The power of perseverance and freeing yourself from a scarcity mindset

Akua: Today on the independent business podcast, we are picking up right where we left off. I am so excited to welcome back Chaval, who is now known as Haley Paige. You heard that right? Nine months ago, Chaval, who was formerly known as Haley Paige, joined us on the show to talk about her lawsuit with her former employer.

This lawsuit stripped her of her rights from using her name and brand. That situation is what birthed Chaval. Well, in May of 2024, it was announced that she has regained full ownership and control of the Haley Page brand and intellectual property rights. So she can now use her name. She is back today to share with us how she’s doing in light of the new news, her evolution as a person and business owner within this journey and what is next for her in this new season.

So I’m not going to take up any more of your time. Let’s get into this episode. And I am excited to officially reintroduce you to. Haley page. Hey everyone. This is your host Akua Konadu and you’re listening to the independent business podcast. More people than ever are working for themselves and building profitable businesses in the process.

So on this show, I get to sit down with some of the most influential authors, entrepreneurs, and creators to break down the science of self made success so that you can achieve it too.

Well, hello, Haley. That’s right. Hi. Hi. Hi, I mean it just, say, like we just were talking about it a second ago, I’m like saying Haley, like I just got chills. It has a whole new meaning now. This is wild. I think like just, I went back and watched your episode from season one and now to just kind of, here we are, season two, picking up where we left off.

Thank you so much for being here. 

Hayley: My pleasure. Thanks for having me. I love, You know, tying a bow on things. 

Akua: Yes. Tying a bow. Exactly. So, you know, let’s, let’s, let’s talk about it because when you first came on over six months ago, just, you were in the midst of your legal battle. Now, here you are today. Like just recently, you can use your name.

How do you feel? 

Hayley: What’s old is new again. Um, I definitely feel a sense of reunited and it feels so good, but I definitely detached. From this outcome. And it was really part of my psychology and being able to just move forward, you know, and never expected it to go the way it has. And now that it’s here, I just am so overwhelmed with joy and want to share and embrace in this moment and excitement.

And I feel like it’s just a moment to really pay my respects to the support system I’ve had and. Take a deep breath, you know. 

Akua: Yes. Yes. Oh my goodness. Yes. That is just amazing and I think so many of us as independent business owners we are all just like rooting for you. Like, I feel like this has been just such a big win just for everybody.

As independent business owners, just seeing you in action and we love you. really fighting for the things that you believe in. And so like to be able to come out on the other side, I think it gives independent business owners just so much hope. And so I want to ask you, because in the first episode, Natalie had asked you a similarly level, like take us back when you sign that contract.

Now, obviously you walked us through that. I want to talk about that evolution period in those three years, because within that, you know, How you were able to like, you’re like, I can’t use the name, the name that I was like born with, like, that’s who you are. Right. And I think as business owners, we have our names attached to our business.

And then you went and formed a new name and took your power with that and made another business. And now you have your other name, right? Like there’s so many things that have, but that have evolved so amazing. And so I would love to just know within those three years. And it definitely wasn’t easy to do that, to be able to be like, okay, I don’t know What this is going to look like right now.

But all I do know is that I am an artist. I am a business owner, so I have to pick up with and work with what I currently have in this season and make it work. And so walk us through those three years of like what that evolution has truly looked like for you. 

Hayley: Yeah. I mean, you just said so many good, um, soundbites there that really resonated with me at the time is I chose to look at it really creatively and say, okay, this is an opportunity for me to go into a space I never ever dreamt of and I get to challenge myself from a design perspective, learn shoemaking, and I get to kind of come up with a title and an identity for myself to carry me forward.

And looking at it that way made it a lot more fun and Felt like this is what I have to work with as opposed to this is what I don’t have And so it was like a big reframing for sure But one of the things that’s been really interesting about going through a big challenge Is that you’ve got this heart, right?

It’s like your hardship that you’re carrying and there are challenges and a lot of character development, of course But you you do kind of have this responsibility to decide how you’re going to carry that weight because And what is really going to be productive for you? And I don’t know where exactly that mentality came from in part.

