Inspiring Conversations with Haley Leavitt of Proxy Properties

I was born in Columbus, OH and raised in DFW. I come from a family deeply rooted in service and community. My mom, a school crossing guard, and my dad, a dedicated salesman and leader for men struggling with addiction, instilled in me the value of giving back. My grandmother, Mary Margaret Haley Leavitt, known as “The Flag Lady,” ran a flag store in Columbus, inspiring me with her entrepreneurial spirit.

After leaving college, I went on a journey of self-discovery, participating in a leadership program and traveling to Tanzania, Thailand, and Cambodia, where I forged lasting connections and broadened my worldview. Settling in Oak Cliff, I immersed myself in various roles, from interning at Flocc Studio to working as a barista and bartender.

In 2022, I found my calling in community development at Proxy Properties, spearheading the transformation of a Dallas historical landmark into a vibrant community space, The Oak Cliff Assembly. I am honored to have had the opportunity to join the Proxy team in creating space for creativity and people. My passion for service and creativity flourished as I took on campus management and led initiatives like the Art Walk at The Oak Cliff Assembly and Oak Cliff Mixer, fostering connections and showcasing local talent.

I’m grateful for the support of mentors like the Ramler’s and David Cervantes, who believed in my potential. Through my work, I aspire to create a stage where others can shine, fostering a community of collaboration and expression.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Definitely not! I’ve had gigs pouring coffee and serving beer, where I’d leave feeling utterly defeated, comparing my life to those I deemed “successful.” I’ve struggled for years with self-doubt, feeling like I had nothing to offer. Without a bachelors degree, I didn’t think I would be able to find a job I enjoyed. I hated the ceiling that every degree offered and this left me aimlessness at times. Invite people into that and be curious!

Surround yourself with people who uplift you, celebrate you, and accept you, especially on your toughest days!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?

I work for Proxy Properties, a real estate firm specializing in forgotten-about and often historical properties in Dallas. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who possess more knowledge than I do!

Currently, we’re restoring three historical landmarks in Dallas, focusing on both residential and commercial spaces. Our approach involves not only restoration but also space management, with an emphasis on activating these spaces to foster community and culture.

I take immense pride in Proxy and our team for consistently pushing industry standards. We deeply value community and creativity, aiming to continue creating spaces where creatives, small businesses, and community leaders can connect in Dallas.

In addition, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Danié Gomez Ortigoza and Avery Jai-Andrews at the Modern Museum of Art in Fort Worth where we brought to life the exhibit ‘Surrealism and Us,’ curated by Maria Elena Ortiz. We infused the exhibit with music, dance, and light, creating a truly immersive experience. It was an honor to work alongside such talented and kind women!

I hope to continue collaborating with such inspiring individuals. Dallas is a vibrant city, and I aspire to witness more bridges connecting communities and cultures across the metroplex.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

Timing plays a significant role, and I believe discernment is crucial for success. While luck may seem to play a part, I prefer to focus on the effort and dedication that often go unseen. What others might perceive as luck is often the result of years of hard work and perseverance behind the scenes!