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

Haley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

My husband and I were actually on a date at a local wine bar. It was a newer business and we were sitting at the bar making conversation with the owner. At the time I had just started down the path of using my knowledge and skills in marketing and sales in the realms of supporting businesses. At this point I was building my own and had traded services to gain experience in the industry.

As we struck up conversation about their growth and vision I offered my perspective, ideas, and simple ways they could amplify their marketing game to build a strong presence in the community. I wasn’t even thinking about it from the space of them being a client until the owner said to send him over a contract.

We left our date night and I immediately went to work on creating my first contract. It felt amazing that someone saw my ability as an opportunity to support them and I truly believe that when we can be of service that is how both parties win.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The Passion Pursuit came as an idea before it was ever a business. The idea of a space where creative women could connect back with their own gifts, ideas, passions and build a career path out of that. Having pursued a path that felt like a should I realized that life was too short to not do what you love most. So I dove into the deep end of entrepreneurship as I saw that as the vehicle to create and pave your own pathway.
I became a sponge and a student of my craft–learning all aspects of how a business started AND grew succesfully. Who were the founders who were thriving and what were they doing to not burn out?
I served and served and served and gained an ample amount of experience to build The Passion Pursuit to what it is today.
Now I describe what I do as if a business strategist and a life coach had a baby–it’s not a enough to build a successful and profitable business. I am here to build one that supports the lifestyle that you are craving too.
Together I partner with my clients to clarify their vision, lay the foundation, and scale a profitable and joy filled service based business. We build on the foundation of what you value most and scale in a way that feels supportive to the nervous system. In addition to 1:1 mentorship I am a community builder and podcast host giving people support where they need it to thrive.
Over time I have helped over 300+ clients and counting to pursue what they love most.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

This last year I purchased Camp Climb: a community, movement, and annual event hosted in the Midwest. This business and brand was a huge part of my own entrepreneurial journey. It is best described as if Summer Camp was mixed with your favorite entrepreneur retreat. I attended Camp in 2021 for the first time and the next year returned as a facilitator. I then connected with the incredible founder Emma Hicks when she approached me with the desire to sell CC and pass the baton to me as the next leader.
To me it felt like a compliment to the work that I was doing already with The Passion Pursuit. Camp Climb had been such a huge part of my own story that it felt like a hell yes when being asked to lead this next chapter of the movement. The acquisition process was incredible unique and Emma supported me along the way to building this next evolution.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

It’s always been important to me that what you see is what you get. When I first entered the online space I saw a sea of similarities. Black and white photoshoots with blazers on and a sophisticated vibe and while that was lovely in it’s own regard….it didn’t feel aligned to me.
I wanted people to feel the experience before they decided to work with me. I wanted my brand to scream joy, playfulness, and FUN and so I came in with bold, bright colors and confetti everywhere to present The Passion Pursuit in a bold, carefree, colorful way.
I have been approached since for opportunities because of the brand and how it is positioned and marketed. Turns out sticking out in the crowd is a massive marketing move!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepassionpursuitco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepassionpursuitco https://www.instagram.com/campclimb

Image Credits

@katespitzphotography (pink background photos)
@quiannamarie (for Built for Her photo)
@brandingbyjo (pink suit headshot)