Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Domin.
Hayley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started writing for a big brunch blog in Boston almost 6 years ago now! I would get free meals in exchange for photography/reviews. It was the dream freelancing gig! Soon, I took on more of a larger role and became the social media manager. I now continue to work for them as a content creator, and continue to do what I love.
This one gig opened up soooo many doors for me in marketing! I began to hone in on my own brand and built up the courage to start pitching hotels and travel companies- which is where my true passion lies. Now, I’ve worked with hotels around the US, as well as in Iceland- which has been an absolute dream!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road!! This is an important message to those wanting to do the same. It takes a lot of persistence, a lot of no’s, but realizing you can achieve anything you set your mind to if you continue to run with it. When I do hear those “no’s,” or tell my follower count is too small, I take that as the push I need to just become better.
Iceland had been on my bucket list for YEARS, and when I found cheap flights I knew it was the time to start pitching. I spent HOURS sending emails, crafting my media kit, and editing my photography to send. I heard a few of the dreaded “maybe next time’s” or just got no response at all, but sometimes all it takes is one yes.
After weeks of pitching, I did get that one yes, and ended up working with a very successful hotel chain in Iceland, and stayed at four of their locations around Reykjavik! I traveled to Iceland twice in less than two months, and truly believe this was the beginning of my journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most people would be surprised to know that during the day I work as a teacher; however, my true passion has become creating and traveling. I’m so proud of the partnerships I’ve built, and that everything in the marketing world has been self-taught for me.
I never got a degree in this field or worked in the field (other than freelancing!) I knew what I wanted and remained VERY PERSISTENT, and now here I am! I mostly focus on working with hotels, travel companies, and restaurants in creating captivating content and photography for them!
Each day is new and different- which I love!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are too many people to name! Firstly, I definitely want to thank my parents, Marek and Michelle, for ALWAYS supporting my crazy career choices. I feel like even as a 29-year-old, I still have no clue where life will take me, but they’ve always been there cheering me on and helping me when I pull over to ask for a photo-op!
I also owe a great deal to those in the industry that saw a persistent woman, who knew what she wanted and took a chance on her. All the hotel managers, PR managers, and amazing staff I’ve contacted/ met on my travels have played a key role in my success!
My old and new friends I’ve met online also continue to challenge me and remain involved in everything I do, which keeps the excitement alive in this ever-changing industry.
All the above people mentioned deserve a massive THANK YOU.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: HayleyonHiatus.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hayleyonhiatus
