Meet Haley Pierson | Creative Director/Director of Operations

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

Hi Haley, what do you attribute your success to?
The emphasis on community. At The Brook, we are passionate about connecting 22-40-year-olds in the Denver area into community. Recently, Denver was ranked the 5th fastest growing, but the third loneliest— not only that, but about 50% of people living in Denver are between the ages of 20 and 40. That means that every other person you interact with in Denver is a young professional. This means that Young Professionals are constantly moving to Denver, but when they get to a new city (or even if you’re a Denver native like me) it can be super discouraging and overwhelming trying to meet friends. That’s where The Brook comes in— we put on monthly Happy Hours and Community events to connect our demographic into a solid community and provide a safe place to investigate faith. You don’t have to be spiritual or have a faith background to be in our community; it’s really a “come-as-you-are” community that is incredibly special.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Oh gosh. Where do I even begin? My parents are a huge part of what, I think, subconsciously drove me into a creative path. My dad worked in advertising and owned a couple of different agencies all throughout my life, and my mom is honestly one of the most creative people I know. She’s an artist and author and always tells me that everyone is creative in some way. All that being said, pursuing a creative vocation was inevitable.

My personal faith has also played a huge part in working in the nonprofit and ministry spaces. Before coming to work at The Brook, I worked for a church in south Denver in a creative capacity as well, and before that, I spent some time in New York City working for the Ridley Scott Creative Group. During that internship/work period in New York, I was so inspired and honestly overstimulated by how much creativity was surging around me. When I made the move back to Denver, and then began working for a church, I realized I wanted to bridge the gap between marketing for events and making a really great creative product to connecting with people and making social media social again. That’s exactly what I get to do at The Brook.

As far as challenges, I have definitely faced a few. Entering the job market fresh out of college and thinking you have to have everything together can be super overwhelming. Imposter Syndrome is real, but so is just straight-up immaturity. I look back at all the dumb decisions I made and even the ways I shot myself in the foot at times, and I’m so grateful to have learned so much about myself through them. One of the best lessons I have learned throughout my professional career is to have a growth mindset when faced with adversity. Ask yourself “How can I avoid this in the future? What can I do better? How can I grow from this? What are my blindspots?” Etc. I also learned that collaboration is key. I work waaaay better in environments that collaborate and feed off each other. We’re not meant to exist in a vacuum— it’s the back and forth and the tension that births some of the best products. My mom always reminds me that you can’t have lasting change outside of community, and I think that translates into the job space 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?
Okay this is my favorite question. I actually get asked for Denver recs FREQUENTLY— I have a running list in my notes app divided by neighborhood and with little notes next to each spot. I love sharing it with friends!

I would start off strong with a breakfast/brunch at Stowaway in Five Points, before heading over to the marketplace at Green Spaces to do some shopping and grab a coffee at Migas. I absolutely love what Jevon has done with this space and his heart for the community with an emphasis on sustainability, I seriously cannot recommend this place enough! Black & Blossomed has some of the most gorgeous florals ever and S.Monet’s mural in their shop makes it a worthwhile stop. Then, I’d head into the alley behind Denver Central Market to shop at Recital — they always have the cutest stuff, I’m obsessed.

Here are the spots I would demand to take my friend for lunch/dinner/happy hour in this same area:

Barcelona Wine Bar (a chain, I know, but you’ll have to pry the Guns n’ Rosés from my cold body before I stop going there)

Work & Class – the happy hour is amazing + the food never misses.

Corsica – newer, sister restaurant to Barcelona. I went for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it was unreal. The French-Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and the overall vibe was so lovely. Plus their tapas are like $20 and under, so we love that.

Safta/The Source Hotel – The food at Safta makes me so happy. Israeli-Mediterranean with such cute vibes. Plus, if you’re waiting for a table you can wander around the Source to see the various vendors or head up to the rooftop and see an incredible view of the city and the mountains.

Another thing I rarely miss in Denver is the farmer’s markets. I’m fortunate enough to live within walking distance of the Pearl Street Farmers Market and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best there is. You can find me there almost every Sunday. A close second would be the City Park Farmers Market on Saturdays. One of my high school friends, Margo, and her husband are responsible for reviving this and it’s so fun and magical. I love what they’ve done!

In the Wash Park/Platt Park area, I would do happy hour at the Wash Park Mister Oso location — specifically getting a passionfruit margarita or agua Fresca and the coconut rice. The shrimp tacos are also unreal. If we needed a little snack or treat, I’d head to Tokyo Premium Bakery for a beef curry pastry (if I want savory) or a fruit sandwich— but you really can’t go wrong here. There’s a reason they have a line out the door every weekend.

After that, I would do a classic walk around Wash Park, or maybe even plan a park day. This park is so special to me, growing up it always felt so magical to visit. The gardens when they’re in bloom are breathtaking. Not only that, but it’s always fun to sit and people-watch or hop in on a game of volleyball. Great dog watching too.

