Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Ford.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Haley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I would love to share my journey!! Believe it or not, I like many other little girls, dreamed of being in the fashion world from a young age. I realized that this fantasy became a passion by the time I was a preteen. I would go to the mall with my mother or aunt and once it was time to check out, I would place a full outfit, with shoes and accessories on the counter ready for them to purchase with a big smile on my face. They would be so intrigued and fascinated by my premature styling skills that they would very often go along with my plan and potential purchase. I would quite often be scolded after the fact, and behind the scenes about this behavior.
My mother, grandmother and aunt say now that they realized then, I was on to something that was truly a gift. Over time, when it came to putting together a look or outfit for a group activity or event, I became the Go-To for the planning, the venue, the décor and certainly the vision and attire associated with school, family and related activities. I always got an adrenalin rush when it came to the fashion component and envisioning the right “look” that I was trying to pull off. Family and friends have always called upon me when it came to putting outfits together for photos or special events, or planning/preparing for vacations or trips. I always found a way to incorporate new pieces and accessories with what they already had to create their own personal look. I always started with how do you want to come across to your audience or when you enter the room or restaurant? When you get up to speak how do you want to be perceived as you make your way to the podium? It was always so fulfilling and I truly enjoyed doing it, but never really took it serious enough to consider it as a career or business venture.
In 2017, my sister Jordan and I were having a conversation about styling, and she kept telling me how I would be a perfect fit and I needed to step out on faith and take this thing to the next level. As I started studying the craft, the fashion industry and the role of a professional stylist, I honestly didn’t feel like I was good enough to present my work to the world, so I always pushed it to the side. I finally realized that it was time to put my feet to the floor and my nose to the grinding stone and give it my best shot. My true and first passion was becoming a boutique owner. I wasn’t sure how styling and a boutique were going to go hand and hand. I decided to take baby steps and explore what it all took to get things started. I got my business license for my e-commerce boutique (ShopHaleyNicole) in January 2018. My family was elated and has been extremely encouraging. They support my passion in every way and instilled in me that there was nothing I could not achieve without hard work and a plan. I developed a business plan and established short and long term goals. I have been blessed to be a member of a close-knit loving family, so they have been my biggest cheerleaders and my most opinionated critics. I have needed the tough love. I am very headstrong, but I have learned to listen to sound logic and reasoning.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road hasn’t been smooth but super rewarding !! When I first started my journey I was trying to figure out how I was going to juggle styling, building a clientele and prepare to launch this e-commerce store. When it came to styling and preparing for ShopHaleyNicole, I have educated myself and surrounded myself with positive people going places, that can instill nuggets of knowledge in me so that I can succeed. I have loved all the compliments and accolades that I have received, but have taken to heart all the positive, honest and much-needed assessment and constructive criticism about improvements I have needed to make along the way. I wanted to learn the pros and cons of running a business. That was extremely important to me because presentation is everything and how I present myself to the world is how I establish my brand. Establishing a brand is much more than meets the eye. It’s not about labeling but more so of establishing a vision and feel that is all your own. The advice I would give to other young queens out there is to stay humble and true to yourself and always be transparent about your journey. In life, you’re going to have ups and downs, but never forget who you are. Being a strong black queen is more than a position. It’s about establishing a blueprint for others to clearly follow. We must empower each other with knowledge and preparation. You must be prepared to impact others and transparent, honest and open in your daily walk. Educate. Educate. Educate!!!!!!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I feel like I have somewhat touched upon this question in the previous two. HaleyNicoleStyles (styling), and ShopHaleyNicole (e-commerce store) will cater to your modern-day diva with a hint of sporty chic. What I’m most proud of as a brand, is that my brand allows me to express myself and show you who HaleyNicole really is on all platforms. It’s truly me and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, but I have so much more to show the world. 2020 is going to be very exciting for the HaleyNicole Brand and I thank God every day for guiding me and all the blessings so far. My family plays a big role in this also. The sound advice my parents have both instilled in me will forever be with me. My Great-Grandmother always said I was an old soul that has been here before. I didn’t understand that then, but I now realize she was preparing me to take the necessary steps in life to come into my own and claim my gifts. What sets me apart from others is I’m true to my craft and who I am. I love to see people feel good about their presentation and how they look. It’s truly therapeutic how personal styling can be to myself and my clients. We both get an opportunity to freely express ourselves through fashion. HaleyNicole has no interest in being like others. I love being unique. I’m also extremely determined and I feel by expressing myself through my work, it will help the world to better understand me and what I bring to the table. Lastly, connecting through fashion via styling, or online shopping builds relationships that can be beneficial to all involved. We need each other to thrive in today’s complex yet exciting world.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Apps:
1. videoboost
2. UNUM
3. Storyluxe
Books:
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
2. Crucial Conversations Tools For Talking When Stakes are High
3. The Power of Broke by Daymond John
4. BECOMING By Michelle Obama
Contact Info:
- Address: 12131 High Meadow Drive
Dallas, Tx 75234 - Website: ShopHaleyNicole (Lanches December 7th) Styling Ig: HaleyNicolestyles booking info in my bio
- Phone: 9727409629
- Email: haleynicolestyles19@gmail.com
- Instagram: glamourshots_ (personal page) haleynicolestyles (styling page) shophaleynicole (boutique page)
Image Credit:
@haleynicolestyles
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