We were lucky to catch up with Heather Taft recently and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Not Found

When I think of scaling up in anything, I ponder on what it would take to achieve what it is I’m trying to do and how to get there. I let my mind wander as much as it needs through brainstorming, writing down any notes and ideas I come up with even if I don’t know where to start or make sense of it at the moment. Then I make a map of what I came up with and put it together into real-life goals both big and small. Technology has become such a valid resource. I use Facebook groups and Instagram hashtags to research content and networking opportunities. I think social media has become such an imperative aspect of success in the modern world. People want to see what you’re producing and admire impressive media. Part of scaling up is to understand the world of being an artist. And sometimes, especially in the beginning, you have to be willing to put some free time in your field to gain exposure, connections and build a portfolio. I’ve offered many services at no charge for photo shoots and fashion shows. I have gained a clientele that way as well as other fashion business opportunities such as weddings and events. My career is insanely fun, and rewarding both emotionally and financially! Scaling up also has to do with the other artists you associate with. If you want to be elite, you should surround yourself with elite people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ahh me? Geese, where do I start lol I could write a novel of my journeys. I have come long and far, backwards and forward again. Life is an interesting experience. Especially when you take risks, push your boundaries and capabilities. Open your mind to the unknown, let yourself be uncomfortable and challenge yourself until it makes sense. Only then, you will discover your true potential.

I’m thrilled to be featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine! It encourages me to ponder more on my new exciting upcoming endeavors I’d love to share. Starting with a little background info; I’m originally from Tampa Bay, Florida. I enjoy live music, learning new things, photography, outdoor fun like zip lining and hiking. I have traveled a lot and relocate every few years to somewhere new and different. I like meeting people, trying different culture foods, seeing animals I’ve only on tv or photos and exploring foreign ground. Making my way out West has always been an ongoing destination. I’m thrilled to be featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine! It encourages me to ponder more on my new exciting upcoming endeavors I’d love to share. Starting with a little background info; I’m originally from Tampa Bay, Florida. I enjoy live music, learning new things, photography, outdoor activities and traveling. I relocate every few years to somewhere new and different to shake things up again. I enjoy meeting people, trying different culture foods, wildlife and exploring paths less traveled. Making my way out West has always been an ongoing destination.

The last salon I worked at in Florida, there was a stylist named Bill. He had been a reputable hairdresser for decades. Unfortunately, he ended up being allergic to hair color and could only perform cut and style services. And oh boy was he good at it! His clientele consisted of current and former models, performers, high class and sophisticated people. Others were exuberant and worked in the entertainment industry. They were a joy to be around. He would share stories, bring in his portfolios, show me magazines and film sets he was a part of. It was so cool and inspiring to see all the awesome experiences and fun he has had in his career while making a good living and truly enjoying what he did. What more could you ask for in ones professional life than genuine fulfilment?! Count me in, where do I start?

Shortly after moving to Denver, Colorado in 2018, I decided to introduce myself to the fashion industry and offer “trade for photo” services with models, makeup artists and photographers. Immediately I had amazing experiences, found great connections that eventually lead to opportunities down the road.

Unfortunately, just when things finally started to go really well in life, the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic ruined everything I worked incredibly hard to achieve and I had to move back to Tampa Bay and lay low for a year. I endured terrible experiences that didn’t seem to end…every single day I was drowning in depression more and more. I felt trapped, hopeless and I couldn’t wait to get back to Denver. There was no way I could accept this step back in life and continue to feel some kind of way. So I worked my ass off again, saved as much money as I could and made my way back across the country to Colorado in Spring of 2021.

Nowadays, I style hair for events such as fashion shows, balls, also traveling to the most beautiful locations doing bridal hair for weddings. I’ve been published numerous times in magazines and featured on websites and Instagram pages. Photography is actually my original passion. I wanted to travel the world and work for National Geographic. However, at the time in my young life, I could not accommodate the school I wanted to go to and was told by several people that I should get into the cosmetology field instead. It wasn’t even a forefront desire lol However, I have always had great skill in beauty growing up which is probably why people mentioned it. I always say, listen to what other people tell you. They see potential in you that you may not take much notice of. I’m glad they did because I love this industry and have found success and good times along the way! Now here I am, 14 years later, finally taking digital photography classes and very excited to delve into the fashion scene not only as an artistic hairstylist, but the photographer behind the lens as well. I absolutely cannot wait to see what I can do with such a life long passion coming to life! Photography takes me on adventures, I meet awesome creative people and editing is a thrill to play around with. Interesting enough, I realize I do not want to attempt to make a living out of photography, but to keep it as a hobby. I feel I would lose some of the raw, genuine passion I have by trying to profit off of it. Maybe that’s why it didn’t work out years ago. It’s interesting the way life works. You think you want something so badly, get shut down and upset about it just to find out way later, that its exactly what your journey entails and to embrace the situation with newfound reasoning and run with it. I’m attending college for business and arts. I also decided this summer when I started school, that I want my next career path to be a talent agent! As someone who is not a performer and live behind the scenes, I love being entertained and I feel I have a good eye and ear for inspiring current and upcoming talent. I’d enjoy networking with other creatives and be connected to people throughout the entertainment and film industry in Hollywood, California.

Which alll brings me to the present! I am moving to Los Angeles, California as of January 2023 in pursuit of continuing to follow my dreams of styling exotic hair for movies and music videos; while discovering new life experiences both professionally and socially. I’m insanely excited and looking forward to what this new life will behold. I love shaking up things and staying on my toes. I guess I’m not meant to build roots anywhere really, just passing through. We can’t bring anything with us when we die, and for that reason, nothing is more valuable to me than life experience itself. To seize the day and see what happens! I go where the wind blows. Nothing is guaranteed, so why not live in the moment.

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This is an important subject to be educated on! Exactly one of the reasons I just started college. Being able to be a part of a team and communicate with people will bring you success. Managing a team is not easy or for everyone. However, it does bring more financial opportunities as well as a high creative aspect since your the one having to come up with ways to correlate teamwork amongst a group of people. High morale sets such a great value for yourself and those you associate with. Don’t you want to produce great work and receive praise and positive responses from what you do. Don’t you want to work with others who put the same time, energy and passion into the same room as you do? That annoying saying your mom told you when you were young that birds of a feather flock together. Well, she was right!

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Building an audience on social media is a lot of work! I’m still trying to figure that out myself. People like to see creative content; updated and current exposure of you, your work and tidbits of life. Stories are becoming such a desirable idea, oh and especially the new reel feature on Instagram is a neat option. Going Live also draws in an emotional interaction from your audience, creating real-life in the moment connections where people can comment and ask questions. Music added in the background of posts draws more attention. The use of hashtags are imperative, as people follow those hashtags, and your content will show up in their feed. Also being responsive in other people’s posts and comments will lead to more page views.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.luxedevilsalon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbangr/
• Other: https://kavyar.com/c7vn8ag8chfz

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