Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Hughes.
Hi Hailey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my blog in 2018 while I was studying Psychology at UT as a way to explore the city and share my experiences on social media. I graduated in 2019 and went on to pursue my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at St. Edward’s. All the while, I continued making blogposts and sharing on Instagram about food, fashion and fun around Austin. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, I felt lost. I could no longer explore the city I love so much, and my graduate work moved to Zoom. I felt trapped in my home, as I know many Austinites did at the time. So, in order to quell my anxiety and feel that sense of community again, I started talking to a camera about the books I was reading. My YouTube channel took off way faster than I anticipated, and now in addition to my wonderful followers on IG and my blog, I have gained 2.5K subscribers on my booktube channel, where I vlog my days and talk about all things bookish! Despite the tragic impact of the pandemic, I am so grateful that I gained this community from the wreckage. Now, as things open back up, I can go back to exploring the food and fashion scene around my city, continuing my graduate work, seeing clients in person for therapy, and making book-related content on my YouTube channel. It has been a whirlwind of a journey, but I feel so blessed to be a part of such a loving space on the Internet and IRL.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my biggest struggles on social media is maintaining authenticity while simultaneously worrying about saying everything perfectly. I often fear judgment and ridicule, and I obsess about looking perfect and saying the perfect things in my videos and posts. At the end of the day, I opt for genuineness because you can’t please everyone. It has been difficult for me accepting that someone will always take issue with how I look or what I say, no matter how much energy I put into it to try to make it perfect.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For work, I am a therapist at a local non-profit agency here in Austin. I do trauma-based work with clients from a variety of backgrounds and specialize in anxiety, relationships, trauma and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am immensely proud and fulfilled by my collaborations with clients everyday. Although I am the one meeting them where they are and holding their hand along the journey, they are the ones doing the hard self-work, and I feel humbled to be a part of the process.
What matters most to you?
Authenticity matters most to me. In my career, it is essential. On my social platforms, it’s refreshing, and in my personal life, it’s what has drawn me to the people I hold dearest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.muralsandmimosas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haaileyaann/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEddJ3RYdLQ8ZRsneC0Lew
