Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Cooksey.
Hi Hailey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My appreciation for the outdoors stems from all my experiences growing up and seeing firsthand what our local waterways can give us. Growing up, I spent every day on the water, from playing in the pluff mud to shell hunting on Morris Island or fishing with my dad. My mom owns a local seafood market in Charleston, and my dad is a commercial shrimper, so I learned what hard work was at a very young age. My mom worked with me from sun up to sun down strapped to her back, and when I was old enough, I would stand on a stool and ring customers up at the cash register in her shop. Seeing my mom being a female business owner in a predominantly male-run industry made me realize that anything is possible. I went to Clemson University for college, hoping to become a veterinarian. I soon realized that chemistry was not my strong suit and graduated with a degree in business management. I was trying to figure out what to do with that, but I knew a corporate job was not for me, so I decided to open up my own business. It was challenging, but with much help from friends and family, I opened my kayak and paddleboard rental/eco-tour company in March 2020. Three weeks later, covid hit, and I had to close the doors of my brand-new business for 2.5 months. Since then, it has been just me running the whole operation until I could get back on my feet. In the off-season, I pick oysters and travel as much as possible. In my fourth season, we are beginning to expand and finally seeing some growth within the business, which feels so good. I get to spend my days on the water showing people the waterways I know and love so they can see their natural beauty too.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road; owning any business doesn’t come easy. I have learned that there will always be bumps in the road, obstacles, and people who tell you that you will fail or that you are doing something wrong. Covid was my first big obstacle that could have never been calculated for. Only being open for 3 weeks and then closing for 2.5 months affected the business, but it was exceptionally mentally challenging for me. It was tough to be goal-driven and feel accomplished when you open up something your own, and then you get crushed by a worldwide pandemic; it was tough, and it took me a long time to get back in the groove of things. Apart from covid and owning a business in general, being a young female business owner has many obstacles. I have been talked down to, not taken seriously, and much more. I have learned to roll with the punches and not take everything people say to heart.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Castaway Island Excursions?
At Castaway, we offer kayak and paddle board rentals, guided eco-tours, and boat tours. Our goal is to provide a saltwater experience for all ages. We offer everything from dolphin-watching trips to fossil hunting near the historic Morris Island lighthouse. We are a smaller company and pride ourselves in giving our customers a more personable, unforgettable experience. I am lucky to work in the waters I grew up in and find so much joy in showing others what the tidal creeks and marshlands in the Lowcountry have to offer. The look on someone’s face when they see a bottlenose dolphin at water level for the first time, is special. I strive for every customer at Castaway to have the best experience and leave with amazing memories. Not only do we want visitors to enjoy our waters, but we also support all local businesses and have been doing litter clean-ups on our beaches and in the marshes.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment, I am in the middle of a huge change. Adding boat tours to Castaway has been something that I have always strived to do, and the time has finally come. It has not been easy, with many long days and sleepless nights, but with persistence and help from others, everything has come together. With the business expanding, I have felt many growing pains, which is normal. I want to continue improving my company to give customers the best possible experience. Still, I never want my business to get too big to handle or so big that customers don’t feel the “family-owned,” “personable” atmosphere anymore because, ultimately, customers see your passion and appreciate the attention you give them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.castawayislandexcursions.com
- Instagram: castaway.with.us
Image Credits
Some photos were taken by Captain Luke @yahtsea
