Building a Breakthrough Brand: Hayley Segar on Confidence, Grit, and Growth EP 131

In this episode, Nancy Sheed reconnects with entrepreneur Hayley Segar, who first first appeared on the show during the earliest days of building her One With Swim company. Now, with a patented product, viral traction, and a successful Shark Tank deal (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL2QMP...) , Hayley reflects on how far the brand has come and what she has learned along the way. "You have to have almost a delusional sense of confidence, drive, execution, grit, coachability… and that's a specific combo of things." From overcoming limiting beliefs to building intentional growth strategies, she shares a candid look at the mindset and systems that fuel her growing business. Key Points • The idea for One With Swim struck Hayley in a single "aha" moment when she realized women needed swimsuits that fit like no-show underwear—and no one had created them yet. • She spent two and a half years prototyping and developing the product, intentionally hiring experienced professionals instead of trying to teach herself every technical skill. • Even with early traction, Hayley still battled limiting beliefs rooted in being underestimated during past pitch competitions. She had to actively rewrite her internal narrative before stepping onto Shark Tank. • Her Shark Tank appearance (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKClX0...) was transformational, providing validation, credibility, and momentum—while reinforcing her commitment to a direct-to-consumer model. • Hayley focuses on intentional growth, especially in navigating the challenges of seasonality, strengthening infrastructure, and preparing her systems for long-term scaling. • Giving back has become a meaningful part of her year—speaking at UConn, mentoring students, and sharing honest lessons with future entrepreneurs who are walking the path she once did. Hayley's story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is as much an inner journey as it is an external one. Her blend of intuition, discipline, and unwavering belief in her product has shaped One With Swim into a brand with real momentum—and real meaning. As she continues to grow, give back, and inspire the next wave of founders, her path offers both practical lessons and genuine encouragement for anyone passionately building something of their own. Connect with Hayley LinkedIn (  / hayleysegar  ) Website (https://onewithswim.com/) Connect with Nancy LinkedIn (  / nancysheed  ) Instagram (  / sheesalt  ) Website (http://nancysheed.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)