HAILEY MERRILL

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haileycoral.com | @byhaileycoral

1. Tell me a little bit about you, who is Hailey outside of work?

One thing I believe defines me and my personality is travel and experiencing new cultures. I have been to over ten countries and not being able to explore more of the world this year has put me a little out of sorts. Instead, my husband and I have been enjoying socially distanced getaways by doing some PNW island hopping and even did a two-week road trip on the west coast this past summer. Travel humbles me, making me realize no matter how much you think you know, in every corner of the world there is always more to learn.

2. What do you do for work?

I am lucky enough to be a full-time designer and illustrator. I have been in the design industry for over seven years and specialize in both UI/UX design and digital illustration. I currently split my time between two clients: Pivotal Ventures and Microsoft. Pivotal is Melinda Gates’ private company created to advance social progress. My work for Pivotal focuses on creating digital graphics for social media content and creating illustrations for Evoke.org. Through an incredible consulting agency, Lions+ Tigers, I also work on the Microsoft One Commercial Partner team. My day-to-day here involves creating exemplary web page prototypes for partner’s digital experiences. Throughout my design career, I have worked in everything from boutique design agencies to large corporations but have found the most joy in work that aims to bring about change and progress.

3. As a female creative working in a competitive industry, what are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced within your industry / the workplace?

I had a situation with a misogynistic male manager that led me to ask my design team at the time to join me in telling HR that we were all prepared to leave the company unless this individual was let go. This situation was a clear indicator of how much is overlooked when it comes to the mistreatment of women in the workplace. I was lucky to be among like-minded team members who agreed to take a stand with me. It was empowering to know that as a collective, we can dismantle this kind of sexism, though it is also sad that so many are dismissed unless there is a larger risk for the company itself.

4. How have you been staying creative/inspired during a pandemic?

It’s a constant struggle. Honestly, I have found I am the most inspired after taking a break from it all. This past year has been so heavy. So much and so little has changed. And as an activist, it’s even harder to sit from your window and watch it all or run the risk of spreading a deadly virus to others. I have found that creative minds like to take it all on as if letting it fall on us will bring about some sort of genius. When in reality, I have found that giving ourselves a break from social media, the news, and guilt-induced productivity is the true path to inspiration. Reading, journaling, making things with my hands, going on walks, hikes, or drives are some of my favorite inspirational activities.

5. What women in your life inspire you and why?

The most inspirational woman in my life is my mom. She is a business owner, an educational speaker, and my best friend. She always has the best advice, works hard and cares deeply for others. Her values show in her decision-making from being the first female (pregnant at that!) salesperson in her corporate office in the 90s, to starting a 22-year-old successful business with my dad from the ground up.

Two other women in my life who have been a constant source of inspiration, motivation and support are my mentors and past/current managers – Larissa McCartney and Natasha Elwin. They are both absolute badasses whose honesty, encouragement and guidance have without a doubt led me to be the person I am today in both my career and personal life.

6. What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a new life direction – whether that be moving to a new city, pursuing a new career path, starting a side hustle or choosing a new major in school?

The first and most critical step is to just start. So many of us spend our time waiting for the right moment to make that move, but as cliché as it sounds, there is no better time than now. If there is one thing that this past year has taught us, it’s that life is so precious. We must live it by doing what we want instead of letting the opinions of others and the societal norms we are constantly trying to live up to dictate our decisions. The other piece of advice I have is to surround yourself with people you look up to. The most empowering and motivating tool I’ve had in making those important moves is a community of supportive women.

7. How do you balance a job, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

Balance is an art in itself! I don’t always do it well, but when I do, it’s from setting time aside for each aspect of my life. Whether it be planning an at-home date night or devoting two hours of my day to a personal project I’ve been putting off, these built-in commitments to myself have helped me keep that sweet balance.

8. What are some ways you implement self-care?

A huge self-care win for myself this past year was finally finding a therapist I love. If you have ever been on the therapist-hunt, you are probably aware of how exhausting the process can be (both mentally and financially). Other self-care activities that I have been dependent on this year include at-home workouts, going on walks, calling a friend, taking baths, and having kitchen dance parties. 

9. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders, movers and shakers?

I definitely find that I am the one taking advice from them! I am continuously blown away by the young women who are leading so much change in today’s modern world. Keep leading, moving, and shaking no matter what obstacles are thrown your way. Continue to fight the good fight by believing in yourself and not letting the opinions or digs of others weigh you down.

10. How can women advocate for each other?

Speak up. Whether you are talking to your friends, family or co-workers, raising your voice for women’s rights and gender equality is the most important way to expand awareness and dismantle obstacles. Be aware of micro-aggressions, double standards, and pay inequality. Amplify the voices your women co-workers. If you are in a position to help make company decisions, level the playing field by advocating for more women and particularly women of color hires. There are so many great resources out there to educate yourself, donate, and get involved in the fight for women’s equality. Especially since the pandemic has taken such a large toll on women (mainly mothers and women of color).

11. What is your power color and why?

Green because it brings out the inward qualities in myself: imaginative, a yearning for new experiences, and a desire for growth.

12. What is your female anthem – the song that hypes you up and makes you feel like a girl boss and that you can take on anything in the world?

‘Balance ton quoi’ by Angele

Portrait illustrations are by Hailey Coral. You can also follow Hailey on Instagram.

WOMEN ARE MAGIC | Hailey Merrill