Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Ayla, also known as Hannah Stombler-Levine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah, 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?
My resilience has definitely been shaped by experiencing chronic pain since childhood. For anyone reading this who struggles with chronic pain, you may relate to the fact that it extends beyond your personal life and often influences your approach to professional decisions as well. It has also allowed me to truly understand my boundaries and limits, drastically improving the quality of my work and the satisfaction of my clients. While nobody wants to be in pain, being able to reframe your mindset has allowed me to see that it can be a powerful asset in both personal and entrepreneurial journeys.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Hannah Ayla, also known more formally as Hannah Stombler-Levine. I am a brand designer, content creator and foster youth advocate based in San Francisco, California. As someone who’s always had many passions, I love being a multi-hyphenate. Don’t ever believe that you have to pick just one career in your lifetime. For me, the last decade has included a successful career in design, social media and foster care advocacy.
Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of media teams for renowned brands such as Apple, Nespresso, and Zillow. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with exceptionally talented individuals and teams, bearing witness to the transformation of creative ideas from thoughts on paper to impactful global campaigns.
Additionally, as a long-time user of social media, I founded Hanayla Creates in an effort to bridge great design with social media strategies that actually work. Drawing upon my extensive background in various industries, I provide services and best practices that transcend traditional boundaries. When clients choose Hanayla Creates, they benefit from more than just a visual perspective; they gain insights from a marketing angle and strategic planning approach as well. Your project isn’t just a design—it’s a holistic, multidimensional solution.
Lastly, as a foster youth advocate, I have worked as an unpaid volunteer supporting foster youth in the Bay Area for the past 7 years.
As for what’s new, stay tuned for upcoming events and launches as Hanayla Creates continues to evolve in the dynamic world of design and content creation. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more and getting involved with volunteer opportunities supporting foster youth, check out your local CASA program.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a small business owner, the three most impactful qualities for me have been the ability to maintain strong boundaries, strong relationships and the resilience to persevere through (guaranteed) setbacks and challenges. For someone beginning the journey of entrepreneurship, I would encourage you to never be too prideful to ask for help or learn from an expert. You don’t have to be the best at everything, and you likely never will be. Lean on those around you to help you learn and grow.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
A few years ago, I cracked my personal code to avoid being overwhelmed by using the ‘Rule of 3’. It’s simple: I choose three key tasks for the day and don’t allow myself to move on to the next until I’ve completed the first. You’ll find that the task you are dreading the most will likely be in your #1 spot. However, once you finish that task, everything else will feel simpler and more achievable. You’ll also be amazed at how much you can accomplish with this method.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hanaylacreates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanayla/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahayla/
- Other: Foster care advocacy website: https://hannahstomblerlevine.com/ Blog: https://hannahayla.com/
Image Credits
Main photo in red dress: Jason Rogers Photography
