Rising Stars: Meet Hawley Penfold of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hawley Penfold.

Hi Hawley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into marketing started in an unexpected place. I was a child actor beginning at age seven and spent over a decade pursuing acting professionally.

Between commercials, scene study classes and countless hours on set, I developed a love for storytelling at a young age.

While I enjoyed being in front of the camera, I also found myself fascinated by everything happening behind the scenes. I loved seeing how brands told stories, connected with audiences and brought campaigns to life.

In 2020, I moved from Colorado to Atlanta to attend college. I earned my bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in advertising and digital media, and that’s where everything clicked. I realized marketing combined everything I loved about acting and storytelling with strategy, creativity and problem-solving.

Since then, I’ve built my career in social media marketing, helping brands create content that doesn’t just look good but delivers meaningful results.

I enjoy blending creativity with analytics, whether that’s producing video content, developing campaigns or using data to shape strategy. Every project is an opportunity to tell a story in a way that resonates with the right audience.

Looking back, it’s interesting how my childhood passion naturally evolved into my career today. Acting taught me how to communicate, understand people and tell compelling stories.

Marketing gave me a new way to use those skills while making a tangible impact for businesses. Moving to Atlanta opened doors I never expected, and it’s where I discovered the career I was truly meant to pursue.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think the most rewarding careers ever are.

One of my biggest challenges was deciding to step away from acting after spending so much of my life pursuing it.

When you’ve dedicated years to one dream, changing directions can feel like starting over. Moving to Atlanta in 2020 for college was a fresh start, but it also meant leaving behind something that had been a huge part of my identity.

Breaking into marketing came with its own challenges. It’s an industry that evolves constantly, so there’s always something new to learn. I’ve had to become comfortable with change, adapt quickly and accept that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Whether it’s learning new platforms, keeping up with algorithm changes or taking on projects I’ve never done before, every challenge has pushed me to become a better marketer.

One lesson I’ve carried with me is that careers don’t have to follow a straight line.

Looking back, the experiences I had as a child actor gave me skills I rely on every day, from storytelling and communication to collaboration and creativity.

At the time, I never imagined those experiences would shape my career in marketing, but they absolutely did.

Sometimes the path that doesn’t make sense in the moment ends up leading you exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in social media strategy and content marketing with a focus on creating content that drives real business results.

I enjoy the balance of creativity and analytics, whether I’m developing campaigns, producing video content or using performance data to refine strategy.

I’m most proud of being someone who can see both the creative and strategic sides of marketing. I don’t just think about what looks good. I think about what will resonate with the audience and help achieve a larger business goal.

That mindset has helped me build meaningful campaigns while continuing to grow alongside an industry that’s constantly evolving.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was attending the Young Person’s Experience when I was five years old. It was a 10-day residential camp and my first time away from home. Growing up in a small town in Colorado, it was also my first opportunity to meet kids from all over the world.

The program focused on topics like responsibility, courage, integrity, self-esteem and understanding how our actions affect others. I still remember lessons like the “good wolf, bad wolf” story and activities that challenged us to see life from someone else’s perspective.

Looking back, that experience shaped who I am in so many ways. It taught me independence, empathy and respect at a young age, and it expanded my worldview beyond the small bubble I had grown up in.

I left with a greater appreciation for different perspectives, and that’s something I still carry with me in both my personal life and my career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawleypenfold
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hawleypenfold