We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Haley Washington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

During the start of covid I decided to pack up and leave my hometown in New Jersey. I knew this would be a big risk physically (being 8 months pregnant) and mentally (having no family or friends close by) but I also had faith there would be better opportunities and a better environment for my family. I have always craved more since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to travel outside of the small town I grew up in. Moments after giving birth to my daughter I was diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism in my heart and lungs and I was rushed to Cooper hospital in Camden NJ right next to Philly. I am still recovering from that traumatic experience. Since I had no family in NC I had no choice but to stay in NJ until I was able to do things on my own and until my medical team cleared me to be able to go back. I had to wait about half a year to return to my home in NC. Once I returned it took me awhile to build up a community of friends. I have been a stay at home mom for 4+ years. I love being able to stay home with my kids but I also dream of my own career/business. This is why I have started multiple small businesses. I started a charcuterie business in 2022, as well as a women support group with a group of amazing like minded women, I am also a freelance graphic designer/digital designer but my number one goal is to open my own restaurant within the next year. I would not be where I am today without taking the risk of being uncomfortable, packing up and moving. Its not what you know but who you know, and you never know how your life could change overnight without taking a risk! Life is too short to stay comfortable!

Haley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Haley Slimmer-Washington I am 26 years old and I am from New Jersey. I relocated to North Carolina in 2020 and I have two beautiful children. I am a blood clot survivor and endometriosis warrior! I had a near death experience in 2020 that has made me grateful for every breath I take. I have a passion for helping people and that reflects in everything I put my hands to do.

My business “CheerCuterie” offers grazing tables and charcuterie boards. I stand out from anyone else because i will always go the extra mile to guarantee an unforgettable experience. An experience that your guest will never forget, it will make your gathering stand out from any other!

I also freelance digital design/graphic design anywhere from logos, graphics, flyers, portraits, social media management etc.

My main goal is to open up a restaurant that is more than just food, it will feel like home to many.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’ve been fortunate to build a TikTok community and my best advice is to be your authentic self. If you think no one can relate to who you are or your situation .. you are wrong! You sharing could help someone else going through a similar situation. You might feel alone now but you are not alone. Always remember that you deserve to be seen and heard.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My resources may be very limited during this season of my life but I will continue to fight to find my purpose. I will keep getting back up until I am successful and something works out in my favor. I want to be the example to. my children that no matter how many rejections you get and how hard it may seem you must never give up! You must keep on trying new things and that does not make you weak or less than anyone else! Life is too short to not take the risk and do what your heart is calling you to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/haleykwash24
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/haleyhales._?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haley.kaylene.5/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-washington-859b84202/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNFuhcoGscvi7TQr_snzSRg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@haley.hales?_t=8ZlXUQgpcS3&_r=1