I I pay my gratitude to the support system I’ve had because all of these incredible business owners, entrepreneurs, previous brides, store owners that have supported my creative journey, family, friends, fiance, all these people were really showing up to say like, well, what’s next? What are you going to do?

You know? And it was said with so much excitement and enthusiasm that it made me feel like, Oh, I have this wonderful responsibility. To move forward right and maybe it’s not move on because there’s so many things not within my control during a legal dispute I definitely felt like well I can do this and I thought of that very wholeheartedly as opposed to like Oh poor me or anything like that.

So that was that was really the mentality of it and the evolution I think comes with just learning things as you go. Because, you know, I dedicated a lot of my life to dress design and now with shoes, I was like, okay, well, I’m going to be bad at it. Let’s just set that record straight. It’s new, but you know, let’s learn as we go and, and just kind of set the expectation based in somewhat of a reality so that.

It’s within grasp, if that makes sense. 

Akua: Yes. But I love that though, because I mean, like you have been a business owner, a designer for so long. And then the fact of like, you’re having to start from square zero. And I just love that your family just kept asking you like your support system of like, what’s next.

Next in a way to just really challenge you of like, all right, I have no clue. What’s next. I’m gonna try this It’s gonna be rough. I’m probably gonna be bad at it But I’m just gonna figure it out as I go and I think again It just speaks to the tenacity and resiliency of independent business owners of okay Maybe things aren’t going the way that I want to go and maybe things just feel completely out of my control but you take what you have and And you make it work.

So you knew you had this gift of designing and you’re like, all right, I’m just going to design something totally different and give it a new name to where you’ve been able to build another successful business. As you were like building this new business, like how did you find the joy in that just to really keep going?

You know what I mean? I think it’s, it’s not an easy thing, um, just in general, but then like starting anything is not easy. It’s like a lot of times when you’re self doubt and you’re like, can I do this? Can I not? And, and so how did it feel when like you first designed that shoe? Like how did you start finding joy into building that business?

Hayley: There was definitely a lot of carryover excitement because there was some skill set in terms of design, right? And like just inspiration and bringing an idea to fruition and executing on it and honestly, I think staying busy Not for the sake of hustle and grind, but really like having a lot of things to do keeps your mind active and it keeps you feeling like you’re progressing.

And so that alone I think was important. And I also feel like laziness is one of the bigger forms of self disrespect. And so like, if you can think of it that way, that like, Am I being lazy right now? Because if I am, it’s, it’s a disservice to myself, right? I like, I have the energy to do it. I am able bodied.

I’ve got all this stuff in front of me. Like I better put myself to work kind of thing. And. I felt like that was really helpful and building a new business and just saying like one step at a time, of course, but you know, you also can exercise discretion in terms of what you do want to share because there is this overwhelming pressure nowadays, especially on social media to feel like you have to be really vulnerable and you have to like share like all of these.

pitfalls and and moments on your face and while I definitely think there is some value to that especially if it kind of helps you Go through the catharsis of it. I think you can also decide what your narrative is, you know, and like 

Akua: yes 

Hayley: This might seem debilitating or this might seem like a big setback But am I going to actually choose to see it that way?

And I’m going to choose to have it affect my life that way, you know, and then you realize you’ve actually kind of have some power in that narrative and how you want to show up. And so I think that’s important to do for yourself. Like what is really going to be helpful and productive for you? 

Akua: Yes. I love that so much.

Just so many like things that you shared, because when you said to that laziness is a form of. like, disservice to you. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Balanced Black Girl, and the other person said, like, too, like, consistency is a form of self love, right? So that was something to me that has totally changed the game of even just becoming more disciplined in my business.

And just life in general of, I am doing a disservice by not, you know, utilizing my gift in some capacity. Right. And I just love that mindset shift of, you know, no matter what you’re facing, number one, you control the narrative. There are things that you can control. So it’s like, Hey, maybe if you just got to take a step back, breathe, but you’re going to figure it out and you’re definitely not alone.

I think that’s something that I always remind myself as a business owner, when I’m like, I don’t know what I’m doing or I’m doubting myself. I’m always like, okay, you’re going to figure it out and you’re not alone. Like the answer is always there. And usually the answer is right in front of you. You just have to stop and slow down and see things for what they are objectively and then make your next move.

