Meet Joy Kozak: Cosmetologist, Reiki Healer, Tarot Reader

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

Hi Joy, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve switched my business name And direction quite a few times. For me, I have to go with what feels authentic. My business started out as mostly waxing, facials and skin care-however the beauty industry is constantly evolving. I had the opportunity in 2019 to move to Southern California-a dream I always had since I was a teenager. It was there where I fell in love with lashing-and became hyper focused on perfecting that craft. When the covid pandemic hit-it was humbling. Since the beauty industry was hit hard, we were all left to pick up the pieces with little to no information when we would be able to start taking services again. For me, I decided to do what I could with what I had-and knew that another change was being born. Enter Gypsea House-where we focus on internal beauty. I have found that beauty comes from within-and wanted to help others discover what makes them shine. I know focus on Reiki healing, tarot readings, and life coaching. I believe when we take care of ourselves and our thoughts, our natural beauty shines.
 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Life is never easy! However when we can recognize that simple fact-we can change our life. When I first started out in the beauty industry, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. There are so many typical paths-hairdresser, colorist, skin care therapist…I knew I had to try them all to see what worked for me. My original dream was to move to California and work on set doing special affect makeup-this was in the late 90s. Of course, while dependent on my parents and their hope for me to get my education first, I started cosmetology school while still in high school. Professionally-I always had it together. I worked my way up through multi million dollar companies, and also had the opportunity to make a difference in smaller boutique style studios. I always loved making a difference in my clients lives-even if it was just for 15 minutes. You never know what is going on in someone’s life-I always wanted my clients to feel that no matter what, they could feel safe and supported in my treatment room. Life is never what you expect. I learned quickly that if you don’t take care of yourself, it’s very hard to keep it together and take care of others. When my Mom fell ill to cancer, I couldn’t ignore the little voice in my head that knew I had to spend as much time with her as possible. I quit working a more conventional job, and began aiding in her care and treatment as well as helping take care of my younger teenage brothers. Watching her live her last year of life changed me. It allowed me to see that I was constantly putting work and others in front of my own well being, and I made a choice to change my life. I decided to take the road less traveled -moving across the country, multiple times, to try and find my own life’s purpose. I’ve met and lost people along the way, and learned that it’s ok to live what’s most authentic to you and not apologize for not fitting into someone else’s mold. I did finally end up in California-and had the most transformative year yet. While living in-quite literally, a castle on the beach, I began to finally accept and explore who I was as a person, what difference I wanted to make in this life, and how I could accomplish it. I became Reiki certified, began investing more heavily in my own professional and personal growth, and gave myself the gift of slowing down. I started to hone my intuitive gifts and spiritual work that has allowed me to take my business to a whole other level. I’m proud of the changes that have happened in my life-the good and the bad. Everything may not seem like it’s working out, however the Universe always will bring you back to your life’s path-even if it’s a bumpy road. My business would not be where it is today without these life lessons and I will be forever thankful. It is because of my struggle, that I am able to relate to my clients, help them overcome challenges, and show them another way. There are always more possibilities that aren’t directly in front of you at the moment. Learning how to trust the process is one of the greatest gifts and I’m elated to help anyone who crosses my path.

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 love playing tour guide! Because I have lived in so many areas of the country, I learned to live life to the fullest no matter where you are. In the Denver area, there are so many neighborhoods to explore. Some of my favorites: Larimer Square: When I first moved to Denver, I lived downtown just a few blocks for this little pocket. With Denver on the rise, it was one of the areas I gravitated to first with all of the little shops and things reminding me of my home state of NJ. I always felt at home here-and later began working on the street as well. While a few staples have gone (RIP to The Market) a lot are still going strong. For shopping, Hailee Grace is not only my favorite boutique shopping experience, but the owners Hailee and Grace became like friends and were always there to either show me a new outfit or talk to me about anything and everything. Ocean Prime will always be my favorite place for lunch and after work drinks-their steak salad was a staple in my diet and their wine and hospitality will always hold a special place in my heart. Osterio Marco is the best Italian food in Denver-between the calamari and pizza I ate this weekly. Cru will always be known for their amazing wine flights and also their goat cheese beignets! Larimer Square has great patios for outdoor dining and gorgeous lug hit a across the street that really make for a great atmosphere. It’s always where I take people first! Downtown: 16th street mall hold a few fun places-Illegal Pete’s is an all time favorite for a local burrito bar that also has the best happy hour and margaritas. They used to be my favorite for breakfast burritos…until covid hit and they disappeared from the menu. Please bring them back! While on 16th street, it’s fun just to walk up and down, taking in all the people watching while window shopping. If it’s the holiday time, ice skating downtown is always a staple. Coors field will always be amazing to catch a game in the summer. And if you want a powerful margarita beforehand and some amazing fish tacos-stop at Machetes. Highlands: I love walking around the parks with donuts from Habit. Get the blazed! Don’t forget to stop at REI’s flagship store and walk around the Platte trail. Uptown: White Pie has great pizza and apps as well as amazing wine, and if you love breakfast burritos as much as I do-you will want to get one at OneFold Rino: One of the best things to do is walk around and explore all the art. There are so many murals that are constantly changing I always feel inspired. The Market in Rino is always filled with so many restaurants to pick up a little of this, a little of that. Always get the chocolate croissants and bakery items!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think the Universe guides us towards situations and people who are meant to show us the way. Life isn’t easy-and sometimes the way is less paved in rainbows and sunshine, and more a dirt road filled with the unexpected. I’m thankful for all of the detours, road blocks, and people in my life that allowed me recognize what’s not working-since this allowed me to continue on my path and learn through trial and error. That being said, I have credited my success to constantly learning and reading everything and anything, by listening to my intuition to learn what’s important to me, and by accepting the love and support from the people in my life.

Website: Www.gypseahouse.com
Instagram: @gypseahouse