2024 Fellow Focus: Cary Wheelous + Hayti
Pioneer, fearless founder, champion of Black stories… 2024 Fellow Cary Wheelous of Hayti shares more about his journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
I felt unappreciated while working in corporate America and I knew the only way that I could truly make a change would be to start my own business to challenge the status quo and implement innovative solutions.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I enjoy being able to inspire others and lead a team. I enjoy building a diverse and inclusive company where people from various backgrounds feel valued and empowered. Lastly, I enjoy the entrepreneurial freedom to shape my company’s vision, culture, and values that align with my personal and social goals.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
Be prepared for financial uncertainty, you will feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster most days, networking is extremely important and lastly, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to public speaking.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
The creation and evolution of Hayti embodies the core value of being "Unafraid of Failure."
Hayti is the first app to feature over 100+ Black publishers on Android and iOS.
Hayti is the first Black-owned app to feature over 2,000 Black podcasters, amplifying their important narratives on Android and iOS.
Hayti is the first app to feature “Today in Black History” 365 days a year.
Hayti is the first Black-owned news app to monetize programmatic advertising in-app to generate mobile advertising revenue.
Hayti is the first Black-owned app that enables users to store articles in custom folders.
Hayti is the first Black-owned app to deliver articles, videos, and podcasts all in one app.
This entire project has been a pioneering endeavor. I have fully embraced the challenge, unafraid of the potential obstacles, to ensure a diverse range of Black voices were represented. The spirit of being "Unafraid of Failure" has been my guiding force, propelling me to lead the way in reshaping the landscape of Black-owned apps.
Let's talk about your legacy. What is your vision for the kind of world you hope to create through your venture?
There are three things that come to mind when I think about my legacy while building Hayti:
Inclusive Representation: I want to contribute to a world where Black voices and narratives are authentically represented and celebrated, challenging stereotypes and promoting a diverse and inclusive cultural landscape.
Economic Opportunities: I want to serve as a catalyst for economic opportunities within the Black community by supporting Black-owned businesses and providing a marketplace for creators to thrive.
Digital Innovation: I realize that digital innovation has to be at the forefront of my work to truly make a difference. My focus is on consistently advancing and introducing new features within the Hayti app to not only outpace competitors, but also offer users a highly personalized and unparalleled experience only available on our platform.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill.
We know balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life can be challenging. What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your self-care?
Eating a healthy diet and taking time out of my day to walk and clear my mind.
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