So I really just love that you shared that even too with like being vulnerable. I think. Yes, I think we, we can share our stories, but we have to, but we still matter in the process. You don’t have to dishonor yourself just for likes or things that are just extremely fleeting. And so even for you, I’m sure like within that journey, there are things that you have honored that are just for you in that space, be able to move forward in a way That’s going to be productive for you.

Like you’re like, this is the way that I’m going to do this my way. And this is what’s going to work for me and honor myself. So like you D and also you detached, you detached from it to where you’re like, this is amazing. And like, now I get to go into something new. And so, um, I would love to talk a little bit just about that detachment.

I think a lot of us as business owners, again, we, our identity is in our work, everything. And I’m even still like deconstructing that of like, I built my business for the life that I want to live, right? Like I’ve always said this all the time that we have this thing in our mind where, you know, we think, okay, if I have the business that I have today, I’m successful.

But really in order to be, you need to be happy in order to be successful. So for you, how have you detached just in general, right? Like not even just with this whole journey, but just as a business owner, any products that you’re working on where you don’t feel like your value is tied to your work. 

Hayley: It’s very difficult exercise.

And there is a behavioral approach to it, because you almost have to train your brain. And I actually found when I was in my legal dispute, I would have saying to myself, when the lawsuit is over, I will do this, right? Or when this happens, I will do this. And the problem with that kind of math is that you’re depending on a certain outcome to happen that you might not even have control over to depict, you know, your Destiny.

It’s almost like letting the circumstances be in the driver’s seat. And what I really wanted to focus on was, okay, what outcome would I like to see happen and how can I get to that outcome? And even if that’s not the outcome, how can it just be a direction that is really productive as opposed to, you know, what is the speed of that direction?

Or, you know, it’s, it’s more about figuring out what you can do in the here and now with what you have. And I don’t know, I I like to think about, you know, the story arc of things and that, like, what you’re doing in this moment is going to be a lot different than what you’re doing when a circumstance changes later, right?

And your story is even going to evolve, because while the bulk of the story is still there, Your relationship to the story is going to change because you’re going to, you’re going to evolve yourself. Right. And so like now when I tell my story, it’s the same story, but I actually tell it in a much different light because of what has happened.

And that is all the while important to catch people at different stages of life when they’re telling their story. Because like, The entrepreneur that is hustling, grinding every single day in and out is going to tell a different story of what they need to do in that moment than when they’re on the other side of some massive success.

And so it’s just, it’s important to think about that in terms of like the craft in being human and why we give each other grace in the areas. We’re, At, in life. 

Akua: You said that so beautifully. Like, yes, like your relationship to the story changes. So every single time you’re sharing it, the outcomes of like, what you need, like everything changes because you have changed.

And I think that’s so, that is such, oh, like I just got chills. Girl, Haley! I just love saying your name. I know. I’m like, yes, but oh my gosh, that is so true. I just, the fact too, that as business owners, that we are also human. And so to honor that, right. And that, that is just such a great reminder, even for me, because again, like when you’re on that hamster wheel and you’re hustling and you know, cause we all have that seasons, we have that seasons of grind.

We have that seasons of rest. We have those in between. And you know, You do sometimes can forget that you’re human. And so it’s like, I love that. And it’s just a reminder to sometimes just take a step back, see where your story is and see like your relationship to that. And as, as you’re going, because you’re evolving as business owners.

And so I love that, that is just bing. And so even within that journey, and now you also created this nonprofit, right, that you talked about too, in the last episode of just how to, you’re providing these resources to business owners. And so, again, I think it just really honing in again, of just the importance.

of, because you said this too amazingly and it was, Oh, it was, it like hit home for me because you were saying how, you know, as business owners, when we are come up with this amazing opportunity, right? Like we don’t necessarily take the time where we kind of have this tunnel vision where it’s like, it’s just like this one shot.

And I just want to reiterate that because I have been in that position so many times where I’m like, this is it for me. I just, this is what I’m going to do. This is my purpose. This is it. And it was. Awful, awful. The outcome just wasn’t anywhere near than what I thought it was. And for you within that has business owners, how can we, when we have this opportunity, really make sure that we’re prepared, whether yes or no, like you don’t have to take the opportunity, but sometimes again, we like to your point where we have this tunnel vision, we’re like, this is our only shot when it’s not, how do we as business owners just really prepare ourselves, I guess, or like, what tips do you have within that?

