Haley Bossart: On Point Magazine
Photography by Alisha Schwanke Photography
“Don’t wait for opportunity, create it.”
Haley Bossart is certainly not letting any time go to waste. This driven 20-year-old is the CEO and publisher of On Point Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine, a digital platform inspiring college students to find their true health and happiness. As the owner, she plans to grow the incredible platform into a future career. Haley is currently a junior at High Point University, studying an Individualized Major called Luxury Fashion Entrepreneurship, which allows her to be a part of both the School of Art and Design and the School of Entrepreneurship. This summer, she worked at BHLDN in Chicago, Anthropologie’s wedding department. There is no doubt this young woman is the definition of a #girlboss, who is more than prepared to take charge and make a change in the world.
It always inspiring to meet ambitious young adults who know exactly what they want and how they’ll achieve it. We loved sitting down and getting to know more about Haley and On Point Magazine. Read below to learn more.
Q: Why did you choose to attend High Point University?
A. I chose to attend High Point University because it is proficient in the networking industry. I knew that in whatever major I chose, I would need connections and require an incredible personal brand and elevator pitch. I chose HPU based on some other norms as well: location, dormitories, the lifestyle, etc. All in all, the professors are here to inspire a growth mindset among all students, something I see as imperative for my future career.
Q: Why was On Point Magazine started and what was the vision?
A. On Point Magazine was created my Freshman year, back in September 2016. The vision was to curate a totality of fashion and lifestyle trends to inspire others to find their happiness and wellness. Plenty of us were wanting an organization or club that was tiered around fashion. As that was not available to us, On Point was conceived.
It has now become my full-time and future career. I am franchising the magazine to universities all over America, hoping to inspire millions. It is 100% student run, meaning thousands of students will be creating their own version of On Point Magazine for their university or college. It’s truly leaving a mark on college students everywhere. I couldn’t be happier.
Q: What does On Point have to offer that’s different to other fashion and lifestyle magazines?
A. On Point Magazine is real. It is a source for healthy inspiration, not just trends. The words used are motivational, the photography speaks for itself, and the size is small yet powerful. It reaches ALL college students with a plethora of sections ranging from travel to campus community. It is an ever-evolving company, aspiring to be the most well-known, motivational platform to begin the change towards positivity in the world.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
A. Throughout high school and to this day, I struggle with some generalized anxiety. I am an empathetic and focus on feelings, sometimes too often. However, I power through every day by practicing mindfulness. I took it upon myself, at a young age, to get into yoga and meditation. Now, as all of those practices are like secondhand nature to me, I am successful and am able to connect with my mind and body in a way that not many people my age are able to.
Q: What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?
A. I don’t like to have regrets, however there are some lessons I wish I had known before starting a company. One is to be patient. As a Gemini, I am terribly inpatient and like things completed as quick as possible. Things can be done in a quick manner, however that does not mean they will be the best quality. Another lesson is to choose a team based on dedication over talent. In today’s age, so many millennials are key to the publishing industry. So many individuals know how to use InDesign, take a photograph, or write an article. However, the passion is what is lost. I now have a team of 19 incredibly passionate students who want only the best for the magazine.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. I am an avid golfer. I’ve been golfing since I was practically in the womb. It has taught me incredible communication skills along with my individuality.
Q: Best career advice you have ever received?
A. “Only do something if it’s making you happy,” Life is too short to do something that isn’t fulfilling. Opportunities are out there and I shouldn’t let that pass by. Our ever-evolving innovation in the world is creating jobs for millions, a new one almost every day. It’s important to find what you love to do, and just do it, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A.
There are two: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
“She was born with strength and dignity. She laughs without fear of the future.”
Photography by Alisha Schwanke Photography
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A. My guilty pleasure would have to be cuddling in bed, with comfortable clothes, watching Baby Daddy or Young and Hungry on Netflix, eating something sweet with candles lit in the room. I also binge-watch vlogs and videos on YouTube! Honestly, I find a lot of my inspiration from the people I subscribe to and watch consistently.
Q: Who do you most admire? Who is your mentor?
A. I feel like my mentors change depending on what stage of life I am at. Right now, my mentor and someone I admire is Alexa McGraw, a 2014 graduate of High Point University. She and her husband live in Nashville and own the Nashville franchise of Luxury Home Magazine. She is teaching me everything about what’s necessary to franchise my company. She’s incredible and works as both my friend and mentor. As she was also an entrepreneur at my age, she understands me and helps in ways she knows are effective.
Q: What do you consider is your greatest accomplishment to date?
A. Finding mindfulness in everyday life is definitely my greatest accomplishment. I would not be where I am today, mentally or physically, without the practices of yoga and meditation and eating healthy. I do everything to make myself feel good. I don’t want to waste any day feeling less than what I know can be incredible. Understanding this before the age of 20 is an accomplishment for which I’ll be forever grateful.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living in High Point?
A. Finding new places! It’s always an adventure. It has created a love of curiosity in myself.
Q: What can High Point do to support your generation?
A. The city of High Point is definitely creating opportunities for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Because of this, there are lots of people like me who are searching, seeking, challenging ourselves to find our place in the world right from HP.
High Point Favorites
Q: Lunch with friends?
Q: Retail therapy?
Q: Last minute gift?
A. A pick-me-up from Sweet Josephine’s or OrganicAF Juice Company.
High Point is fortunate to be filled with such positive entrepreneurs, like Haley, who inspire others to make a difference. Haley’s future is going to bright due to her hard work, positivity, and strong desire to achieve. Check out On Point’s new summer issue, and their Instagram, @onpoint.magazine – trust us, you’re going to love it!
Discover our High Points,
The HP Discovered Team
Cover Image by Alisha Schwanke Photography