We were lucky to catch up with Harley Hendrixx recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Harley, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mother constantly reminded me that I could be anything in this world. I’ve never seen anyone love anyone the way my mom loves us. She has six children and she legitimately raised each of us differently. It felt like she studied us and provided us with exactly the right tools to tackle the world. Whenever I think about the word love I see my mother’s face. Being raised by her was an honor.

Harley, 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?

Hi all! I’m Harley! Born and raised in Chicago, IL. After six years of being a special education teacher and pole dance instructor, I decided to retire and chase my calling. During the pandemic, an app called Hapi listener introduced me to the idea of being a space holder for people in need. Along with being certified as an empathetic listener by way of the Atlantic Listening Academy; I am a listener on Belay. Belay is a platform for connecting people. Belay is the reason I call myself an imaginary friend. I help people from all over the world navigate their lives and many of them have never seen my face. As a child I’ve always wanted to be an imaginary friend and people told me it was impossible because I’m real. Well, jokes on them! I’m living my childhood dreams and making a difference in this world. I am beyond honored.

I am committed to shifting the perspective of as many people in this world as possible. While I open my space to all people, my target audience is the black woman and queer folks of all kinds. Many black women have forgotten how amazing they are. It is my absolute pleasure to remind them daily how worthy and capable they are .

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Even though crochet started more as a hobby than a side hustle it was important for me to touch on how it impacted my life. This calming hobby has helped me with grief and I truly believe it will make me my first million dollars. What makes it even more amazing is I’m doing it with my mom as my business partner.

In 2022, I asked my mother to teach me to crochet. Truthfully, I originally wanted her to teach me to help with the grief of my sister passing the year before. I never anticipated falling in love with the craft. It seems like from there our family business naturally formed. Ganell’s Crafts, our business named after my late sister, has become the Apple of my eye lately. I look forward to creating more beautiful designs and shipping them all over the world. The best part is my sister’s name will live on in every creation. I’m honored to be on the journey I’m on.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest pivot was when I left education. I truly enjoyed every bit of my six years of teaching middle school. Even the years when I cried more than I smiled. Ultimately, I had to know what life looked like to follow my own path. I couldn’t keep contributing to systems I didn’t fully believe in nor could I ignore the tug of more creative possibilities on my heart.

When I left teaching I had no idea what I would do next. I definitely did not have crochet designer or professional listener on my bingo card. I’m grateful I took the chance and bet on myself. I’m grateful I was open to new ideas. I’m grateful that I gave myself grace. I’m grateful for my family and fiancée for supporting me every step. I’m grateful for the pivot. Life feels so much more complete and fulfilling now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/harleyhendrixx6?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@harleyhendrixx614