Hayley: There’s definitely a mindset of scarcity or like a scarcity of Scarcity cycle that sometimes almost feels like a comfort. So when you look at these big opportunities and think, Oh my gosh, this is my one shot because it seems exactly like what you want. We tend to feel like we have to mold, you know, or make sure we don’t lose that opportunity.

And we become very hyper focused on just Making sure that opportunity happens as opposed to the ways in which that opportunity happens. And so Honestly, I think my biggest piece of advice is really to be patient and believe in the two things can be true model Which is you can still secure your dream.

You can still go after and chase it while also Putting the proper foundation and checks and balances in place to protect it And ultimately, you know if it’s that delicate That you lose this opportunity. It probably wasn’t the right one. Not that there is this, like, I do believe in destiny. I believe things happen for a reason.

Not everyone does. I don’t think you have to live your life that way to see success come to fruition for yourself. But in a scenario where there is an ability to look at things from both perspectives, it can really serve you well in setting a good precedent because unspoken expectations. Become future resentments.

And so if you don’t say it in that first meeting or you don’t get those questions. out, you could be setting a precedent that could hurt you later, you know, and very generally speaking there, but like, you know, that’s important to think about and we don’t know what we don’t know. So it’s, you got to just kind of put as much as you possibly can out on the table early, have the first bite, have the, you know, those questions answered.

Don’t feel too guilty about getting the, getting, making sure you’re heard and what your concerns are. 

Akua: Yes. And I think even just to add to that, I have learned just one from an episode that we just recently recorded with another guest about how as business owners, we do struggle with like conflict resolution.

Like just even in general of just, you know, going into conflict. It’s not an easy thing to do. And so when you have a lot, even, um, I have felt myself too, like when I had that opportunity in the past, I was too afraid to even question it because I didn’t want to inconvenience them. I felt like I was, cause I’m like, you know, and I think for me as a business owner, now looking back, I was like, I have to really work on my confidence as a business owner and my abilities and the gifts of like what I truly bring to the table.

You realize your worth and like, you think differently, you move differently. And so that’s something even too, I have been leaning more into of like, It’s okay to have that first fight, right? Like it’s a healthy thing because then that’s your opportunity. The earlier you see things that’s like quicker than you’re like, okay, if this is for me or this, it’s not for me.

And I think especially like I’m a millennial. So like, we just like our people pleasers and just really don’t want to like a rock the boat. And 

Hayley: yeah, 

Akua: yes, for real. And I think a lot of us are still like really deconstructing that. And I think. Business owner is listening. Like, I just want to encourage you that conflict is a good thing.

It is a good thing. It will reveal so many things about you and the other party. Um, and what it truly is that you’re looking for. And that communication piece expectations, I think will save so many business owners. And I have to remind, I tell myself all the time, like I matter, like Akua, you matter too in this deal.

And I think it’s, it’s such, such a good reminder. And so for you now, like here you are, how do you view the Everything that you’ve walked through, just your journey in general. Like, how do you view everything? Like, how do you view your business now? How do you view your life now as you’re in this new season?

Hayley: I’m grateful for the grit because I, I think anytime you go through a hardship or a challenge, you learn something new about yourself. And just exactly to your point. So excellently put is understanding how somebody handles conflict is very important, especially in a business relationship, because you’re going to have these massive challenges.

No matter what, they are going to come out of the woodworks like a magic show, you know, like they will be there and the way you kind of handle those things is really important. Um, but I think what I am really finding peace in is that yeah, of course, we’re on the other side of a legal dispute. I’m so excited to go back to a craft and a livelihood That I like who I am There I like who I became through dress design.

I love who I became through shoe design as well And I think when you carry that bit of personal development and You acknowledge that okay, I didn’t do everything right and there were definitely some mistakes along the way to really like who you are through that and like say that who I became through it was a lot more important than what Actually happened.

