Hailey Fox

I attribute my success to a combination of creativity driven by a deep need for self-expression, ambition fueled by empathy, and undiagnosed ADHD. From a young age, I was acutely aware of the world around me and wanted to make a significant impact through creativity, self-expression, and non-conformity. My upbringing played a major role in turning that desire into reality. My mother was a hairdresser, which I believe laid the foundation for my need for creativity. She allowed me to express myself freely by letting me choose how I dressed, dyeing and cutting my hair however I wanted, and later embracing piercings and tattoos. However, growing up with a struggling single mother also exposed me to the challenges that financial hardship can bring. For me, my own success was never about personal achievement; it has always been about taking care of those around me.

As an only child, I often had to find ways to entertain myself. Growing up without much money meant I didn’t have the latest game consoles or toys, so I immersed myself in creative activities. From drawing and painting to songwriting and poetry, I embraced creativity in whatever form I could, even if I wasn't particularly skilled at it. Ultimately, the joy I found in creating, combined with my desire to make a difference in both my own personal life and the world at large drove me straight into graphic design. This, alongside the need for constant stimulation driven by the ADHD I didn't realize I had, created the perfect recipe for someone who could excel by hyper-focusing on an art career.

The best career advice I've received is to avoid becoming too comfortable or overconfident in my abilities. While it's essential to value the skills I possess, I must always remain open to learning and improvement. Creative work is subjective, and that's unlikely to change, so it's crucial to recognize that even if I have raw talent, I should always strive for growth to prevent stagnation in my career and skill set.

Remaining open to knowledge, no matter where it comes from, and being receptive to feedback will help me become the best version of myself professionally. This advice has resonated deeply with me, and I strive to be flexible and adaptable in my work. Embracing this mindset not only enhances my skills but also continues to fuel my confidence. If I encounter a problem I don't immediately know how to solve, I am always willing to find a way to figure it out.

For young women, particularly, it can be challenging to maintain confidence in a professional setting due to the underlying discrimination we face. My advice for young women in this field is to be confident and believe in yourself. Your voice and ideas are valuable, so don’t hesitate to speak up, share, create, and pursue your passions. While it's important to be open to feedback, remember to keep it in perspective. Don’t let rejection or criticism undermine your confidence. Trust in your skills and abilities, and recognize that you’ve made it this far due to your talents. Ultimately, take the feedback that matters and use it to excel.

The biggest challenge in commerce media today is the rapid pace of change, which makes the industry feel unpredictable. Different generations have distinct shopping habits, raising the question of how to get a brand noticed by Gen Z shoppers when its core audience is Gen X. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity to think strategically, adapt to new social trends, and develop ideas that engage shoppers with specific brands. Staying connected to what is happening in the world is crucial. Understanding what people are looking for, what is trending, and what is socially relevant keeps me engaged. I am not only following the creative world but also keeping up with social media, technological influences and advances, politics, and pop culture.

On a personal level, the opportunity of this field is that it allows me to be creative while also earning a living. I don’t have to feel trapped in a job I don’t enjoy just to pay my bills. A significant aspect of this career is the ability to be a creative thinker who influences major brands while getting paid to do so.