Check Out Hayden Ward’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Ward.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Those Middle School years when you are left feeling out of place typically isn’t the moment most writers say, “That’s when I began writing.” I had a blog when blogs weren’t really a thing. It was called my “Sew Called Life” because I sewed and loved fashion. Tavi Gevinson was my idol. She had a unique sense of style mixing thrift store finds with her mother’s designer clothes. You could find me purchasing Converse All-Stars before they became popular from my local Salvation Army. Picture them styled with a tulle Betsey Johnson skirt as I rode my skateboard through my neighborhood. At the awkward age of 12, I did not realize how written thoughts could be a catalyst for navigating change and documenting growth.

Fast forward to the last month of my college senior year, change was on the horizon. I was heading towards the unknown so I grounded myself with writing. Keying in my thoughts and developing a domain, Hayden M Ward to document my journey gave me security in unpredictable times. My blog became a place to record my triumph and tribulations, share fashion trends and decorating ideas. Even a cocktail or cooking recipe is mixed in for some flavor. I believe stories weave a relatable aspect that helps us all to understand each other in a more intimate way. So, that’s why haydenmward.com was born.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My story starts with a dream. My dream was to create a new website to visually represent my blog. I envisioned a platform that was mobile-friendly, branded, and easy to navigate. I saved for months and researched web designers. I paid a designer and POOF just like that she ghosted me. It was a very expensive price financially for me. However, it was a lesson I needed to learn. I thought my dream was extinguished. I can honestly say a piece of me died that day. It wasn’t just the money but she took a chunk of my creative spirit. haydenmward.com had some serious growing pains and a giant pricey lemon on steroids that was a huge dream blocker. However, this story has a happy ending because of the kind people in my life. My talented friends built my blog from the ground up designing it for free. haydenmward.com was back in business and better than ever. I had to fail to succeed and couldn’t have done it without the help of my friends. They are the reason I end each blog post with “Until next time, spread kindness”. Don’t let any roadblock keep you from reaching your destination.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day I’m a blog writer for an insurance company. I write about adventure sports, vacation rental properties, and bed and breakfasts. I truly love my job because each day is unique and I am part of an incredibly supportive team. When I was interviewing for the position, I was worried the company wouldn’t hire me because I had a personal blog. I mentioned it nowhere in my application process. Many companies feel you will spend too much time on your personal stuff and not focus on the job at hand. Not the case where I work, they embraced it, encouraged it, and even followed my blog to support my journey. My personal blog is my chance to showcase my life documenting day by day moments at twenty something. We can all learn from each other and relate to this crazy journey of growth beginning our adulthood.

If my blog was an entry in the Webster’s dictionary, it would be defined as a twenty something navigating adulthood, sharing celebrations, struggles, fashion, diy’s, home decor, and her relationships with others documented under the domain haydenmward.com. The very best part of my personal blog is the moment I connect with a reader. I love it when someone reaches out to me because my journey touched them in a relatable way. I feel so lucky to empower and guide women (and men (1% follow me) to stand on their own feet financially or look at their current situation and realize if they aren’t happy, they can move mountains to carve a new path.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Bryce and I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland. Being huge whisky fans, we went through the Jameson Distillery. I learned a word that has stayed with me and become my personal mantra. The word is ‘Sine metu’. It means to fear less and live a bit more. The Jameson family has used the motto since 1780 and it is on each bottle of whisky. Putting written words out into the world takes a lot of ‘Sine menu’. It is scary to share and let’s be honest people judge everything you do. Taking fear out of the equation helps you succeed and take risks towards your goals. The two most important characteristics for writing a blog is ‘Sine metu’ and consistency.

Contact Info:

• Email: Haydenward816@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.haydenmward.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydenward816/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaydenWardBlog/

Image Credits
Jessi Rabe