Behind the Scenes with Hayley: Her Journey to Building Multiple Creative Businesses

Hayley shares her path from artist to entrepreneur on this week’s episode

Hi friends,

This week on The Founders Society Podcast, we switched things up. Meg had the chance to interview Hayley, diving into her journey as an artist, gallery owner, and coach.

In this episode, Hayley opens up about her story—from childhood creative sparks to the key decisions that shaped her career. If you’ve ever wondered how she built her businesses and what drives her, this conversation is a must-listen.

It wouldn’t be a true origin episode without Hayley opening up about the experiences that shaped her into the person she is today—so we took it all the way back to the very beginning. From winning a local coloring contest as a young girl to eventually owning her own art gallery and mentoring others, we were captivated as she took us along on her inspiring journey. Some of the highlights include:

• A Creative Start: Hayley’s creative journey took root during her time at Washington and Lee University, where she nurtured her artistic talents. With graduation looming, she briefly considered following a more conventional path—until a moment of serendipity changed everything. During an extemporaneous class presentation, she asked her classmates to vote on whether or not she should take the leap and pursue art full-time. With an enthusiastic and unanimous response, Hayley’s art career was set in motion.

• Stepping Into Entrepreneurship: After college, Hayley briefly ventured into the corporate world with an internship at a renowned Southern magazine, where she gained valuable business and marketing experience that complemented her artistic ambitions. The fast-paced environment sharpened her skill set, and when the opportunity to take over an art gallery came her way, it was this foundation that gave her the confidence to seize the moment. She nurtured the gallery into what is now known as the Scouted Studio, a testament to her vision and drive.

• Growing a Business with Heart: After several years as both an artist and gallery owner, Hayley turned her focus to empowering fellow creatives with her next venture, The Art Coaching Club. Through a combination of podcast episodes and a mentor membership, she has significantly elevated the entrepreneurial journeys of hundreds of artists across the country, providing them with the tools, insight, and inspiration to thrive in the ever evolving art world.

Lessons Learned Along the Way:
This episode wasn’t just about Hayley’s journey—it’s packed with valuable takeaways for creatives and entrepreneurs:

• Know Your Value: Understanding your worth is crucial, whether it’s pricing your art, setting boundaries, or negotiating opportunities.

• Avoid Burnout: Hustle culture doesn’t serve anyone. Hayley talks about how she’s learned to balance ambition with rest.

• Stay Open: Embrace lifelong learning and be ready to pivot when new opportunities arise.

• Build Your Community: Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your journey and can offer encouragement along the way.

In a delightful departure from their usual TidBit section, Hayley fully embraced her title as the Queen of Recommendations, sharing a selection of her personal favorites across a variety of categories. Some of our favorites include:

On Your Feet – Hayley has a knack for spotting sneakers before they hit the mainstream. Her secret? Sifting through Anthropologie’s selection. These are her recent favorites.

In The Pantry – For impromptu charcuterie boards, Hayley always keeps a selection of crackers on hand. She also swears by a well-stocked seasoning cabinet—don’t skip the Maldon salt! And while you’re at it, try one of Ina Garten's recipes for something truly satisfying.

On The Map – Hayley’s heart belongs to Charleston. This year, she’s embracing the role of tourist in her own town, eager to shop at Hampden, dine at 167 Raw, and sip margaritas at Bar Taco.

In Your Studio – The highlight of Hayley’s new studio in downtown Charleston? Working alongside her studio mate, Caroline!

What’s Next for Hayley:
Hayley is in a season of "going deeper" with her existing projects, focusing on nurturing what she’s built instead of chasing constant expansion. She’s also prioritizing rest and presence, leaning into the idea that sometimes, the best way to grow is to slow down.

We hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own journey—where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and where you want to go next.

Warmly,
Meg & Hayley