We were lucky to catch up with Haley Halford recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

You have to be able to define success for yourself. A knowing of what you want is the first step to getting it. Aside from that, I think you’ll need an almost delusional belief that you can attain it, a plan of action, and the grit to keep going when it’d be easier to quit.

Haley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Haley Rae and I started Studio Wilde in 2013 as my answer to the question “what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, putting yourself out there can be scary. It can be terrifying to start a business and confusing trying to figure out all the elements of your brand. I meet business owners where they’re at and walk them through that fear and confusion to create a brand dripping with personality and backed by strategy.

As a fine art major with a concentration in graphic design, I was introduced to branding and fell in love with the intersection of business and art. I learned why a buyer would be drawn to one brand over another; that communication through art is powerful and has a place in business. I knew so many small businesses that didn’t know how to set themselves apart in their industry and I knew I had a talent for taking something abstract and giving it form, and Studio Wilde was born.

I’ve realized I’m an atypical designer in that I prefer to work quickly. When I first started, I was following the ‘formula’, the order of operations in which design has always been done which is usually a very long and drawn-out process; taking months to come to fruition. I realized this template was created by agencies with ten departments in which one design gets meticulously dissected by twenty people in a board room. This process can be essential for corporate brands, but small business owners need results faster, and with the one-on-one attention my small studio can offer, we’re able to see results much faster – in a couple of weeks rather than months or years.

With all the demands of modern life, building your brand has to be easy; it can’t take up too much time or bandwidth so I prioritize an easy, stress-free process.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2021 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease and told I had 30% kidney function. After researching and discussing with my doctors, it became clear that along with medication, the only chance I’d have to slow progression and avoid a transplant would be to manage my stress. This meant I’d have to get off the hampster wheel of grossly undercharging and overworking I’d been on for years.

Trying to grow my business almost killed me, but it forced me to finally see my value. It was no longer an option to take on free work. No became a full sentence. I raised my rates and doubled my income while taking on fewer clients. I focused on my own branding and what kind of clients I was attracting. The thing is, a well-made brand will act like another team member, silently working away in the background for you, doing its job to attract your ideal client and build credibility and trust. This pivot forced me to practice what I preach to all my clients about valuing themselves and trusting their brand to do some of the work for them.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I’ve worked with every kind of client: from CNN heroes and TedX speakers to e-commerce shops to potters. I can trace all of my best clients back to my first three clients. Word of mouth and referrals has been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele. I prioritize their experience and make sure they feel supported. More often then not, our working relationship turns into a friendship as I root them on from the sidelines of their launch!

Contact Info:

• Website: studiowilde.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiowilde/

Image Credits
Photos by: Arisa Yoon arisayoon.com