It’s something to kind of hang your hat on and feel Secure in especially going through something where you feel very insecure So it’s weird because I don’t feel like I’m more confident, um It’s almost like I feel more secure in myself And that I can handle really tough things if if and when they come and I appreciate that and I think I also want to be able to share And leave a good footprint for people like Tell them the secrets and like, don’t do this.

And here’s an example of what not to do. And I’m like really happy to own and share those things just, you know, because I went the hard way and maybe it’s so that someone else doesn’t have to, but I very much feel like the rising tide mentality lifts all ships and that, you know, we want to lift people up.

And as we climb our ladders, we extend those ladders. And so that’s really like a sincere mindset that I feel in this next chapter. That’s where I get a lot of purpose. So yeah, I think that’s probably the bigger message for me. 

Akua: Yeah, I love that. And it was something that you said earlier, and I’m just really, I’m asking out of curiosity, and I’m sorry if this question does not make sense.

But you kind of talked about, too, of like, you’re excited to go back because you like the person that you were. It’s like this craft. And so, do you feel that when you were making, like, obviously designing shoes and wedding dresses, like, it just, you know, evolved into two totally different people. And like, how do you see yourself merging that?

I don’t know. Does that make sense? I don’t know. So 

Hayley: yeah. Yeah. I have a lot to think about too, because I, I’m so proud of Siobhan because it was a moniker and it was like a brazen, uh, attempt to really just manifest my own destiny and like, let’s find a way forward. And there’s been this really exciting momentum and camaraderie that’s come with that.

And now that I’m like, Oh my gosh, I’m really pinched. And, you know, I can brand this as well, I kind of see them as sister brands, which is a really lovely alchemy of things, you know, because you evolve as a person, of course, I shapeshifted into shoes from dresses, you know, and so now I think it’s just a celebration of, you know, the evolution, but there has been that common thread and that bit of signature DNA and that desire for me to simply connect with you.

women on my journey and through, you know, the mediums that I use artistically, but that thread has been there consistently. And so that makes me feel like I’ve never really lost. Connection with the creativity and that I’ve never really lost those relationships that I value so deeply and It kind of goes back to the same thing with security.

Is it like it just it feels right at home you know and what a nice feeling to have and Want to create a place for more people to belong and feel like you know, they’re on their own special journey as well 

Akua: Yes. Oh, I love that so much. And I’m so excited to see just how the two sister brands just come together.

And I think it’s just, again, it’s just going to show that evolution of who you are and, and I know so many of us as business owners are just so excited, excited to see that. 

Hayley: Thank you. You’re, you’re so kind to, um, say that I appreciate it. 

Akua: Yes. No. And so I really want to ask you, what do you have to say to business owners in general, whether they’re just starting out there, you know, been in the game for a little bit and just think of just your, I think just your journey in general as an entrepreneur, what do you want to say to independent business owners?

Because I think for me, I know personally, I’m just so inspired. And I think it’s, for me, I take from you of like advocacy, like you matter definitely. Speak for your needs and what it is that you want. And I love how you said that two things can be true, right? Like, of course you have this great opportunity because I think a lot of us, again, it’s that scarcity mindset where we feel like we always say it’s this and that’s it.

It’s not this. And right. We don’t, we sometimes just don’t have that mentality. So that’s what I take away from you. But what would you say to business owners? 

Hayley: I feel like I want to say that you, the thing you work on works on you. And so, like to take that a little bit further, it’s interesting to think about your worst days and the moments that are really hard for your ego https: otter.

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And you later find out that those days and those moments were really soulful and really impact your soul for the better because you learn things about yourself that you didn’t know before. And so those hardships and like the, the Ryan holiday, that the obstacle is the way, you know, it’s, it’s not cliche because it’s very true.

And no matter what your craft is, what your business is, as you’re doing the things, These things are impacting you too. And so there really is this synergy and to be very mindful of who you’re becoming along the way. I think it just being self aware and that goes a long way. Um, and so those days that are bad for your ego are typically very good for your soul.

So you’ve got that going for you, even on your worst days. 

Akua: Yes. Oh my gosh. That is so, so powerful. And I think we just don’t talk about that enough of like, who are we becoming as we are building our business? Like what it is that you’re doing. And so, cause I think about myself in certain areas. I took a break years ago in my business.

