Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Smith.
Hi Hayley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband and I struggled with infertility for years (due to me having PCOS). I would not wish infertility on anyone – it is a hard trial to have to go through. After many failed infertility treatments we decided to adopt. We had always wanted to adopt but the opportunity came sooner than we expected and we are so glad it did. We eventually adopted our son as a newborn in 2019.
Fast forward to a couple of months ago I felt like I was in a huge rut. I felt like I had hit a plateau in my life and did not have a creative outlet or a purpose (besides being a mother). I felt like there was something more I could be doing with my talents. I felt very strongly that I needed to start a profile book business – Chosen Hope & Co. was created. I know you are probably thinking “what the heck is a profile book?” A profile book is a book hopeful adoptive families make that they can share and present to expectant mothers who are making an adoption plan. I know that having a well-designed, attractive profile book is key to the adoption process so I wanted to help hopeful adoptive families and create affordable adoption materials for them. I wanted to use my talents and degree (Public Relations and Advertising) to help families who are in the same position as my husband and I were in 2018.
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?
Goodness no!! When you start a business from ground zero there is a lot of work, sweat, tears and self-doubt. To be honest, the hardest part was creating my business name. I wanted something that was meaningful. Chosen Hope is actually a type of hope someone can have. Someone who has “chosen hope” determinedly chooses to believe that success will come, no matter the current outlook.
I am still a “young company” so trying to grow my clientele can be challenging but I know that as long as I stay consistent and don’t give up on my dreams everything will work out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Like I mentioned, I create affordable profile books for hopeful adoptive families. I also create videos, flyers and websites. Something I am most proud of is the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a book or other materials for a client. I get to connect with some pretty cool families and learn about them as I create their adoption materials. Their stories are so inspiring and are great examples of pursuing their dreams of growing their families despite all of the trials they may face.
Something that sets me apart is the ability I give my clients to truly customize their adoption materials. I never duplicate my work and do not have a set design I use for all my services. I allow my clients to choose the design of their profile book cover, fonts and color schemes. I also feel like my prices are affordable and reasonable. Adoption is already very expensive (we are talking anywhere from $10-50K) so I wanted my services to be reasonably priced.
Any big plans?
I plan on continuing to create adoption materials for hopeful adoptive families. My ultimate dream would be to host a 3-day retreat where women from all over the U.S. can come together and bond over our struggle with infertility and find joy in how adoption has been a blessing to us.
Pricing:
- Profile Book – $475
- Website Creation – $850
- Video – $600
- Flyer – $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chosenhopeco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chosen.hope.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chosen-Hope-Co-103843325609572
Image Credits
Megan Shaheen
Tania Hatch
