Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Zureich.
Hi Hailey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have overcome great challenges. Decades of bullying, sexual assault, harassment, self-esteem/body image issues, relationship challenges, building a career in a tumultuous and transforming economy are just some of the challenges I’ve overcome.
I have done a tremendous amount of work to build my self-confidence, maintain a positive relationship with my body, elevate my professional presence and cultivate a curiosity practice about myself.
I decided to finally pursue my dream of owning my own Life Coaching Practice. A life coach isn’t a therapist, or psychiatrist—but still helps people achieve their goals, improve their relationships, and help them make magic in their life.
Help people work through their shit, and live happier lives? That’s my jam.
Aside from meeting with clients one on one, I also offer private yoga classes, and launched a training program. My FTQEE (Femme, Them, Queer Education Experience) course is a four level course I designed to help empower LGBTQ+ and women to learn everything from the fundamentals to building material, performance best practices, and finding their voices. With the goal to bring more women, non-binary, and queers folks into the comedy scene.
I have a very vibrant and unique practice, an helping clients — from private clients, yoga students, FTQEE comics — SHINE bright is my life.
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?
I had known about life coaching, since I was in fourth grade. But I thought it was too silly, too lofty, too weird — for me to ever consider making it my real career.
I did what I was supposed to do. I work very hard, got through school, went to OU to get my BA in Communications, and worked to build up a career that showcased my natural talents, expand my skills, and make me happy. Things were fine, but not excellent.
In 2018, I had maybe the worst year of my life. As I was picking up the pieces to move forward, it occurred that I had always wanted to be a life coach, and the only reason I hadn’t pursued it was because of a narrative I had feed myself based on the hypothetical thoughts of others.
This is my life– and I’m going to live it.
I signed up for a certification program, filed an LLC, and for the next two-ish years the time I was spending working my full time job I was putting in the work to build up my practice. It has been some doing.
Three years ago, I lost my full time job — and with the help of my Dad I was able to go FULL TIME.
In 2022, I started pondering how I might be able to help create a foundation to get more femme, them, queer folks on the stage for the first time —and keep them on the scene.
My answer was to put on a 4 hour workshop.
Thirty minutes into the workshop I had one of the students ask when the full course was happening.
It must have been clear that there was MUCH MORE I wanted to share, and needed more time.
I started with one six week course, and now I host FOUR levels each course starting at 8 weeks.
At this point, a little over 60 folks have come through the course. Some have flourished on the comedy scene, performing on stages around the nation, producing their own shows, helping to fundraise thousands of dollars for causes in the area.
Next year I’m planning to publish my student workbooks into a text book, so I might be able to spread my message of be you and tell the truth far and wide.
For the past two years, it has been difficult — there seemed to be an organized effort to surprise my classes from social media streams. Impacting enrollment, and attendance for student showcases. But I am proud that my community has helped turn the tide, and we are still going strong!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My practice is not conventional. There are a lot of different elements, that all bring together.
A holistic approach looks at all parts of life, and I like to think that my practice reflects that.
I love that my work is all about reminding people of their magic, their power, and that all they need to do in life is be themselves and tell the truth. That’s where their magic lives.
I have the ability to see folks for who they are where they are, and support them accordingly.
Watching so many unique individuals shine brilliantly in their personal lives, on stage, during a workshop, on their mats, etc. is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life.
Next year, I turn 40 years old. To celebrate I’m going to produce my biggest fundraiser to date – the Silly Hearts Comedy Fundraiser for the Ruth Ellis Center and the Detroit Creativity Project. It will be Friday May 22, at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. Team zhailey coaching is aiming to raise $80,000 to be split evenly between the REC and DCP – 40k each. 40k to celebrate my 40th birthday.
The Ruth Ellis Center is a non-profit that works to support LGBTQ+ youths and adults in the metro Detroit area with a wide array of support services, community engagement experiences and more.
The Detroit Creativity Project brings the magic of improv to Detroit Public School students. Helping build critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as improving communication, creativity, and the confidence of students .
I am hoping this magic will make a lasting impact in communities I love, and remind folks that every single one of us can do something make real change in the world.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the city of Ferndale. I’ve been a resident for more than half of my life now.
I love how vibrant, inclusive, and weird our town is.
I don’t really have a “like least” — I am concerned that the shades of grey and uniform vibes from surrounding communities might infiltrate Ferndale.
But I truly hope — we get to keep Ferndale weird.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zhaileycoaching.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zhaileycoaching/