Like I took a year off. Um, and it was true because I just didn’t like who I was. And I was like, I needed to figure out what a Kua, what made a Kua happy. Like I found myself because like looking at what other people were doing and I was like, okay, well, this is what I know the needs. Of my audiences, but it just didn’t fill my soul.

And I was like, you know, and I ended up presenting my work. And I think, again, I think it’s such a, a good point to step back and always check in with yourself of like, who am I becoming? And those hard days are good for the soul. Cause you know, cause sometimes we can get, we can get too comfortable. We can get too comfortable and entrepreneurship is anything.

But so I absolutely love that. So when you go back and think of your journey in 2011, and here we are, would you do it differently? 

Hayley: Oh, goodness. You know, that’s such a tough question because like, if you’re really actually given the opportunity to go back, right? And after learning everything I’ve learned, I would absolutely do things differently.

I mean, I don’t know anyone that would, I understand the mindset of like, Oh no, I wouldn’t want to change anything because it would change who I am now. Right? And if you’re really happy with. How things are going now, you wouldn’t want anything to change. But like, if I actually had this knowledge that I have now, I definitely think it would have impacted, you know, my trajectory even better, hopefully.

But I do have to pay my respects to the fact that I am just somebody that had to learn the way I did. And, you know, it goes back to my early days in school. Like I was somebody that like really had to study, like I had to know that material or I would fail the test. And so I’m somebody that just kind of has to put that extra work in to really have it click there.

Even for design now, like it, it takes me a really long time to get to a place with the design that I’m like, this is good. This is a chef’s kiss, you know? And then I change it a hundred more times, you know? So it’s like, I know that about myself. And so, because I have that bit of, um, just understanding in my process, I can’t imagine doing it a different way, but you know, knowledge is power and smart people learn from their mistakes.

Wise people learn from other people’s mistakes. I’ve been saying that a lot lately, but it’s true. 

Akua: Yes. But I love that though. I think that’s, That’s such like a very real answer. You know what I mean? Because I, when I, even because I think of myself, my own journey, it’s like, would you really go back? Like, would you really?

Like, you know what I mean? 

Hayley: When, yeah, 

Akua: would you really? And I’m like, hell no. I would have rather learned this lesson from a different way. So I do volume 

Hayley: of work that you put in, right? When you think about that, you’re like, I don’t want to do that again. But maybe if you’re more efficient and you’ve carried your talent this far, you know Maybe it would make sense to go back and like do it even better, you know, I don’t know It’s a good question to think about though in hindsight 

Akua: Yes, it absolutely is.

And so i’m really curious now. Um, what is next for you? I know you’re going to talk about marrying the two brands, but what else is next for you in life and business? What do you have going on? 

Hayley: Yeah, I am so excited because my fiance and I, we’ve been engaged for, you know, five years and we’ve really put everything on hold for a number of reasons, but we’re probably going to turn a corner and start wedding planning again, which will be really exciting.

You know, and I think, I think going through a lot of the challenges we’ve had, we’ve had a health crisis, we’ve had a lawsuit, we’ve had, you know, a big move. I’m really proud of our relationship and we’re in such different places now than when we had first met. And so just see. Our relationship grow and Become very different people along the way while still growing together has been really together Yes, i’m such a romantic that like I love reflecting on that and um Yeah, we we’re just at this stage now where it’s so exciting and I want to do right by as many people as possible and Getting into the wedding dress space will be So epic and wonderful.

Um, and so I’m really looking forward to that. And yeah, I have to figure out, I have to get my ducks in a row and I got to get them in wedding dresses and in matching shoes and all the things. And so I definitely feel like there is a lot of work ahead, but I’m just energized for it. So that’s great. I could be very burned out right now.

I mean, a lot of people could be so like, you know, it’s nice to feel like, okay. I’m up for the challenge kind of thing, which most people feel too. 

Akua: Yeah. And I love that too. Cause I can like feel that this season frees me like a lot of curiosity. Like I can already like tell, like just so many things you get to play, like in a sense, right?

Like as business owners, like you get to play, which is so fun. And you can have the most beautiful, amazing, tangible moments in your business when you get to play. And so I just like hearing your answer, just even all of your, just in this whole conversation, it has just, like, So much wisdom, but also to so much curiosity, so much excitement, so much energy, and we are just, yes, absolutely.

