Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Haley Pham

At just nineteen, Haley Pham is blazing a trail in the digital landscape and inspiring young entrepreneurs everywhere. Her popular YouTube channel, with over two million subscribers, was just the start of her growing empire, which now features a clothing line, Retro Reprise, and a motivational podcast, Call Me Candid. Pop Culturalist caught up with Haley to learn more about this young talent who’s well on her way to changing the world.

PC: You’re a content creator, designer, and podcaster. How did you discover your passion for entrepreneurship? Is there one area that you naturally gravitate towards?
Haley: I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship in third grade. That was when I began hiring my classmates to distribute and market my products amongst the class, which leads me to believe that it was born in me somehow. I have continued to put myself in similar jobs ever since then! I’ve always been particularly stubborn when it came to people having authority over me, namely teachers. I always thought that if I could come up with a plan that would get the same results in a faster way, why not do that? When it comes to the things I’m passionate about today, I rotate between what is most exciting to me on a monthly, if not weekly, basis!

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Haley: The most impactful moment thus far has been being able to retire my mom and buy her a condo. I always told her growing up I would work hard so that one day she didn’t have to work hard for me. I had no idea it would come so soon or exactly when we needed it to. I really think it was God’s timing.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Haley: Nothing will ever beat the friends and family you have now, so no matter what, always make them your priority.

PC: Tell us about your new clothing line, Retro Reprise. How did that come to fruition? Has anything surprised you about that process/journey?
Haley: During junior year of high school, we were learning about art movement in history in my graphic design class. The Memphis design movement stuck out—so much so, that I wanted to wear clothing inspired by it. After trying to find some, I realized how difficult it was to find and decided that I wanted to create it for myself! I had no idea how long it would take to create custom pieces and how difficult it is to communicate your vision!

PC: You recently launched Call Me Candid with your friend and fellow creator Lilly Ann. Tell us about the podcast and how this partnership formed.
Haley: Lilly Ann and I met over Instagram and started FaceTiming every day. We were instantaneous friends, and our conversations flowed so nicely! Our interests were so similar! We both love podcasts and have so much we wanted to share with the world that wasn’t possible on our other social platforms! Thus a href=”https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/call-me-candid/id1494577260″ target=”_blank”>Call Me Candid was born. We want it to be a place that people can find joy and inspiration. Some episodes just feel like you’re on the phone with us catching up, and sometimes we really dig into our best advice!

PC: Is it a challenge to manage all your endeavors? How do you do it?
Haley: It can definitely be overwhelming at times, but my personality thrives on being creative in multiple avenues as to not get burnt out in one area. 2020 has been the year of outsourcing work, which has helped phenomenally for letting myself only work on the things that really need my attention!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Haley: Bachelor

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Haley: Bridesmaids

PC: Favorite book?
Haley: Love Does by Bob Goff

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Haley: Wicked

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Haley: Ariana Grande

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Haley: Awkwafina

To keep up with Haley, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Haley Pham