We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hali Sablatura a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hali, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Ever since I was a little girl all I wanted to do was play dress up, craft or paint! Through high school I noticed the way I was dealing with emotions up through painting. I went to college for liberal arts then shortly changed my major 3 times. I had no idea what I wanted to do but all I knew was that I hated school. I dropped out and instantly got a job at a bar in our home town. From then on out I loved the thrill of bartending. Five years later I’m working at a craft cocktail bar and expressing my art through drinks. As of the end of 2024 I wanted more for myself. I love fashion so I knew I wanted to do something along the line of that. That’s when Birdies Denim was born. Birdies Denim is a custom Jean jacket line I started to showcase one of a kind pieces made exactly for you, you see a piece and instantly say ohh that’s me! So now going into 2025 I want more for my denim line, I want to make a staple for my brand in the fashion industry.

Hali, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

What I’m known for in my little town is for sure my tasty drinks but my fashion statements as well! I provide the best service I can at the lounge I work for making cocktails dedicated to each persons tastes buds. I want no one unsatisfied. That’s where I differ from people in the bar industry I think. It’s a tough game and only a few can play. Not am I only a bartender, when I’m at work I also play the role of a therapist. What am I here to do besides make their drinks? solve their problems as well!

With that being said, sometimes my most therapeutic times are when I am working on my denim line. Birdies Denim was honestly brought to me by a dream. I woke up one day and asked my sister, “should I do it? Like for fun.” Ever since I have not looked back. I was scared of failure that’s why I say for fun. We have sold out of two collections now and I couldn’t be more proud of myself. The third collection is just right around the corner for rodeo season! My life is chaos there is no rhyme or reason but hey it works somehow! I always try to talk out my method then get frustrated and said you know what it’s okay it’s all up here in my head. People laugh. I have been branded by my own private bartending B A R- by hali sablatura, my full time job at magnolia society and my launch of Birdies Denim. I would say 2024 has been good to me.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I do think if I would have learned a little more of the business side of things while starting a new brand would have helped more. Luckily my sister is a genius when it comes to business so the help is there!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I can honestly say the most rewarding thing is when my customers take a sip of their drink and say, “wow, so good” or “I’m obsessed with my jacket.” That’s what does it for me. I just smile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @halisablatura @birdiesdenim @lolacoboutique
• Facebook: @halisablatura

Image Credits

@candacerheaphotography