Meet Airilei McCann | Owner of Hapafairy

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

Hi Airilei, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my jewelry business because I’ve always loved fashion and expressing myself! I would often put outfits together and feel like I could never find the right accessories to match, so I started making my own. Over time, I realized how much I loved creating pieces that made people feel confident, pretty, and more like themselves. Friends and family encouraged me to start selling my jewelry, and that’s how Hapafairy came to life! I also loved the idea of building something of my own from the ground up!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is centered around creativity and self-expression! I create handmade jewelry and accessories (necklaces, keychains, phone charms, bracelets, earrings, and hairclips) that help people feel confident, expressive, and more like themselves! What sets my work apart is that every piece is made with authenticity, care, and intention; each one is handmade with love and thoughtfulness!
I started my business because I’ve always loved fashion and creativity, and I wanted pieces I couldn’t always find for myself. What began as a hobby has grown into a business over the past three years with the support of friends and family.
Building my brand hasn’t always been easy. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced slow seasons, self doubt, and the challenge of balancing school, work, and my business. Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of consistency and taking risks.
What I’m most proud of is creating pieces that people love as much as I do, whether it’s seeing a phone charm dangling on someone’s phone or a necklace worn for a special occasion. Hapafairy reflects who I am, what I love, and the heart I put into my work. I hope my journey inspires other young creatives to believe in their ideas too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely recommend checking out Devils Head! Outside of being a student, running a business, and working, I absolutely love to hike and Devils Head is by far one of the prettiest hikes there is in Colorado! After the hike, I would recommend going to Bonchon for some Korean fried chicken! I always get the Yeongnyeom flavored wings and it always hits the spot! Afterwards, Snowl is the spot to check out for some yummy dessert and boba! There’s also cupsleeves and events that happen there often on weekends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
@Thecoloradokpopper on instagram

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapafairy?igsh=MWM1M2Fjb2Jzcmw5aA==

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hapafairybyairi/?etsrc=sdt&fbclid=PAb21jcAQxuexleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAafkmMwBhyobHB-RaIbxhWZRN9DtYoe7yz5VXEOUDYF_XV71ipQcbZ6WfH3cxw_aem_9BDLJRkbH-UuqQvcVTm5uw&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fl.instagram.com%2F