Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Summers.
Hi Hayley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before founding Livin’ La Vida Local, I built a successful career as a hairstylist—and, unofficially, the go-to marketer in every salon I worked in. But long before the pandemic, I felt a stirring to do something more. I was already dreaming of full-time entrepreneurship when 2020 forced the world to pause. Between the masks, hand sanitizer, and burnout, I made the decision: I wasn’t going back.
It wasn’t just a career shift—it was a calling. I vividly remember driving home the day the world shut down and hearing God say: You will never return to that industry. I’ve always taken God’s voice seriously. So I leapt—with full faith and no fallback plan.
During the shutdown, I explored everything: remote hairstyling, holistic counseling, flipping furniture. But it was the struggle I saw in small business America that lit the fire in me. Censorship, closures, and digital overwhelm were silencing the very people who built this country—our small business owners.
I realized that the heart of America wasn’t just hurting—it was being ignored. For generations, building a business meant showing up in person, shaking hands, handing out flyers, and building relationships. But with social platforms being censored and pop-up markets shut down, where could local entrepreneurs turn?
That’s where I stepped in—and I did it boldly.
I sold most of what I owned, packed it into a storage unit, built a plywood camper on the back of my pickup, and hit the road. I committed to a simple life—rice and beans—and a bold mission: create a platform where small businesses could be seen, heard, and supported.
Over the next 2.5 years, I traveled through 22 states across the South and beyond, studying cultures, meeting business owners, and listening. What I found was universal: we all thrive the same way—through connection, fairness, kindness, and the courage to share our God-given gifts with the world. No matter the zip code, we all need each other to succeed.
That journey gave birth to Livin’ La Vida Local.
Today, I serve as a hands-on marketing partner for small business owners—especially those caught between old-school values and new-school tools. I help the traditionalists navigate digital platforms with confidence and show the tech-savvy crowd how to build meaningful, real-world relationships. My approach is deeply personal, experience-driven, and always affordable—because real support shouldn’t come with a corporate price tag.
I’m not in this to chase big brands. I’m here to amplify local ones. Because I believe the American dream is still alive—and I’m determined to help more people live it.
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?
People see the creativity, the community, the passion—but what they don’t always see are the sacrifices. Though #vanlife might sound trendy and fun, the reality was much harder. Living out of a plywood camper wasn’t just a travel adventure—it was a survival move. I sold nearly everything I owned and lived simply for years so I could pour into this vision. Rebuilding from that life has taken just as long, if not longer.
As a single woman entrepreneur, I still make sacrifices every day. From housing choices to travel priorities, there are constant trade-offs. There have been weeks I stayed parked at home just to afford a client trip. Days I went without a meal so I could treat a client to lunch. I’ve sacrificed friendships, relationships, and even comfort—for the sake of my calling.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that the bigger your vision, the lonelier the road can become. But it’s also where I found strength I never knew I had. It’s where I learned what I can and cannot sacrifice—and more importantly, what I will and will not sacrifice.
Through it all, my relationship with God has deepened in ways I can’t explain. I’m not just building a business—I’m walking out a calling. And I am living proof that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Livin’ La Vida Local is a marketing and creative support brand built specifically for small businesses—the kind that keep communities alive. We offer social media content shoots, branding and graphic design, digital strategy, event marketing, and hands-on support that helps entrepreneurs show up both online and in person. Whether you’re a farmer, maker, service provider, or boutique owner, we meet you where you are and help you grow from there.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both old-school hustle and modern marketing. I help “old schoolers” feel less overwhelmed by the digital world, and I remind “new schoolers” that real-world connection still matters. That balance between digital reach and face-to-face presence is what makes Livin’ La Vida Local different—we blend strategy with soul.
I’m most proud that everything we do is rooted in service. Our services are affordable by design, because visibility shouldn’t be reserved for big brands. We help real people with real businesses connect with their communities in ways that are authentic, engaging, and sustainable.
From pop-up market events to one-on-one strategy calls to creating content that feels true to a brand’s identity—I offer creative solutions that empower business owners to stay visible, stay relevant, and stay inspired.
What I want readers to know is this: Livin’ La Vida Local isn’t just about marketing. It’s about reviving the spirit of small business in America—and reminding entrepreneurs that they’re not alone in the journey. We’re in this together, and we were made to thrive.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is humility.
Recently, I heard someone describe humility as the oil that keeps the engine of friendship running—and I believe that applies to business, too. Leading with humility, truth, and transparency isn’t always easy. It means owning mistakes, being honest about limitations, and choosing integrity over ego. But for me, it’s non-negotiable.
Humility keeps me grounded—whether I’m working with clients, showing up in my community, or making tough business decisions. It reminds me that I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t need to pretend to. What I can offer is honesty, intention, and a genuine desire to serve.
I believe that approachability and trust are earned through humility. It’s what makes my work feel human—and it’s the reason so many of my clients feel seen, supported, and understood. In a world that often rewards polish over honesty, I choose to lead with the kind of character that lasts.
Pricing:
- Social Media Audit $149
- Social Media Content Shoot $550
- (Classes) How to Create, Edit & Post Reels $89-$115
- Canva Masterclass for Branding & Business $115
- Social Media Management Services $850-$2,200/ month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livinlavidalocal.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinlavidalocalandco?igsh=cGp0bmNtc2l3emJj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivinLaVidaLocalandCo?
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@livinlavidalocalcompany8974?si=U54cFmep9D4UH6sS
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/livin-la-vida-local-san-antonio
