Haywood Robinson, author of Chasing Pleasure With Pain and creator of the podcast Chasing Awareness, grew up in Charleston, SC and now resides in the West Ashley area with her 3-legged rescue dog, Banjo. She is a powerful speaker and advocate for mental health awareness and the reform of the troubled teen industry. She is an aunt to three beautiful boys and the co-founder of Haywood’s Chance, LLC. Haywood is passionate about live music and Clemson football. She enjoys kickboxing, boat days, and oyster roasts. And she is always down for a dance off or karaoke! She works remotely for a California based data analytics software company as a merchant success manager.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, so my whole family lives here. I am an aunt to 3 adorable boys, Charlie, Hays, and Johnny, and am a proud mom of a rescue dog, Banjo. I also have an awesome aunt, uncle, and cousins in the area.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have two careers, really, the one that pays the bills (which I still love) and my passion projects for spreading mental health awareness. After attending the College of Charleston, I spent 9 years in hotel sales and management in Seattle and Charleston. I then spent 6 years in e-commerce management with a local online outdoor apparel company. In 2022, I made a pretty significant career move to be a merchant success manager for Daasity, the leading analytics platform for direct-to-consumer brands. I love my new company because they promote a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and mental wellness. In 2020, I wrote a book about my struggles with mental illness, Chasing Pleasure With Pain, and in 2021 created a podcast, Chasing Awareness to spread mental health awareness.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I absolutely love everything about Grace & Grit. I’m also a big fan of Al Di La, Sermet’s Courtyard, Fast and French, and Hall’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My whole life besides the year I lived in Seattle… so 37 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have to give a shout out to my mentor, Belinda Hare. She really took me under her wing when I started in the digital world. She was not only a professional role model, but was really a huge support for me when I went through one of the hardest times of my life. I still consider her a great friend who has always pushed me to do what’s best for me. I don’t get as many words of wisdom from her now since we no longer work together, but I still see her once in a while. All I know is that the trajectory of my life would be completely different if it weren’t for her.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
This changes all the time, but right now I’d say Turkey because it’s been popping up on my Instagram. It looks so unique and vibrant and colorful, and I love Mediterranean food!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I honestly can’t just name one. Movies: White Christmas and Greatest Showman. TV: Schitt’s Creek and Grace and Frankie.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Tell your story. You never know how many people it could help. Never stop being open to learning new things and forming different opinions. Don’t judge people for what you don’t understand. Lastly, never neglect your mental health. It is every bit as important as physical health.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A Ted Talk about mental health, the importance of early diagnosis, and the dangers of the troubled teen industry.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
This too hard so I’m just going to say all things 90’s hip hop or dancehall reggae.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Art’s Bar & Grill – I got a job there right out of college. I had a lot of crazy times there over a span of 10+ years. I met some very interesting people and got to watch a lot of local live music, which was the best part. (Honorable mention: Richard’s RIP)
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have to say Trevor Noah because he is my celebrity crush, and I love how he delivers his messages with wit and empathy. I’m going to say meet at Moe’s Crosstown Tavern because it seems super random, and I feel like he’d appreciate it for what it is. Now I really want that to happen.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How much people love it. People complain about transplants and tourists and sure traffic is annoying, but when you really think about it, they are visiting here because of how beautiful our community is. They stay because of how awesome the people are in my hometown, which makes me proud. I grew up on the creek in Mt.Pleasant, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I understand why people would want their kids to grow up in the same place.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will have written more books (best sellers of course), my podcast will be super successful, and I will be an author and public speaker for mental health awareness full time.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When I like a new song, I will listen to it over and over again until I know every single word. Thankfully, I learn lyrics fairly quickly. I also sing my thoughts out loud when I’m alone.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I would have to say the beach in Lahaina on Maui, HI. I went there a while back when my brother and his now wife lived there. I flew in at night and we camped on the beach. The next morning, I unzipped the tent and found my happy place. I was speechless. I walked to the shoreline and just laid down and took it all in. It felt unreal. Now when anyone says to go to my happy place, that’s where I go in my mind.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December – Christmas – July 2nd which is my birthday (although it’s not AS fun since I started pushing 40)
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My kickboxing studio, RockBox, and all things chocolate.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom – my biggest cheerleader
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, love and community
