If we could only describe Ali Hayalie in one word, it would be perseverance. From escaping the war in Iraq in 1994 with his single mother and to migrating to New Zealand in 1996 when he was only 6 years old for a better life, Ali is a great example of an entrepreneur who never gave up until he got what he wanted.
“Anyone can handle their highs but not so many can handle their lows, the trick is to teach yourself how to get back up after a low moment”.
Ali Hayalie
Ali leaves us thinking about his phrase that hides a great reality. We all usually have a good time and are positive in moments of victory and abundance, which bring us joy and security, but everything changes when we are faced with moments that are not the perfect scenario for us.
This is where it is very important to be aware of our mindset, of how we are reacting to those eventual situations. The key is to be able to control ourselves so that we can hold ourselves up to these moments and always focus on extracting some learning from what is happening, instead of looking only at the negative.
Ali Hayalie has worked in the luxury industry since the age of 18. With over 10 years of international experience, from selling $10,000-$50,000 dollars custom suits in Dubai and London to providing celebrities high-end fashionable streetwear, Ali is now reshaping the luxury industry through his own luxury brand Hayalie which has gotten the attention of celebrities in Hollywood and the rest of the world.
Hayalie provides the finest Manuka Honey ever found to celebrities and individuals that enjoy the finer things in life and at the same time looking after their overall health and wellness. Manuka By Hayalie has taken the world by storm and has had great feedback. Hayalie is now paving its way to becoming one of the major luxury brands in the world. We talk about his journey, trials and tribulations as well as his future plans and where he sees the business going the next few years.
“The trick is to find constant things that motivate you when you are not feeling your best to give you that “fuel” to keep you going”.
Ali Hayalie
Which tips would you recommend to entrepreneurs to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Ali Hayalie: We are all human that experience emotion on a daily basis. The trick is to find constant things that motivate you when you are not feeling your best to give you that “fuel” to keep you going. Affirmations and visualization techniques daily really help me stay focused.
When I do feel a little burnt out I do take a couple of hours out of my day, turn off my phone and do something productive like going to the gym or going for a walk outside in nature. I have really looked into how the mind works the past few years which has helped me remain cool calm and collected in business.
From that, I wrote a short read e-book called “The 9 Secrets to a F*cking Fabulous Life” which went to #1 on Amazon and has helped many people worldwide with their mindset because I do know from experience that we must train our minds daily in order to be able to handle the lows.
I always tell entrepreneurs that anyone can handle their highs but not so many can handle their lows, the trick is to teach yourself how to get back up after a low moment. When my dad died I was only 19 and didn’t know what I was going to do next but I persevered, believed in myself and kept pushing.
“We do live in a time where social media is everything but there is nothing like a genuine face to face relationship in business”.
Ali Hayalie
How did you promote Hayalie in the early days?
Ali Hayalie: Initially, it was through word of mouth through my network. I was lucky enough to be able to work and travel the world at a young age and build great relationships internationally before social media really popped off.
I feel like people really underestimate the value that word of mouth can bring you. We do live in a time where social media is everything but there is nothing like a genuine face to face relationship in business, it’s a lot more real than just speaking to people on Instagram. If I have met someone on Instagram, I make sure that I organize a face to face meeting with them to help build the relationship even more.
“Be genuine […] A brand takes time to develop, you have to nourish it daily and be patient, the money is always the byproduct”.
Ali Hayalie
I also think you need to be genuine about your products or services when promoting. I see so many “brands” these days there to just flip for a couple of years and leave. That, in my eyes, is the worst thing you can do. A brand takes time to develop, you have to nourish it daily and be patient, the money is always the byproduct of the service or product you represent and believe in.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
Ali Hayalie: The biggest challenge I faced was my dad dying when I was 19. He was a mentor for me and so it was a bit hard to adjust myself from that tragedy. I do think that everything happens for a reason and the universe will always provide, it made me the man I am today. I see challenges like rocky roads when we’re driving a car, just because you go through a rocky road it doesn’t mean that you stop and turn back to go home. It’s all about perspective, once you shift your perspective, everything will change.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Ali Hayalie:
1. Don’t be scared of “failing”: I don’t believe in the word fail, everything is a learning process. Instead of “failing” you learn a lot on that journey.
2. Surround yourself with supportive like-minded individuals that boost and motivate you: I used to hang around with people that were insecure and all they would do is try putting me down (I then learned it was just a reflection of their insecurities). You end up being good at picking up on that energy the more you are aware of your worth and leave your comfort zone of friends.
Where do you see yourself and your product in a couple of years? What’s your dream?
Ali Hayalie: We do see major growth for the next 2 years with the brand. We will be in several different countries and be supporting many big names. We use one of the finest quality commodities in the world so the demand has been massive which has helped our growth immensely. We’re so excited and blessed to be in this situation.
“When you have nothing but self-belief, persevere and be able to create magic, no one can take that away from you”.
Ali Hayalie
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?
Ali Hayalie: I really respect people that have come from nothing and have made something of themselves. This is why I love the hip hop industry so much because a lot of artists came from nothing and made something great of themselves. When you have nothing but self-belief, persevere and be able to create magic, no one can take that away from you.