Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Anderson.
Hayley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was never into art until around my senior year of high school. I started painting cautiously, mirroring other people’s Pinterest DIYs and the like. After getting the hang of it, I started to gain a little confidence. I began really using my creativity and learned to investigate my own ideas. After making a couple pieces I was proud of, I submitted to my first art show and got in. I loved it, but I didn’t see a future in art. I didn’t take myself seriously or think I was very good.
When I began college, I found myself drowning. I had no idea how to take care of myself or how to better myself as a person. I struggled to find the point of life. So, I found myself painting. Not often, but what I created released my pains and fears. I sold my first couple of paintings for dirt cheap, but putting any worth to my work felt amazing.
Freshman year wrapped up and I moved to my next apartment. With less distractions of partying and fun, the real world crept up on me. Working a grueling job and struggling with classes, I began painting more than ever. It was my escape. I began trying new things like huge canvases and cutting and sewing them together. I felt like I was free falling into the cookie cutter life that I had always fought to escape. Forced into business classes that I did not like with people I was not like catalyzed my escape plan. I painted not to express myself but to save myself.
I began looking within myself, reading, reflecting, learning so many things. I realized that I was only doomed to the life I was trying so hard to escape if I allowed it to manifest itself. So, I got to work on what I wanted to do. I started painting and instead of instantly delivering them to my parent’s basement, I submitted them to be in art shows. Show after show, I was accepted to display my work. It was the confidence boost I needed.
After being in a number of art shows, I set my sights on throwing one of my own. Now, the business classes that I once dreaded so much started becoming applicable. I was learning leadership and professionalism, how to create business models, how to balance a budget. I had to determine my purpose, the vision I wanted to create, and what to offer others.
I started Rash Media as a brand to inspire the creativity in everyone and benefit local artists. I wanted to give back to the community that changed my life so drastically. Rash curates art shows to motivate, network, and appreciate people who pour their heart and soul into creating. Rash Media’s “Ditch the Critics” pilot art show was in February. Met with overwhelming success, Rash Media tackled its’ first goal.
As Rash continues to grow, we hope to whole-heartedly support and benefit artists and the community. We strive to offer opportunities to the passionate, the ambitious, the hopeful.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge I faced was my mindset. It truly is you versus yourself. It took me a long time to come to peace with this rather than deflecting the blame onto something else in my life. There is always going to be someone working longer, harder, and better than you. Instead of focusing on this, concentrate on trying your personal best. If you do this every chance you can, there is no other outcome than reaching your full potential.
Going to college and feeling so different from everybody who has the same goals and motives is hard. I often felt like there was no escaping this. That because I was going to school with thirty thousand people who wanted corporate jobs, I was going to have to suck it up and do the same. Do not accept giving up on yourself. It is hard for a reason. If you have the mindset that you could end up like everyone else, you just might. Push for what you want for yourself and what you deserve, and settle for nothing less.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rash Media story. Tell us more about the business.
Rash Media is a platform for artists from artists. We seek to mix unique events with local creatives and vendors. By empowering people, you can see them flourish and watch the influence of their artwork spread and help others. Whether you have never displayed your work in public or you are an established artist, Rash wants to provide an opportunity to everyone working hard to improve themselves and their work.
Rash is proud to work with artists of all backgrounds, niches, and interests. Our artists showcased are as diverse as our shows. Bringing together such a range of people can only generate new ideas and foster creative thinking. We are honored to have met and collaborated with such amazing people thus far, and can only hope to continue this.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe whatever luck you think you have is what manifests in your life. You can see setbacks as losses or opportunities to prevail. I had bad luck until I consciously decided to have good luck.
I also believe that your work ethic, positivity, intentions towards others, and integrity manifest into what opportunities will come your way. If you work hard and consistently, you will be rewarded regardless, you just must push on, be patient, and have faith. Meditate, set clear goals, create a vision board, reflect on how you have gotten this far. Is something working? Is something you are doing holding you back?
I would say “luck” has seen me favorably. So many opportunities have been presented to me from being authentic. Out of luck arises unforeseeable opportunities and life events that shape your path. I have been infinitely lucky to meet people who support me and push me to be successful. Ask and you shall receive, and remember to say thank you.
Contact Info:
- Website: rashmediaco.com
- Phone: (678) 900-3947
- Email: rashmediaco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashmedia/ and https://www.instagram.com/hakley_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rashmediaco/
Image Credit:
Cedric Hearn, Emily Diaz
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
