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

Hi Erin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a young teen I always gravitated to hair styling and makeup and would always beg my friends to let me do their hair and try new things, its honestly pretty shocking what they let me get away with much to the disapproval from their parents. During highschool I was able to form a close bond with my mothers hairdresser who really lit the fire in me to go to Cosmetology school and pursue doing hair and makeup as a career. Aside from the creative side my passion for this industry really lies in being able to connect with people daily, listen and hear their stories and hopefully be able to transform them into the best version of themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a hairstylist means never getting too comfortable. Almost 10 years into my career I still am learning new things everyday, growing and evolving. I took a big leap when I moved across the country 3 years ago here to Colorado. Working in a new state and building the right clientele is not easy but I have found when you are happy and fulfilled you attract those with the same likeness. If I could just go back in time and change anything I think I would have told myself to stop trying to do it all. Narrowing down my niches and really focusing on them has given me so much more confidence and love for my career and I cant wait to see where the next 10 years takes me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever my friends come to town my favorite food spots to take them would have to be Postino in LoHi or The Universal for brunch or lunch. I absolutely love either of these places for their outdoor seating and awesome menus. For my favorite cocktails my go to is always Adrift on South Broadway the Mai Tais are to die for!

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?
My most impressionable mentor would have to be Jill Hegarty, who took me in and hired me at 18. Her love, encouragement and support have meant so much to me in my career and life over the years and I still to this day consider her family.

Instagram: @Erinblanchardhair

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