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

Alright, Liz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

I have been fortunate to receive numerous acts of kindness from many wonderful people! Among the most heartwarming gestures are those that foster a deeper connection. One such recent example stands out, involving a talented painter whom I greatly admire. She took the initiative to write a heartfelt note expressing her admiration for my artistic talent, asserting that the world could benefit from more of my art. Her words touched me deeply as she acknowledged the courage in my artistic expression and shared how my bravery has inspired her as well.

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?

I originate from Iowa, where I was raised in an entrepreneurial family. In the mid-nineties, I made the exciting decision to relocate to Colorado and pursued my passion by enrolling in Cosmetology school. Initially, my dream was to venture to Burbank to attend makeup prosthetics school for the film industry.

However, as I immersed myself in my studies, a delightful revelation unfolded: I found fulfillment in the art of hairstyling. This realization led me to embrace my newfound passion wholeheartedly, and I dedicated myself to honing my skills in the world of hair.

Upon completing my schooling, I was fortunate to be introduced to a salon that not only recognized my potential but also supported and nurtured my talents. This invaluable opportunity paved the way for me to join an international hair brand, where I was granted the privilege to showcase my skills in industry hair shows and share my expertise through in-salon teaching sessions all across the United States. My specialty lies in working with each guests “hair fabric’ and providing detailed and mindful consultations. My chosen vibe of hair I love to do is “effortless cool girl hair”. expressing itself through cuts and colors.

After an enriching journey of eight years in the industry, I made a decision to take my craft to the heart of creativity and style, New York City. In this vibrant metropolis, I had the honor of working with a diverse and captivating array of clients, including talented musicians, artists, and even some celebrities. Each day brought new challenges and artistic endeavors, pushing me to continuously evolve and perfect my hairstyling prowess.

After immersing ourselves in city life for some years, my husband and I made a joint decision to return to breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, eager to embark on a new chapter of starting a family. Alongside the anticipation of parenthood, we also gave life to a dream – introducing “Goldie x Bob,” our very own salon nestled in the heart of Denver.

Through this transformative journey, I gained invaluable insights. Firstly, I discovered an unwavering passion for nurturing and building brands, as well as a deep appreciation for supporting fellow small businesses. However, the realization that parenthood, combined with the fervor of launching a new brand, can be an incredibly demanding challenge soon dawned on me.

Wearing multiple hats in this venture proved to be both invigorating and challenging. As the weight of responsibilities grew, I had to acknowledge that sustaining this kind of lifestyle would prove overwhelming. Consequently, we made the bittersweet decision to gracefully hand over the reins and sell the brand.

Yet, in doing so, I found solace in retaining my role as Creative Director and Lead Stylist. This choice allows me to focus on my creative yearnings and enables me to continue honing my craft, which remains a source of immense enjoyment even a quarter-century later. Embracing this new path grants me the freedom to balance both family life and my professional passion.

Since the sale, I’ve reclaimed time and found a new passion for painting, leading to the birth of “Liz Burns Art.” This brand thrives in creativity, transitioning from hair to the canvas! Expressing myself through art grants profound freedom, anchoring me in the present moment. Art subjectivity and limitless possibilities ignite my passion and drive.

I thank my ‘lucky stars’ on a regular basis that I get to simultaneously work on hair and paint. I truly feels like a gift that I enjoy sharing!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Staying inspired is vital, and I firmly believe that as humans, we all possess unique creative abilities that can draw from one another. Recently, I delved into a long-awaited book by Rick Rubin titled “A Creative Act: A Way of Being.” In the opening pages, Rubin beautifully emphasizes that creativity is not an elusive talent, but an intrinsic aspect of our humanity. This resonates deeply with me, especially in my line of work where some clients and art collectors claim they lack creativity for activities like hairdressing or painting. I beg to differ. Embracing inspiration is a transformative experience that unlocks endless possibilities for creative expression. It only requires taking that courageous first step of attempting something new.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative, for me, lies in the simple joy of bringing happiness to people through my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lizburns.art
• Instagram: @liz__b__art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.burns.5492/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-burns-ba8a975/
• Website : www.goldieandbob.com
• Instagram: @itshairfabric

Image Credits
Joe Friend (image of long haired brunette) Brien Hollowell (image of redhead)