And we, I know as an independent business, we are just so excited for you. So excited to cheer you on. And so I’m going to ask the question again. We did this the last time, but what do you think is the biggest differentiator between the businesses that succeed? The 

Hayley: biggest differentiator is. Not quitting.

I would say honestly, the biggest differentiator is that the businesses that succeed just got up one more time and they fell, which is like probably most unsexy answer. But it, you know, business is really a game of setbacks and keeping your enthusiasm through those setbacks and making sure that you want it more than you’re afraid of it.

You know, and the fearless mentality that like, You’re not absent of fear, you just fear it less than you want it, and fear is like a mile wide, but it’s only like this deep. So you’ve got to go in it and get through that Toward your goal. Um, and when you slip and fall, you know, you just kind of get back up But I think that’s the big one.

That’s the differentiator 

Akua: Yes, it is unsexy but it’s so important because I just think of myself like my therapist she was like choose your heart because right like sometimes and for me i’m like the unknown like It is way better for me and I’m still afraid, but the unknown is way better than what’s happening right now.

That’s how I view things. And I think that’s how I’m like, I’m like, all right, cool. We’re going to do this because it’s hard regardless. And so no matter what, like that is true. Entrepreneurship is full of a lot of humbling setbacks and you know, where you have to pivot, go back to the drawing board. Okay.

And sometimes all you gotta, it’s like, like little, I just think in terms of like with my business and like my strategies, it’s like sometimes it’s, Sometimes I’ll take it’s like one small little thing, but it’s like, it’s should fuel you to keep going. Cause that one small little change can propel you to that next step.

Right. And so in a way that you just never, ever thought like you imagined. So Haley, thank you. Thank you so much for coming on the show. Thank you for being back here. I have loved this conversation and I know our audience. Absolutely has loved this too. You are our first returning guest too, by the way, so I’m like, oh my gosh.

Yay. 

Hayley: Oh, that is amazing. With two names, . 

Akua: Two names. I know. , 

Hayley: I wanna see what does your name mean? 

Akua: Yeah, my name means Wednesday. I was born on a Wednesday. Yes. Yeah, so I am from Ghana and so I actually have two names, which a lot of people do not know this. Oh. Yes, so my legal name that I was born with is Alexis Adybobi.

And so then also too, uh, I also have my Ghanian name. And so Akua means Wednesday and then Kanadu is, um, my dad’s, my grandmother’s, on my dad’s side, my grandmother’s maiden name. So I’m the oldest girl. So I had his, I carry his name. So yes. So that’s even just, he was just talking about like, it’s been really, cause names are, especially just being an immigrant here in the U S like, Like growing up first generation names are so important like when people would mess up my name I’m like now you’re gonna say it right like you’re 

Hayley: You know what I mean like 

Akua: Right.

Yes And so but it’s just been really cool to hear your story and just see the evolution of like your name But then you took back your power and you gave yourself a new name like it’s just it was it’s really cool to see that as well of just You have control and you have the power and you control your narrative and I think you’ve done that so wonderfully.

So I love Hailey and I also love Siobhan because they’re both just powerhouses, right? Like what you’ve created with both of them has been amazing. So I’m just truly inspired. 

Hayley: Well, I’m so happy to be a returning guest. So thank you so much for the support and 

Akua: It’s wonderful 

Hayley: to chat with you. Hopefully we can, we can go for round three and maybe we can do it in person.

That would be pretty spectacular. I’ll come to Chicago. 

Akua: Don’t tempt me. Cause if you’re serious, I will make it happen. 

Hayley: I have tons of friends in Chicago, including you now. So what? Okay. 

Akua: Bet. All right. Great. Yes, absolutely. I know. I’m like, okay. I’m like saying, I’m just saying, I’m like, if you, cause I want to lean more into in person interviews and I was like, well, I don’t know if people want to come.

And I was like, who would want to come? So I’m like. Okay. Like come to Chicago because it’s so fun. I love it. So, so yes. Uh, Haley, thank you. Thank you so much for being here and for everybody listening until next time. That ends our episode of the independent business podcast. Everything we’ve discussed today can be found at podcast.

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