Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Brooks.
Hi Hayley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi! I’m Hayley Brooks, and I built a business around a simple truth: it’s really hard to talk about yourself.
I kept noticing friends freeze up when asked questions like, ‘Tell me about yourself,’ ‘Walk me through your resume,’ or even, ‘What’s new with you?’ Whether on a resumes, at a cocktail party, or in job interviews, most people feel uncomfortable at best and paralyzed at worst, and struggle to put their stories into words.
That’s where Storyline comes in. I help people get clear and confident about how they present themselves — in resumes and cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, personal statements, and even live in the room during interviews. I also consult with businesses, working with founders to shape their origin story, develop mission statements, ghostwrite thought leadership pieces, and create internal communications that actually resonate.
At the heart of everything I do is this belief: we all have a unique story to tell. My job is to help curate that story into a powerful, authentic narrative that gets you exactly where you want to go.”
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?
Honestly, Storyline started by accident!
For years, I had been helping friends, friends-of-friends — and pretty much anyone who asked — with their resumes, college essays, and job applications, all for free, outside of my 9-to-5. At the time, I was working in the entertainment industry in New York City, which at 22 mostly meant running coffee to demanding executives for barely enough pay to cover rent.
Out of necessity (and curiosity), I started charging for my writing help — and to my surprise, it quickly took off. Before long, I had a full-blown side hustle running on nights and weekends. It became clear that not only did I love this work, but it felt meaningful in a way my full-time job didn’t. So, in 2019, I took the leap, left my day job, and founded Storyline. What started as a way to make ends meet has turned into a business I’m deeply proud of.
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?
At its core, my business, Storyline, offers bespoke first-person storytelling services — everything from resumes, cover letters, personal statements, admissions essays, and ghostwriting to brand and corporate communications. I partner with individuals and organizations one-on-one to help them craft narratives that feel authentic, confident, and strategic.
What sets me apart? Several things! I’d say, most importantly, personalization and collaboration. This is NOT a “fill-in the blanks” service. I see myself not just as a writer or editor, but as a collaborator — asking deep questions, listening carefully, and helping people discover what they actually want to say.
Another big point of differentiation is my storytelling mindset. Rather than just listing achievements, I help clients shape a narrative arc. What is their journey, what motivates them, what connects the pieces of their experience? That makes materials (resume, statement, brand messaging) more compelling and memorable.
My background spans creative writing, entertainment, journalism, public relations, combined with training in college/graduate advising. That mix gives me perspective on both the artistry and the functional goal (getting accepted/hired/recognized). I also have a strong track record of success: with over 400 resumes written, 80% of clients hired into new jobs within three months, and 100% admissions success for clients in the kinds of programs they applied to, I walk my talk.
I’m proudest of the moments where people say, “I finally feel like this is me.” It’s one thing to get accepted or hired — those are great — but to feel seen, to feel like your story is heard, and to really believe in yourself again? Those are the major wins. I’m proud of having built something that treats writing applications etc. not just as tasks to check off, but as opportunities — moments where people can claim authorship of their narrative.
I truly do believe that everyone has a story worth telling. Whether you’re early in your career or changing paths, whether you’re applying to grad school or leading a company — your experiences, values, and choices matter, and they can work for you if you can tell them in a way that’s honest, distinctive, and aligned with your goals. And the best part is, you don’t have to do it alone!
What were you like growing up?
As Gaga would say, I was born this way.
I was a curious kid who loved a good story — always reading, always asking questions, always trying to connect the dots between people and ideas. I was the one writing plays in the backyard and interviewing my grandparents just because I wanted to know everything about their lives.
Looking back, it makes sense that I built a business around helping people find and tell their stories. I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people tick and how language can capture that in a way that feels true and memorable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourstoryline.co
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haybethbrooks/
