also crucial to be mindful of who you follow or idolize, especially on social media. The content we consume directly impacts our mindset, and with so many voices claiming authority these days, it’s easy to feel like your own voice matters less. But you know yourself best. Your personal development isn’t about following the loudest advice—it’s about investing in guidance from those who’ve already been where you want to go, filtering out the noise, and trusting your own instincts.

Contact Info:

• Website: sheischeval.com hayleypaige.com agirlyoumightknowfoundation.org
• Instagram: @misshayleypaige @allthatglittersonthegram @sheischeval @agirlyoumightknowfoundation
• Facebook: /hayleypaigebridal
• Twitter: @misshayleypaige
• Youtube: @misshayleypaige
• Soundcloud: @misshayleypaige
• Other: TikTok: @misshayleypaige @sheischeval

Image Credits

@misshayleypaige