Illuminate Hair Space

Hello Friends,

The time has come for me to announce something I have been coming to terms with.

I have decided not to renew my lease at Illuminate Hair Space. I still have a few months on my lease so the date is a bit uncertain but I will announce any more information when I decide. I am not scheduling any new appointments.

Ultimately, the best thing for my wellbeing and happiness is to close this chapter and make space for something new. The future is uncertain but I’m trusting where my journey leads and will be taking up more event coordinating opportunities and looking for new creative opportunities.

The highlight of the last couple of years in my space is having beautiful guests in my chair, and reconnecting with guests that I hadn’t seen in a couple years. That means so much to me!! It’s a difficult decision but when I look back, I see the growth in myself as I learned how to be my own boss and have my own space. I’ve been finding my voice. I am also grateful for all of this as it has brought me here, to a space with clarity.

Last night, after drafting this, I saw a double rainbow 🌈🌈

To everyone who has supported me and sat in my chair at Illuminate Hair Space… thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart. Your support has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.

Please, never forget how important it is to prioritize yourself. I’m always learning. I can’t wait to see you around, just in a different capacity. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Much love ❤️

Let me make something abundantly clear:

Hate has absolutely no place here.

When I started my solo salon business, my number one priority was creating a space where everyone—especially trans and nonbinary folks—felt welcome to be themselves. No judgment, no discrimination, just a safe and affirming environment where people can show up exactly as they are.

That’s why it’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see Iowa pushing HSB242, a bill that would remove trans and nonbinary people from civil rights protections. NO ONE should have to fight for basic rights or wonder if they’ll be treated with dignity. The fact that this is even up for debate is unacceptable.

It's not about politics, it's about basic human respect and dignity. My salon will ALWAYS be a space of love, respect, and inclusivity. No matter what happens, that will never change. To my trans and nonbinary clients, friends, and community: you are seen, you are valued, and you will always belong here.

They're trying to fast track this bill and it is up for vote tomorrow. I'm asking you to PLEASE join in fighting back against this bill. See you tomorrow at the Capital.

💥 What can you do? 💥

📍 Show up at the Iowa State Capitol!
📅 Tomorrow, 2/26
⏰ 9:30am

Can’t make it? There is stilll time to call or email our legislators and tell them to vote NO on HSB242. Share, share share. Every voice matters.

Love you 🏳️‍⚧️💗

Bold, curly, and radiantly red. 🌟🔥
I LOVE helping clients express their style.
Thank you Riley ❤️

A s**ggy cut and copper tones makes my heart sing! ⭐️💖

Reflecting on 6 months of Illuminate Hair Space—almost 7! 🎉

This journey has been so much different than I ever imagined. It’s been harder in many ways but also rewarding in ways I never expected.

When I decided to return to doing hair, I was following and trusting where I was being called. It was a huge step for me—learning to trust myself, listen to my voice, and take control of my life. At the same time, imposter syndrome is very real, and I still face mental health challenges, especially anxiety behind the chair.

Owning my business and showing up for myself has forced me to confront my shadows and insecurities head-on. Each day is a step forward—closer to the person I’m becoming and the life I’m creating. I’m learning to build a schedule and a lifestyle that truly feels good for me, even though I’m still figuring out what that looks like.

This journey has allowed me to dream and think about the future in ways I hadn’t before—instead of constantly being in survival mode.

All of this is to say: I’m proud of myself. And I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received, often from unexpected places.

Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of my journey. So much more to come 💛

Thanks for the trust ❤️

Back in the salon this week and we're havin some fun 💜

Bring on the Fall hair!

🍒 Daddy's home 🍒

Airbnb
Hair
Photo
Dress

Hannah, what made you decide to go back to hair?
Friend, where do I start?

After years of my identity revolving around work and being a hairstylist, by my 30's I was left feeling suuuper lost. I several more years I kept searching for purpose and got even more swept up in always saying yes, feeling guilt and shame all the time. I couldn't figure out why.

I kept taking on different things and changing up my responsibilities with my career, hoping that would help this feeling go away. There were aspects of working in a salon I enjoyed, I loved my salon fam but a part of me still felt lost. At the same time, my mental health was in the dumps. I had to take a couple leaves of absence to take care of myself.

My mental health simply just got worse. I passed out. I wouldn't eat. My nervous system was BEGGING me to take better care of my body. To slow down.

Then came a self care retreat in Fall of 2022. I was actually doing hair for the photo portion but got to participate in the retreat. This was divine timing. I had a deep realization that I had forgotten about all the other aspects of myself that I love. I needed to accept myself fully, and start to love all parts of me. But these parts of myself weren't lost! I had to call them back to me. To started loving myself unconditionally. And I began to discover new parts of myself I had never met- as well as let a LOT go.

A couple months later I quit everything and slowlyyyy added things back in that light me up.

After a year of exploring other interests and jobs, I realized I did miss having my hands in hair, creating. I trusted myself to start doing hair, but had new boundaries and goals. I missed building a relationship of trust with a client. I wanted something to call my own, and wanted to keep the flexibility I'd gained in the last year.

Most importantly I wanted to help others and for them to see their worth. I realized what beautiful tool being a hairstylist can be to do this. And what a gift it is!

That's how I got here, and why I do hair part time. I've breaks with snacks on hand. I love this life I've created. Feeling grateful to live it. Thanks for reading ❤️

She said, I want copper color and a Stevie Nicks inspired s**g. And to embrace my natural texture!

SAY LESS, queen! 🤍✨

lighten things up ✅
not too bright ✅
low maintenance ✅
keep things healthy ✅
love it ✅

The stylist you may expect vs. the stylist you might get

Depends on the day (and the music) ✨💕

The stylist you may expect vs. the stylist you might get Depends on the day (and the music) ✨💕