Meet Brooke Callaway | Blonding, Balayage, Cut Specialist & Wedding Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Callaway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance. Who really has that? In all seriousness, in the beginning of my career I thought the more time I put into my job, the more I showed up and just worked, it would eventually all pay off. I have recently realized that it is more about quality over quantity, and that goes for everything in my life. When I seek quality time outside of work, where I am unplugged from my phone, social media, clients, I feel refreshed and renewed and excited to dive into work guilt free, because I do not feel as if I am overworking. On the flip side, when I seek to be a quality hairstylist to all of my clients instead of trying to fit as many clients in with the time that I have, I find I have better long term relationships with my clients. With that, I never stress during my off time, or feel like I’m not doing enough.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hairstylist. Makeup artist. Hairdresser. What comes to mind when you think of these labels? Working in this industry I have come across a lot of people who tend to “blanket” us (hairdressers) into one category, which to be honest is not one I would want to be in. What I think of when I get to say proudly that yes, I am a hairstylist, makeup artist, I think of privilege. I am so privileged to be able to work a job where I get to talk and interact with humans every day and they confide in me. They tell me what they feel is their biggest “imperfections and insecurities”. Which of course I believe is what makes someone beautiful and is something to be celebrated. It is a privilege to help them feel something else about themselves, make them feel beautiful, confident, and worthy. What sets me a part from others around me, is my passion to connect with the human sitting in my chair. I want to know exactly what is going to make them feel amazing, there is truly no better feeling in the world, when I have a client who stands more confident leaving the salon, then when she walked in. I want to know my client’s full story, what is going to make them feel better every day, or accentuate their natural beauty on a special day, a wedding, maternity photos. I want to be known to my clients as someone they can feel safe with, so that I can execute exactly how it is they want to feel when they leave my chair.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had choose one place to take a visitor in Colorado, I would say we would head south to Buena Vista! We could start our trip by finding the perfect spot to plop our camper or a tent on! We could set up camp and then go out exploring! We could start with one of the many hikes on the trail system around Buena Vista, including the Midland Hill Trail! Then, we could stop by one of the local festivals going on around town, or grab a coffee at Brown Dog Coffee Company! The next day would include some fishing in the Arkansas river, and watching the sunset over over the Collegiate Peaks while sitting around a campfire (and yes maybe singing some songs and playing guitar!). The following day we could slowly pack up our camp while enjoying some coffee and breakfast tacos! When we ride out of town we always have to stop by K’s for either some ice cream or a chicken sandwich with fries! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is not one specific person that I would give credit to because there are so many people that have helped me along my journey! Every single artist I have had the the pleasure to work alongside, watching and learning from them has been my biggest confidence boost in this profession! There are so many incredible artists in this industry, who are within the northern Colorado area (and beyond) who allowed me to snoop on their work, and ask questions without belittling my newborn skillset that I had fresh out of school! Also each and every one of my clients that put their trust and me, and have seen me grow in my skill since the beginning!

Instagram: brookecarlyhairstylist

Image Credits
Rachel Cox Photography Janelle Rose Photography Autumn Parry Photography Katie O’Docharty Photography