Okay, I truly could write a whole travel book if I kept going like this so I’ll reel it in. Here are my other top recs for Denver:

Lady Jane – I’m shocked I didn’t open with this. I wish I could bathe myself in their Golden Hour cocktail. I’ve put all my friends onto this place and this drink specifically. They also have arguably the best charcuterie in town— The Spread. Order it, thank me later.

Hudson Hill – the same people behind Lady Jane. This was one of my first coffee shops I went to after moving back (thanks to the rec of my sister) and they also do amazing cocktails. Just overall lovely people + they just opened Two Moons (a music venue and bar) on Larimer and I’m dying to try!

Sputnik – if you want the best corndog in the city… Go here. And add a side of fries with the habanero jam. You’re welcome.

Los Dos Portrillos – Okay their locations are more South Denver/Suburbs/Castle Rock, but this is my family’s favorite Mexican restaurant in Colorado. My dad has befriended the whole staff of the Centennial location and the new Castle Rock location is stunning. The top shelf margs and any dish you order (breakfast tacos included) will not disappoint.

Sushi Den – also a nostalgic, family favorite. They have some of the best sushi, if not THE best, in Denver and they fly it in fresh constantly. Unfortunately for me, I crave this place on the daily and my bank account feels it. Plus, their lychee margarita is amazing.

Forget Me Not – the atmosphere is so fun, the drinks are great, and their apps are bomb. I go out of my way for their warm pretzel

Cretans – pour over martinis? Say lesssss. The aesthetic in here is what dreams are made of. Their light bites are so yummy

Kini’s – if you want a fancier, family-style dinner, I highly suggest. The Filet Mignon comes on a freaking sword and the cacio e Pepe orzo lives rent free in my mind.

The Clayton Members Club – if my friend and I had to get some work done, I’d pop in here. I’ve been a member here for a year and it’s such a great place to get work done. Mahinda, one of the serving staff, is the nicest man you’ll ever meet.

Dos Santos – order the OMFG taco (fresh ahi on a lettuce cup) and prepare to order 20 more.

The Cherry Tomato – Park Hill. Amazing italian, but mom & pop prices. It’s so charming.

Things to do:

Red Rocks – I mean… you gotta.

Pindustry is a great place for games without having to pay for entry. They have an amazing rooftop with killer mountain views and often do live music. South Denver

Art Museums – In just about every city I visit, I try to visit their art museums, so naturally, I’d bring my friend here too! I love the DAM, the MCA, and the Clyfford Still museums so much.

Jazz in the Park

The Mountains! – if my friend were here for a week, I’d try to get somewhere in the mountains to give the full experience. My uncle has a cabin in Buena Vista right near Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, and I love escaping there whenever I can. If it were the summertime, I’d demand to take my friend to Grand Lake. My family has been going up to this lake since the stagecoaches. It’s so special to us, even more so during sailing season. I love sharing it with my friends whenever possible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many deserving people in my life to shout out. I feel so grateful to be surrounded by so many inspiring and innovative people. It feels like a cop out to say my mom, Amy Howey Pierson, but she’s the first one I thought of. She just released her first solo book (Makers In A Thinker’s World: What Brain Science Teaches about the Spiritually Transforming Power of Creativity) and I’m so in awe of her. Like neurotheology? Soul care? WHAT?? How are you my mom, you’re so cool. She is so creative, encouraging, and talented. She’s passionate about soul care and inviting others to create.

Another person who comes to mind is Christina Ambalavanar of Amba Creative. She’s a dear friend of mine who does incredible work. She made the leap of working for herself almost a year ago, and it’s been awesome to watch her grow. I recommend her to all my freelance clients in need of quality photography.

Honorable mentions:

Whitney Pierson Lowe (@scribbledevos) – author, speaker, sister who also has her first book coming out in September.
Gabby & Tiffany/Vibes in the Park – VITP is the most fun. They have created such a beautiful community in Denver. Obviously I’m not their target demographic, but I so admire what they’ve done, and I think it’s so important to highlight Black, Women-Started projects. Their goal is “recreating a safe space for the Black community to come together and celebrate music, food, joy, and each other’s presence.” They are some of the best people ever and truly always bring the VIBESSSSS.

Darcie Huff/Go Rings – obsessed with Darcie and her mission! I have so much of her jewelry and permanent bracelets. “Go Rings was founded on the idea that fundraising should be an empowering, magnetic experience. Each & every month we partner with a new group of cause-driven individuals who promote Go Rings products. In return, they receive 30% of each sale to help fund their cause.” (Their website). I’m all about making purchases that go beyond myself.

Website: https://thebrook.city

Instagram: @halesno and @thebrook.city

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piersonhaley

Image Credits
Christina Ambalavanar
Zach Hammer
Levi Smith
Josh Pruitt