Today we’d like to introduce you to Hali Russell
Hi Hali, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started with a love for acting, which fueled my passion for inspiring others. Performing has always been a part of my story—whether as a stagehand, director, or actor. I pursued theatre at Penn State, but financial struggles forced me to leave. That experience, while difficult, taught me resilience.
After having my son and leaving an abusive relationship, I returned to school, focusing on psychology and mental health—not just to earn a degree, but to understand better and heal myself. Living with **Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder**, I became fascinated by how the brain works, which deepened my desire to help others—whether through performance, coaching, or therapy.
Another defining moment in my life was a car accident at 11 years old that severely damaged my left eye. Doctors initially thought I would never regain my vision, but thanks to my mother’s persistence, we found a specialist in Richmond who saved it. However, while pursuing my **bachelor’s in psychology**, I was diagnosed with **glaucoma**. The disease progressed aggressively, and in **November 2024, I lost my eye**. Since 2017, I’ve had to navigate life with limited vision, but I refused to let that define me. Through every struggle—mental health, vision loss, financial hardship—I remained determined that my life would have meaning.
That determination led to **HER Consulting**, named after my initials but also my mission: to **Heal, Empower, and Restore** lives. My journey taught me that overall wellness isn’t just about mental and emotional health—it includes financial stability, too. That’s how I found my way into tax support. What started as a side gig became a way to help others achieve financial freedom, reinforcing the idea that true well-being is a balance of **mind, body, and wallet**.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today.From financial struggles to mental health battles and even physical hardships, I’ve had to fight through some incredibly difficult moments.
Leaving **Penn State** due to financial difficulties was a hard reality, especially because I was so passionate about theatre. Later, escaping an **abusive relationship** while raising my son was another battle that tested my strength. My mental health struggles with **Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder** added another layer of complexity—I had to work hard to understand and manage my emotions while trying to build a better life for myself and my child.
Then, there was my **vision loss**. After surviving a car accident at 11 that nearly cost me my sight, I thought that chapter was behind me. But when I developed **glaucoma** in my left eye during college, the disease progressed aggressively, eventually leading to the loss of my eye in **November 2024**. Losing part of my vision while balancing school, work, and parenthood was one of the toughest things I’ve faced. It forced me to adapt, build resilience, and find new ways to keep moving forward.
Financially, things weren’t easy either. I took on **side gigs in tax prep** to make ends meet, but along the way, I realized that financial wellness was just as important as mental and physical well-being. That’s when I truly saw how I could combine my experiences into something bigger—helping others **Heal, Empower, and Restore** their lives through **HER Consulting**.
Every struggle I’ve faced has taught me something valuable—about resilience, about self-love, and about the importance of helping others. While the road hasn’t been smooth, I wouldn’t trade the journey, because it’s given me the purpose and passion I have today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most people know me for **acting and singing**, and I performed up until just a few months before my surgery. **Creativity and expression have always been at the heart of who I am**, and I bring that same energy into everything I do—whether it’s coaching, consulting, or financial literacy.
What truly sets me apart is **the joy and passion I put into my work**. I’m not just a structured, put-together, diligent person—I’m also **silly, spontaneous, and always growing**. I believe in constantly learning and expanding my skills, not just to reach a specific goal but to **enjoy and be present in the journey itself**.
At **HER Consulting**, I focus on **life coaching, tax support, and financial literacy**, helping people create **peace of mind in all areas of life—mentally, emotionally, and financially**. But my approach isn’t just about chasing success. I’ve learned that **true fulfillment doesn’t come from constantly striving for an intangible goal—it comes from being satisfied with where you are at any given moment**.
It can be disheartening to always picture yourself in a place you haven’t yet reached, feeling like you’re falling short. That’s why I encourage people to **embrace the entire journey, not just the destination**. Learning, growing, and finding comfort in the present moment—that’s where real success lies.
What I’m most proud of is **turning my struggles into something meaningful**. Whether it’s **overcoming financial hardship, mental health challenges, or physical limitations**, I use my experiences to uplift and empower others. My ultimate goal isn’t just to help people “succeed” in the traditional sense, but to help them **feel at peace with themselves and their journey—wherever they may be**.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor or building a strong network isn’t just about reaching out to people who seem “successful”—it’s about **connecting with those who align with your values and vision**. What’s worked well for me is **leading with authenticity** and being open to learning from all kinds of people.
Here are a few things I’ve found helpful:
1. **Be Intentional About Who You Surround Yourself With**
– Instead of just looking for a “mentor,” I focus on **building relationships with people who inspire me**—whether in business, personal growth, or creativity. Sometimes, the best mentors aren’t even official ones; they’re just people who challenge and support you.
2. **Engage in Communities That Align With Your Passion**
– Whether it’s **theatre, mental health, finance, or coaching**, I stay involved in spaces where like-minded individuals gather. Being **active in these communities—both online and in person—naturally leads to connections** with people who can guide and uplift me.
3. **Be Open, but Also Bring Something to the Table**
– Mentorship isn’t just about receiving; it’s about **offering value in return**. I approach networking with a mindset of **collaboration, not just seeking help**. Sharing my journey, experiences, and even my challenges allows people to connect with me on a real level.
4. **Ask for Guidance, Not Just a Mentor**
– Sometimes, we put too much pressure on finding “the one” mentor. What has worked better for me is **seeking advice from different people in different areas**. Some people guide me in business, some in personal development, and some in creativity.
5. **Authenticity Always Wins**
– The most important thing I’ve learned is that **genuine connections come from being yourself**. I don’t try to present a perfect version of myself—I embrace my journey, my struggles, and my growth. That openness has attracted people who truly support me.
At the end of the day, **mentorship and networking aren’t just about career growth—they’re about building meaningful relationships that help you grow as a person**. The best connections come when you show up as **your full, authentic self.**
Pricing:
- $150+ Tax Services
- $25+ for Life Coaching/Consulting
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/HER_consulting
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herconsultingservices
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565507588423&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://calendly.com/psthrussell/30min
