Meet Hana | Hair replacement specialist/hair designer, Aveda Concept Salon owner,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hana and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Hana, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am an immigrant. I am North Korean and Japanese. My mother escaped North Korea at 11 years old – she’s my hero. She demonstrated her ability to survive my whole life until she passed away at 62. She demonstrated the ability to nurture and protect another human being with all her might. I learned that commitment and dedication from her. I learned to be honest and to never divert from integrity, and to become a well-rounded human being. Because she did this for me, I had every chance to prosper in all ways. I appreciate my freedom that the U.S. has given me.
Because of her I was unwilling to compromise my commitment and goals, which made me realize I needed to work for myself. I felt I was going against the grain trying to fit into others’ molds and needed to build something of my own. Capitalism is wonderful, but I couldn’t lose my soul.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was 22 when I made the decision to be self-employed. I discovered a drop in hair extensions that I thought was revolutionary and pursued this with all my focus. This led to me working for the Children’s Hospital almost exclusively for a while and then branching out into servicing the elderly in their retirement homes as a mobile service and then to working with alopecia support groups and clients. Then I segued into helping hair loss clients going through cancer treatment. I have also worked to support the LGBTQIA+ community and offer gender affirming hair services.
I am a 32-year breast cancer survivor, so viewing my clients with my previous cancer challenge helps me to create an environment that is filled with amazing products and specialties that are hands down unparalleled. We are an educational facility that is stuffed with the most compassionate individuals. Most of us are cancer survivors or have overcome some major challenges!
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?
There’s so much to do! I love seeing local sports and trying new restaurants. But what’s really special about Colorado is all the natural wonders here. I would invite anybody to experience all the hot springs and see all the beautiful mountain vistas Colorado has to offer. I especially love the train rides through the mountains where you can have dinner and enjoy the scenery. We also have great zoos and museums!
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 have so many people who have helped me get where I am now. Here are just a few:
• My mom, who gave me her only savings to start my business when the SBA turned me down.
• My martial arts training, that kicked my butt physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
• Hour Magazine Morning Show, where I saw a drop-in extension presented by stylist Jose´Eber in 1981 that inspired me.
• Karen Tilley, a children’s hospital social worker I met in 1983 who pushed me and encouraged me to help a a 9-year-old liver cancer patient who needed a wig even though I was terrified due to not having any qualifications or experience!
• Christine Dupays. an international hair designer who believed in me and offered me a position in her salon.
• My husband Randy, who supports everything I do!
Website: https://www.hanadesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanadesignshair/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086676841203
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hana-designs-littleton
Other: My non-profit, Hana’s Hope: https://www.hanadesigns.com/hanas-hope
Image Credits
All images are property of Hana Designs.