When traditional avenues for change fall short, innovation and creativity become our most powerful tools for forging a new path. This is the guiding principle that inspired Haileigh Nelson to create (in)Visible Legacy.

Haileigh's journey began in 2022 after more than a decade spent working in various roles within city government and social work. Despite their commitment to social change, they repeatedly encountered systemic barriers that stifled true progress for Black, Brown, and Queer communities. It became clear that conventional methods were not enough to dismantle the deep-rooted structures of oppression. Fueled by a desire for meaningful transformation, Haileigh knew a different approach was necessary.

Their passion for fashion design became the unexpected catalyst for this new path. Sewing and creating clothing allowed Haileigh to reconnect with their true self and tap into an ancestral practice that felt both grounding and liberating. This creative process revealed the power of imagination and embodiment in driving personal and social change. Fashion design was not just a hobby; it was a metaphor for the larger vision of (in)Visible Legacy—a space where creativity and collaboration pave the way for liberation and equity.

Haileigh envisions (in)Visible Legacy as a transformative space where people can develop embodied creative practices and collaborate with others committed to liberation, equity, and systemic change. Their experiences in social work and fashion design, combined with a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice, shape the unique approach of the business. Haileigh’s work is rooted in the belief that true transformation starts from within and radiates outward, with the potential to have a ripple effect through all facets of our society.