We’re looking forward to introducing you to Denae Tafoya-Ibarra. Check out our conversation below.
Denae , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The moment I wake up, I choose to honor myself. I move my body and dive into an hour and a half workout that grounds me, energizes me, and sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s my sacred space—where I focus, breathe, and remember who I am outside of the roles I carry. As a mom, that time is priceless.
And before the world gets loud, I open my Bible and sit with God. Those quiet moments anchor me, guide me, and fill my spirit with purpose. It’s in that stillness and strength that my day truly begins.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a passionate hair extension specialist dedicated to helping women feel confident in their true selves. As a mom of eight, loyalty, love, and integrity are at the core of who I am—both in life and in business. I deeply value the trust my clients place in me, and I pour my heart into every transformation. My brand stands for honesty, compassion, and creating beautiful hair that empowers women from the inside out.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The biggest lessons in my work didn’t come from success—they came from the hardest seasons of my life. My years as a single mom taught me how to fight, how to rise, and how to push forward even when everything felt heavy. Those moments shaped me, refined me, and built a strength in me that I carry proudly.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. There were plenty of days I almost gave up. Honestly, some days even now are still a struggle. People don’t see the quiet moments—the tears, the self-doubt, the constant push to keep going when you’re exhausted. But every day I choose to get back up. Not because it’s easy, but because I’ve fought too hard to stop now.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry used to tell is that being a hairstylist is all glam, fun, and freedom. For a long time, no one talked about the real side—the mental strain, the physical exhaustion, or the pressure of juggling every hat as an independent stylist and business owner. I’m grateful the industry is shifting toward more authenticity now. We’re finally showing what it truly takes, and that honesty is helping so many of us feel seen and supported.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
dreams only become reality when you’re willing to truly work for them. Not the glamorous kind, but the real grind: putting your head down, sacrificing, staying focused, and doing the things most people simply won’t do. Hard work has become rare in a world that wants instant gratification, but it’s the very thing that sets people apart. When you invest in what you love wholeheartedly and commit to the work nobody sees, that’s when everything changes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedenverhairextensionist.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaAOmW2tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacNYbcgcxyMZcelWRnPuDypALUQivb_XBeheGueaS2_koffuLP9kxYu49ZmWw_aem_hqAbhTt-Qe2KyAOhoBfKSA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denvercoloradohairextensions?igsh=NGd1bHBuOGczZTFx&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinebeautybyd?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
