We recently connected with Denae Tafoya and have shared our conversation below.

Denae , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

As a stylist, my relationship with my clientele extends far beyond the typical client-service provider dynamic. The women who sit in my chair become like family — we share laughs, tears, and personal growth together. These connections are deeply meaningful to me, as my clients place their trust in me not only with their hair, but with their time and financial resources. Some clients have remained loyal to me since my days in beauty school, and that loyalty is something I hold in the highest regard.

In the past year, I’ve seen many of my long-term clients face significant challenges, including financial struggles, mental health challenges, and even physical health issues. Recently, one of my long-term clients, who has been navigating difficult times with her business and finances, experienced a fall that resulted in a broken leg. She also found herself in a position where she could no longer afford the hair extensions she had previously loved.

As women, our hair often plays a crucial role in our confidence and self-esteem. A good hair day can make us feel empowered, ready to take on the world, pursue new opportunities, and achieve our goals. It’s important to me that my clients leave my chair feeling their best, even in times of hardship.

In this client’s case, I was determined not to take away one of the few things that brought her joy. When she asked about the cost of her next service, I told her to pay whatever she felt she could afford, even if that meant nothing. For me, it’s not just about a transaction — it’s about supporting the people who have supported me over the years.

As stylists, we must always remember that our clients choose to sit in our chairs. They choose to spend their hard-earned money with us. It is essential that we remain humble, grateful, and appreciate the trust and loyalty they place in us.

Denae , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My passion for hair began at a young age, and as I grew older, that passion only deepened. Throughout high school, I spent countless hours experimenting with my hair and makeup simply for the joy of it, with no particular event or destination in mind—just a love for creativity. I even rearranged my senior year schedule to attend a local beauty school, but life took a different turn. At 16, I became a mother, and my focus shifted toward raising my son and navigating the changes that came with it.

Fast forward 19 years, and I’m now a divorced single mother of three boys. Throughout this time, my artistic drive remained, though I often channeled it into other outlets like painting and interior decorating. Despite these creative endeavors, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had yet to fully pursue the path I had dreamed of as a little girl. At 34, I made the decision to follow my true passion and became a licensed cosmetologist.

In my cosmetology career, I discovered an even deeper passion for hair extensions. Through my own personal experience with hair extensions, I realized the incredible confidence they could instill, and I was driven to share this transformative experience with my clients. My expertise and passion for hair extensions have only grown since then.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. I firmly believe that professional and personal growth cannot occur in a place of comfort. As such, I am continuously investing in my education and expanding my skill set to stay at the forefront of the industry. I am always open to new ideas and strive to reinvest in myself, ensuring that I can provide the best possible experience and results for my clients.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Starting a new profession in your mid-thirties presents its own set of challenges, but embarking on a career as a hairstylist has been one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences of my professional life. Entering the hair industry later in my career meant there was a steep learning curve ahead of me—not only in mastering hair techniques and styles, but also in building and nurturing a clientele.

In 2025, being a stylist requires more than just technical skill. To succeed, you also need to be proficient in marketing, have a solid understanding of finances, be a capable photographer, and excel at content creation to engage and connect with clients.

One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered is establishing a name for myself in this industry. It’s about creating a brand that people can trust—a brand that communicates who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring to your clients. When clients hear your name, they should know exactly what you do and why you’re the right choice for them. It something I strive for daily!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My passion as a hair extension artist is hard to sum into one specific thing. Helping stylists level up their skills and being the best role model I can be for my kids!
I absolutely love mentoring other stylist, teaching them how to refine their techniques, perfect their installations and discover new and innovative ways to create flawless results. Theirs nothing better than seeing someone gain confidence and fall even more in love with their craft!
At the same time, Im building something bigger than just a business, Im showing my kids what it means to work hard, stay dedicated, and never give up on your dreams. I want them to see that success comes from passion, perseverance and a whole lot of love for what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedenverhairextenstionist.com/
• Instagram: the_denver_hairextensionist
• Facebook: The Denver Hair Extensionist Denae Tafoya Ibarra
• Other: google: The Denver Hair Extensionist