Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Rihn.
Hi Hailey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins in Pennsylvania actually, that’s where I grew up. I have always been creative minded so school, at the time, was my least favorite thing. I struggled a lot with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and had a hard time following along with the “normal school topics”, like math for example. Art was a way that I could express myself and there were “no wrong answers”. Just you and what you create!
Through those school years, my family would take annual visits to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The theme parks were a source of escapism for me. I could escape from my worries and into vibrant worlds of acceptance and happiness. I felt that I could be myself on those visits.
Probably around 3rd or 4th grade, I took a trip that changed everything! I talked to a cast member and it clicked: “People work here. I can work here and never have to leave!”
From there on out when people asked me “What do you want to do when you grow up” I would say “work at Disney”. This dream was my sole motivation and drive. It is was kept me going. Theme parks were such a passion of mine, never before that did I consider it as a place for a career. It wasn’t until middle school that I realized that people actually have to design these places. That’s when I learned what a Walt Disney Imagineer was. My anxiety told me that “I would never be good enough”, but I still put it on the dream list anyway. It made me realize that there is so much more out there and maybe a creative role could be part of my dream career at Disney.
Upon graduating high school, I knew that an art school would be a right fit for me. I just knew that a creative career is where I would fit best. I researched themed entertainment design programs and found The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which is what landed me here in Savannah. I arrived with the hope and dream of working for Disney. Little did I know that this choice would help me to grow and believe in myself to chase my true dream of becoming a Walt Disney Imagineer.
After my freshman year, I participated in the Disney College Program where I worked as an operations Cast Member on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. This experience is one that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I got to fulfill my dream of working at Walt Disney World as a cast member and I got to see a behind the scenes look at my favorite place on earth. Coming back to SCAD, my sophomore year, I had a completely new mindset. With one dream fulfilled it was on to the next. I put myself out there, valued hard work, and pushed myself to learn as much as I could. This is the school environment that was right for me and my skillsets, something that I hadn’t experienced growing up. I became fascinated with the ins and outs of the Themed Entertainment Industry and learned about all of the companies and roles that make it possible. My junior year I ran for President of SCAD’s Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Club, a role that I now fulfill today.
Now, as senior graduating this May with a major in Production Design concentrating and minoring in Themed Entertainment Design as well as Business Collaboration. I can confidently say that I did what I set out to do. This past month I accepted an internship with Walt Disney Imagineering upon graduation and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences I have had that made me who I am today. I have grown so much here and I found my voice in place that didn’t question my dreams but pushed me to believe in myself and achieve them.
Over the years I have come to realize that my motivation meant much more than just working for The Walt Disney Company, but rather the chance to give back to the place that gave me escapism when I needed it most. Now I have the opportunity to pay it forward and give that level of escapism to people through my work. This opportunity and career path is fulfilling me more than anyone will ever know.
Hailey Rihn does not speak for or on behalf of The Walt Disney Company.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope. Not a smooth road at all. That is the fun of it, not every day is perfect- and it shouldn’t be. Life is meant for the journey and each of the ups and downs. That’s where lessons happen and stories come from.
One road block for me was public speaking. In my early school years, I would go up to do a presentation and tears would just start running down my face, I couldn’t get out the words or raise my voice enough to be heard.
Funny enough, my first college class at SCAD was public speaking. I knew that I needed to overcome it, so I took this opportunity to identify what was holding me back and I still continue to work at it to this day. However, I can confidently say that I have come SO FAR. Throughout the past 3 years in college, I have participated and completed all of the SCADAMP workshops (SCADAMP is a series of workshops focused on public speaking and communication skills). I now lead the Themed Entertainment Association club here at SCAD and have to public speak as part of my role. Additionally, my time at the Disney College Program also pushed this weakness into a strength, as I had to announce information to large crowds of people. Even though it took me a few years to overcome- had it been a smooth road- it would not have been as fulfilling to face the fear and feel grateful for how far I have come. I am proud of that.
As mentioned, Generalized Anxiety Disorder has been my biggest uphill battle that I have faced in many aspects of my life. It has been a long road, but again with time I have come a long way. Being honest and transparent with people about it has helped me. In addition to identifying how I work best and destress.
I believe that you should work hard for your dreams and always push yourself to be your best. Facing those road blocks builds character and discipline. Accomplishing my dream would not have been as fulfilling if I didn’t have the challenges and the passion to drive my motivation. Working so hard in my studies has helped me to learn more about myself, my skillsets, and… honestly I’m grateful that the path wasn’t smooth. It makes the good moments even that much more special and rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have worked in many different mediums over the years, from cake decorating- to film and photography- to concept art. I always have a to do list or am working on multiple projects at once, so it is hard for me to answer these questions because I am always doing a range of different work, from preparing presentations for our TEA@SCAD meetings to developing content for my social media. I have always been multifaceted and never wanted to be limited to one skill or art medium. Part of this industry that has been so fascinating to me is that there are so many multifaceted people. They are welcomed in these environments where they can bring all of their skillsets to the table to achieve the impossible.
I personally like to organize the calendars, schedules, and review projects from the bigger picture perspective. In high school I never thought I would be majoring in Production Design, but it has become a very valuable tool. As the theme park industry started with and continues to use many theater tricks. I have been able to take courses in lighting, costuming, and set design (to name a few). I feel that this exposure will help me to better collaborate with people in those departments one day, as I have a base understanding of their work flow as well.
After my time on the Disney College Program in 2022, I picked up a minor in Business Collaboration because I found value in learning about the business side of creative industries. Specifically to learn how and why decisions are made. Standing in the parks thinking of all of the design possibilities, I caught myself wondering why and how logistically they would be feasible or not. The more I thought about it, I realized that if I can’t sell the business people on my creative ideas then they won’t get done. This mindset has allowed me to step back and analyze the industry as a whole and find answers as to why things work and why things don’t. I believe that having a curiosity for the past and the future of this industry has given me a valuable perspective as a collaborator and creative, in understanding the relation of both the creative and business side.
I love the work I do and the industry I am in. There is a quote out there at says something along the lines: if you love what you do then a job will never feel like work… and being able to find a career combining my passions and love for theme parks is something that a younger version of me could have never dreamed of. Being in the field of the creative design of theme parks is not a job you hear everyday and I am so grateful to be apart of it!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I absolutely love Savannah! One of my favorite things is the sunrises and sunsets. There is something really special about the orange glow that comes between the trees and reflects off of the historic buildings. The city is so well preserved and even after being here for four years there is still so much I haven’t done. From sporting events to the SCAD Film and Sidewalk Arts Festival – there are so many things to do! Living in a walkability city is truly one of the best things! It is hard for me to say “what I like least” I have always wanted to live in a place with palm trees outside my door. Taking a walk around the squares, Forsyth Park, to class, or to the beautiful River Street is something I will miss greatly. I have enjoyed the tourist vibe as well and I look forward to coming back as a tourist real soon! I am so lucky to have called Savannah home for the past four years and to have had so many great college memories here too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haileyrihn.com
