Meet Hailey Elizabeth | Actor, Model & Brand Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hailey Elizabeth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hailey, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
In my career, I face a lot of rejection. As a professional actor and model, rejection is an inevitable part of the game. We can spend hours studying for a role, fixing our hair and makeup for a casting, or orchestrating a self-tape audition, all to never even book the job. We invest loads of time and energy into our careers with no guaranteed measure of return. Because of this, many actors and models end up quitting the pursuit. It can become too emotionally, physically and even financially draining. It can affect our self-confidence and the way we see ourselves and others. At some point, we ask ourselves, “Is it even worth it?”

For me, I’ve found that the relentless rejection and constant uncertainty I face in my career is worth it. It teaches me to be humble. It forces me to be spontaneous. I find that every audition is an opportunity to explore something new about myself and every modeling casting is an opportunity to challenge the way I see and love my body. And on top of that, if I actually do book a job, it’s an opportunity for me to tell a new story, work with new artists, and create art that affects others.

If you’re wondering if you should keep going with your passion – whether its starting a business, pursuing an unconventional career or even achieving a long desired goal – it’s important to ask yourself “Why do I want this?” And if your answer is to please someone else or impress someone else or receive some sort of validation, maybe it’s not for you. Life is too short to put time and energy into things that don’t make us happy. Giving up doesn’t always have to equate to failure. There is strength in accepting that what you may have once wanted may no longer be for you. It’s okay to let a dream go or simply change the direction.

And if you do decide to keep going, always remember why you began the journey in the first place. Let that be the driving force pushing your forward. And most of all, be grateful. To have the will and desire to pursue a dream is a gift in itself. Cherish it and find joy in the journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Although I am professionally an actor, model and brand influencer, I prefer to introduce myself as a storyteller, muse and content creator. I use my art to invoke feelings and provoke change.

Through my storytelling (actor), I aim to highlight groups that are under heard or misunderstood. I bring light to ideas, histories, and experiences that are often overlooked or misjudged. With every performance, I epitomize Black female joy and pain, failure and success, and all of the qualities that make us human.

As a muse (model), I am a vessel for reflection and inspiration. When people see me, I want them to see a part of themselves. To see that beauty exists in blackness, that strength exists in womanness and that self love is a constant journey.

And as a content creator (brand influencer), I use my platform to educate and inspire. I love to highlight small businesses that create products that have a positive impact on the community. Also, I love to partner with brands that are made by and/or for women and people of color. I believe that success comes from supporting each other. In addition, I encourage others to be unapologetically themselves and to be patient. Life is a journey and we’re all learning and growing together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The East Atlanta Beltline is one of my favorite places to take people whenever they visit Atlanta. The route seamlessly connects some of the best leisure and dining spots in the city. Also, it serves as a safe and enjoyable trail for pedestrians, bike riders, and scooter riders alike. My secret is to make the Beltline a full day experience. We could start our journey on the southern end of the East Atlanta Beltline near Dekalb Ave. Over there we’d grab smoothies from Playa Bowls and maybe get mani pedis at Lacquer Nail Bar. Afterward, we could continue walking north on the Beltline until we reach Krog Street Market. Krog Street is one of my favorite areas to eat in Atlanta, because they provide delicious and diverse food all in one food hall. After Krog Street, we’d hop back on the Beltline walking north about a half mile until we reach the Atlanta Beltline Corridor under Freedom Parkway. This tunnel is full of beautiful local art and artists. On the right day, you may even catch a live performance from a drummer! After that, we would continue walking north until we reach Historic 4th Ward Skate Park. We could pause there and have a small picnic on the perfectly manicured lawn. After our picnic in the park, we could continue walking north until we reach some of the more high end restaurants along the Beltline, such as Two Urban Licks and the Estrella rooftop. In this area, we can grab a late afternoon cocktail and admire the inspirational black art along the pathway. Next, we could keep walking north until we hit Ponce City Market – an old Sears factory turned mall that has dozens of unique restaurants and shops. There’s also a rooftop bar where we can play mini golf! After we’re done at Ponce City Market, we could hop back on the Beltline walking another mile north until we end at Piedmont Park. I used to live in New York City, and I often compare Piedmont Park to Central Park in Manhattan. It’s a beautiful park right in the middle of the city with some of the most amazing views of downtown Atlanta. If we go on a Saturday in the summertime, we may even catch a music festival or be able to grab dinner from the food truck park. Finally, if we still have the energy, we could take the 3-mile walk back toward our starting point and end our night at the James Room. The James Room is a new aged speakeasy inspired by the famous “Jameses” of Hollywood. They have great drinks and a Black & Sexy vibe that will put anyone in a great mood. What a day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shoutout the book “Exponential Living” by motivational speaker Sheri Riley. This book really spoke to me during a time when I wasn’t sure if I should keep going or give up. It reminded me why I love what I do and how life is a journey, not a destination.

Website: www.haileyelizabeth.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hailey.ebeth

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileymoran/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/haileyebeth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haileymoran

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=hNzw1AGlL_nH2i3skdlaBw&utm_source=ishare

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCuyryHCcRwvzD_2i274EKaw