Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Evans.
Hi Haley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My 20s were spent dabbling in different interests to see where I’d stick, which ended up creating a perfect mix of skills to run my own business. My past professional lives have been in elementary school art education, caregiving, graphic & ui/ux design, and marketing. At the end of 2024, I was asked by a friend to lead a women’s circle, and decided the theme would be “tapping into your creativity.” Searching for adult-friendly craft ideas, I found polymer clay magnets to be fun, practical, versatile, and cost-effective. After the event went exceedingly well, I decided to scale the idea larger. By early 2025, I started designing my brand, applying as a vendor for different events and markets, and building momentum. Three months in, I became so booked and busy that I went full-time with it. Since then, I’ve expanded to new markets – especially leaning in to doing more private parties and hybrid-model events.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This is my first business, so I’ve had to learn everything about business from scratch. I’ve pieced together information and advice from local organizations, youtube videos, social media, podcasts, books, friends, and strangers. Building a business takes an enormous amount of mental energy to adapt and filter information without a clear ready-made roadmap. I’ve had to become very dedicated to myself and be my own #1 fan. Navigating interpersonal and business relationships has been the most challenging part. I’ve become very strict with who I work with or spend time with, which has helped enormously.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Hazelnut Helper’s Art Cart is a pop-up art studio traveling all over Detroit, MI and surrounding areas. We provide the tools, instruction, and encouragement for people of all ages to sculpt their own unique magnet out of polymer clay. Art Cart’s mission is to make creativity approachable and accessible to everyone – while having fun, celebrating milestones, healing, overcoming challenges, deepening relationships, and strengthening communities along the way. I have three main ways I pop-up – public events, private events, and hybrid. More info is in the digital flyer I emailed and on my website. 🙂 The positive energy and encouragement I give to magnet makers is my secret sauce. I’m passionate about helping people bring their vision to life. I think interviewing some customers would give insight into the process.
How do you think about happiness?
My puppy Prince Raphael, because he is equal parts sweet, cuddly, outgoing, clingy, curious, and playful. He’s my spoiled son, 12lb guardian angel I carry around in a purse, and Hazelnut Helper’s Art Cart’s official mascot.
My business makes me happy, because I get to interact with the coolest people. Hazelnut Helper’s Art Cart is a magnet that attracts the most wonderful customers, events, organizations, and spaces. I’m so grateful for all of the connections I’ve made through my business, it’s like a dream come true.
Dancing makes me happy, because it helps to relieve stress and ground me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hazelnuthelpersartcart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelnut.helpers.art.cart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazelnut.helpers.art.cart/
- Twitter: https://www.threads.com/@hazelnut.helpers.art.cart
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hazelnut.helpers.artcart
