Meet Heather Wicken | Art Director & Stylist at Hatch

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

Hi Heather, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always liked the freedom both creatively and business wise that having my own business has afforded me. I’ve worked for myself most of my adult life with stints in more traditional settings but always came back to having my own business. My skill set doesn’t really fit into a traditional role so it’s allowed me to really be able to expand into a lot of different realms without having to be confined creatively.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Any time one endeavors to create their own career the road is more circuitous than heading into something more established. My story is no different. I have had a lot of creative “careers or jobs”. Some more creative than others but one thing that I really came to understand is how much I value creative collaboration. Once I found my way to Art Direction my creative spirit began to take off. I had a Creative Director and Artist named Carin Reich observe me in action at an event. She had a job where she needed an Art Director for a series of scripted videos. And thus I took yet another turn in my path. The collaboration that happens on a set is really amazing. Everyone brings their talents and voices to manifest a specific vision. I have been lucky to work with people who really value creative collaboration as well. I really wouldn’t trade where I am in my career at this point. Every shoot is a new group of people, presents new creative challenges and problems to be solved. It’s rarely dull or without problems but I happen to thrive in that environment and figuring out how to creatively solve problems with others. I simply love what I do.

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 we were hanging in Boulder for the day I would take them for some nibbles and beverages on the rooftop of Rosetta Hall. Shopping at Haven or Common Threads. In spring Pearl Street explodes with tulips which is magical. I love the Amazing Garage Sale and Disco Apocolypse for unexpected treasures. If there was a great show a Boulder Theater we would hit that up with a cocktail at Oak before. We would hike, of course, after all, it is Boulder and the trails are right there. Green Mountain is a fave. I love writing this after a year of Covid! Makes me miss my little town and I am excited to get back out and rediscover.

Denver is a whole different world. Rooftop at MCA for a beverage. Meek Vintage makes my heart sing. Sacred Thistle is a plant and jewelry lovers dream. Pho on Federal is pretty amazing. I love getting coffee and people watching on a bench in Union Station. I am so grateful to watch Denver thrive. It really just keeps getting better. I can’t wait for Meow Wolf. The DAM fashion exhibits are my happy place.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been lucky enough to to have quite a few people in my life that have guided me or opened doors when I was stuck and frustrated trying to craft work and a life that I loved. My Mother and Nana really taught me the value in beauty and reward of crafting it from one’s own hands. My Father had his own non-profit most of our lives and he always reminded me that it was available for me to carve my own path.

Website: www.hatch-creative.com

Instagram: @hatchcreated

Image Credits
Product Shoot (Life Elements)- Stephan Werk Women in Red Jumpsuit (PopSockets). Jake Holschuh