Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lacey Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lacey, appreciate you joining us today. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was believing in me. Jay and Jenny Smith presented an opportunity to me and it launched my career. I was a single mom working hourly at a barbershop it was my first job coming out of a Domestic Violence Shelter. It was good but I wanted more. I was busy all of the time and had tons of requests for my services. The Smiths owned a building in “The Denver Highlands” area that was up and coming. I had done Jenny’s hair in the past so they were familiar with my skill set. They offered me their space for a very reasonable rate and also offered to do the build out for me to my liking. It was scary taking that step to finally own and operate my own salon but they believed in me and reassured me that I could do it! It quadrupled my income and allowed me to provide for my son in a way that I always wanted to. Lucky Lu’s Salon was born in 2008. It went from 3 chairs to 7 chairs and expanded to the other side of the building. I sold the business in 2020 and she is still in operation to this day. :)

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Lacey Garcia, a lifelong creative with a passion for beauty, design, and empowerment. I’m the founder of Raven Salon in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and formerly owned Lucky Lu’s Salon in Denver, Colorado. My journey in the beauty industry began almost two decades ago, and it’s been rooted in a deep love for helping people feel confident, seen, and unapologetically themselves.

I studied cosmetology at Xenon International Academy of Hair Design in Aurora, Colorado and earned my license in 2005. I got my start at Floyd’s Barbershop in Denver, where I built a solid foundation in men’s grooming and precision cuts. But I always knew I wanted to create a space that was my own, one where creativity, individuality, and good energy were the focus. That dream came to life with Lucky Lu’s Salon, a vibrant, edgy, community-centered space in Denver that became known for its welcoming vibe and modern aesthetic.

Later, life led me back to Nebraska, where I opened Raven Salon, a refined, elevated version of the same vision. Here, I continue to offer precision cuts, lived-in color, balayage, blonding, dimensional color, and styling, all with a commitment to quality, education, and authentic connection.

What sets both Lucky Lu’s and Raven Salon apart is the culture: inclusive, unpretentious, and client-focused. These aren’t just salons, they’re safe spaces for expression, transformation, and connection. Whether it’s a bold color, a fresh new cut, or a low-maintenance look that works with your lifestyle, I take the time to truly listen and collaborate with each client.

With Raven Salon, I also brought in my background in interior design and digital marketing, building a brand that feels modern, moody, and soulful, a reflection of the kind of beauty that doesn’t follow trends but sets them. I’ve invested in continuing education, both in hairstyling and in marketing, because I believe that being a great stylist means constantly evolving, creatively and professionally.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. Many have followed me from one city to another, which says everything about the trust and connection we’ve built. I’ve helped women embrace their natural texture, men find a style that feels sharp but effortless, and people of all backgrounds walk out of the salon feeling more like themselves.

Here’s what I want potential clients to know:

I specialize in custom, low-maintenance color and cuts that grow out beautifully and fit your lifestyle.
My spaces, both Lucky Lu’s and Raven, have always been about individuality, empowerment, and good energy.
I believe in honest consultations, professional products, and always putting the client’s goals first, no ego, no pressure, just real artistry.
Whether you’re in my chair for the first time or the hundredth, I want you to feel heard, seen, and cared for.
From edgy street-style to soft, dimensional glam, my approach to hair is collaborative, personalized, and rooted in creating looks that last beyond the salon.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly, it’s been a mix of authenticity, consistency, and connection. I’ve always focused on really listening to my clients and creating a space where people feel seen and confident, whether that was at Lucky Lu’s in Denver or now at Raven Salon in Nebraska City.

I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just offering a service, I’m building relationships. I’ve created salons that reflect who I am: creative, welcoming, and a little unexpected. And with my background in digital marketing and design, I’ve been able to shape brands that feel true to my vision.

People trust me because I show up with heart, I deliver quality, and I genuinely care about the experience they have from start to finish.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There have been several moments in my life that tested me, but two stand out as turning points in my journey.

In 2011, I survived a violent assault that left me with PTSD. That experience changed everything, how I moved through the world, how I parented, and how I approached my work. I eventually found candle-making as a quiet, healing outlet. Pouring wax, mixing scents, it was meditative and grounding. That’s how Iris & Ember Candle Co. was born, right out of my kitchen, with my daughter Iris by my side. Turning pain into something beautiful helped me begin again.

Then, in March of 2024, just as things were starting to grow and stabilize, my family experienced a devastating house fire. We lost so much, physical belongings, business supplies, a sense of safety, all gone in a matter of hours. It would’ve been easy to shut down, to give up. But instead, we leaned into community, creativity, and grit. I rebuilt. I restocked. I kept pouring candles, serving clients, and showing up for my daughter.

Those experiences, one traumatic and deeply personal, the other sudden and catastrophic, both forced me to start over. But each time, I came back more grounded, more focused, and more determined. That’s what resilience has looked like for me: choosing hope, rebuilding from ashes, and continuing to create beauty no matter the circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ravensalon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravensalon_co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravensalon
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/lacey-garcia-74500047