Join us as we sit down with Hailey Ra, whose journey from a family-run martial arts school in Rochester to building an authentic online presence and a new life in New York City is a powerful story of identity, courage, and choosing yourself even when it feels terrifying. We talk about what it’s really like to grow up in an entrepreneurial household, how her sibling dynamic unexpectedly launched her social media rise, and why showing up online like you’re “Facetiming a friend” is the new currency of trust.
We dive into the quiet battles behind her success—the guilt of leaving home, the imposter syndrome that follows every brand deal, and the uncomfortable work of figuring out who you are when you’re no longer defined by a family unit. Hailey opens up about the season she feared most, the surprising peace she found on the other side, and the freedom that comes from advocating for yourself for the very first time. If you’re standing at a crossroads, feeling torn between loyalty and growth, or trying to find your identity beyond what you’ve always done—this episode is a reminder that stepping into your calling may be scary, but staying small is scarier.
This podcast is presented by Thomas Media Group. Thomas Media Group is a full-service digital marketing agency located in Rochester, NY. More info here: www.thomasmediagroup.co