Meet Hailey Hodapp | Hair-activist, Creative, Mom, Friend

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

Hi Hailey, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Is balance even a thing? No but honestly this has been a life long struggle and I do feel that the time during quarantine I was able to break down what it means to my life and business. The way that I find balance, is by making sure that I have a list of five things that are non-negotiable for my mental health. I find that making time to have a solid evening and morning routine helps me get through the inevitable tough and busy days. First, I make sure to do one load of laundry every day. This allows me to free up my weekend or days off from too much house work. Second, I make sure to go to bed at 10pm the nights I have work the following day. This allows me to get quality sleep, and wake up refreshed. Third, I put my phone on sleep mode from 9pm-7am, I have learned over the years there is nothing that cant wait until the next morning to handle. I won’t be replying back to clients at 1am anymore. Fourth, I do some type of physical activity, typically lift weights or do yoga, five or more times a week. I found that this is the most crucial thing for me to have a successful week. Lastly, I listen to a self development book on audio book on my drive to work. This allows me to reflect on my situation and get into a state of calm to handle what ever comes my way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a hair stylist, and educator. I specialize in curly hair, thick hair, and lived in balayage. I have a ton of hair myself, and have always felt that is my calling. Along the way I have discovered that the amazing people that I get to interact with on a daily basis are the real reason why I love the art of hair. I have the ability to change someones perspective about themselves instantly, and with that they are capable of anything. My journey has not always been so easy. Throughout my career I have been through a nasty breakup that caused me to spiral into a deep depression, while trying to raise my two children alone. They always say. that when we look back at all we have overcome we get to see the beauty in it. I couldn’t agree more, and what that has taught me is that even at our lowest we are still setting an example for someone else. I learned that my struggles are someone else’s dreams, and there is no way to know another path other than the one you took. I cannot go back a wish myself out of certain situations. I must learn from them, accept who I have become and move forward. The wonderful thing about being an artist and having gone through any type of trauma, I am able to express myself through my art. I can talk out my bad days and learn from my clients bad days. Together we can make a hair service about more then just hair, we can grow and heal. I think the world needs a little more self care sessions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is one ever evolving place and growing up here I have a mixture of new and old (but goodies ) places to show. Covid has closed much of what we love, so I am going to pretend a bit. First off is a work out at Red Rocks (obviously)… This is the best way to start off with views and set the scene for a show. Plan out any show that week, after all that is probably why they came to Denver. Coffee at Corvus, on Broadway, Walk to the antique shops near by. Lunch at City o’ city, and a vegan treat for the road. Offer them a haircut at my shop “Peace, Hair and Harmony” on 4th and Broadway ( see what I did there ) . Dinner at Illegal Pete’s off Broadway. Drinks at Canopy. Next, start off with an early hike in Boulder. Breakfast at Snooze in Boulder or Foolish Craigs Cafe (whichever with the shortest wait). Walk around to the shops on Pearl street. Lunch at Recess back in Denver, then off to confluence park for people watching, and yoga. Go see an exhibit at MCA Denver. Dinner at El Five for views for days. Drinks at Williams and Graham. Now we start off the day at Samahdi (hopefully) in Uptown. Coffee and brunch at Steuban’s on 17th. Massages at The Woodhouse. Shopping on 16th street mall. Dinner at STK, and drinks at 54thirty. Start another day, taking a drive to try out “Third Cultures Bakery”. Go and explore Stanley Market place, shop and grab lunch at Comida. Larimer Records Cafe, just opened so I want to see it. Finish the day with dinner at Hapa Sushi. Here we go again….Start off by running Sloans lake. Breakfast at Rupert’s At the Edge. Shopping at Inspyre Boutique on Tennyson. El Chingon for lunch and drinks (its almost impossible to not drink here) Check out the Denver Beer Spa for something different. Go to the classic Lakeside for some nostalgia. Finish off the week with breakfast at Snooze in Union Station. Walk to a Rockies Game. Lunch at Los Chingones in RINO, rooftop preferably. Snacks and Shopping in Denver Central Market, have to get the latest from BE A GOOD PERSON. Dinner at My neighbor Felix. Drinks at Happy Camper…and where ever the night takes us. ….ok by I’m actually going to have a week like this. Let it be.

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 attribute most of what I know and have learned as a hairdresser to being an assistant to others, and that list is very long. I am of course grateful for every one who has contributed to my overall career. I do feel it necessary to give this shoutout to my mom. Having a creative career, and being a single parent has not always been an easy thing. From the evening hours, and weekend shifts. To the travel classes, and fashion shows for multiple days…My mom has always been my number one fan cheering me on. She has always challenged me to push it to the limit, and has shown me what real hard work looks like. I have to be one of the lucky ones to have a mother like her.

Website: www.peacehairandaharmony.com

Instagram: @hayshedoeshair @peacehairandharmony

Facebook: Hailey Hodapp

Image Credits
www.doobadeets.net @caseydebie Casey did the photographs