Denver’s best salon. Hand-tied extensions. Lived-in custom hair color. Precision haircutting. Hair. Got your attention? Great, because this article has almost nothing to do with hair.

This article is about the people who create your fabulous hair and how they’re so much more than hairdressers. Believe it or not, they have hobbies and passions like any other Joe Schmoe and are great at them. If you’ve spent a lot of time in someone’s chair, you’ve probably heard about what they do outside of work, but witnessing it firsthand is a whole other thing. So, the Starling Salon team is working on something eye-opening for you in a festive way.

It’s a pop-up event, an unexpected event in a unique space, and that’s exactly our point. There are plenty of stereotypes about hair artists, one being that they’re basic and have no real skills. Ouch. This pop-up is here to show you all the talents outside of hair they possess. They’ve even invited a few of their guests to join the party.

Hair, Hobbies, and Holidays

Kayla has been a musician for years. She sings and plays the guitar, so maybe you’ve caught her at an open mic night in the past. Sonia’s tarot reading talents are blooming on YouTube. Visit her channel at Grateful Empress Tarot for a sneak peek of what she’s offering at the event. Did you know that Sarah Lynn crochets? She does, and she uses her powers of crochet for good by creating accessories like animal ears to top your headphones. Adorable, no? René’s painting style mimics traditional tattoo art but with more fluidity. There’s no need to spoil all the surprises; it’s best you swing by to see the rest for yourself.

While showcasing these fantastic artists for their multitude of talents beyond hair, Starling wants to break out from the corner of the neighborhood it’s been crammed into. Smack dab between the donut shop on Broadway and the busy train tracks, this salon is too good to be swept under the rug. That’s where other local businesses jump in.

Community Contributions

Down Broadway just north of Hampden, Goddess Isis Books and Gifts lures the spiritually inclined to peek inside. Between their wall of tarot decks, the wrap-around case of the most divine jewelry and crystals you’ve ever seen, and the stacks of books to guide you in life, good luck resisting these goods. Moving farther up Broadway, Terra Apothecary piggybacks off what Isis offers. They’re such a combo, it’s almost like hearing the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC have decided to tour together. Their aromatic teas and candles compliment the bookstore’s crystals, and wouldn’t a book on feng shui from Isis be the perfect read while enjoying one of Terra’s funky bath bombs?

Glam Aesthetics, next to GB Fish & Chips, is the perfect partner for a salon. The woman-owned medical spa offers skincare treatments, injectables, lash and brow services, plus advanced medical treatments that are too difficult to pronounce. Go ahead and ask these lovely ladies about it. Across the street is the newest bar in the neighborhood, Desert Social Bar & Lounge. Just visit their Instagram, and you’ll be drooling. Both have donated generously to that overflowing raffle prize.

Donate Some Time

Starling hopes businesses like these will help create a greater sense of community. They’ve both donated to the raffle prize, so you know these are two spots invested in more than just profits. Speaking of the raffle, this event isn’t just about showing off for the sake of it. There will be donation bins for clothing and nonperishable foods. While everyone’s busy thinking of their loved ones during the holidays, it’s the perfect time to spare a thought for those in need. To enter the raffle, donate at least two items. Yeah, just two!

Before you lower your guard, there’s more. No pop-up event is complete without a tattoo artist creating fun flash, and this one is no different. Anna Figallo from Mantra Tattoo, just a couple blocks south on Broadway, has customized some delightful holiday pieces for attendees. Whether you’re a turkey head during November or always dolled up for New Year’s Eve, she’s got something just your taste. Speaking of taste, you can skip the pre-outing meals. Taste of Back Home will be serving the event, Cajun style.

Now that you’re hovering over your calendar with a pen in hand to save the date, this not-to-be-missed event is on October 22nd, a Sunday, from 2 pm to 8 pm. And just so you don’t have to hunt down the address elsewhere, Starling Salon is located at 40 West Louisiana Avenue, Denver, 80223. Come in your best costume; it’s Halloween after all!

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Find Terra Apothecary here.

Scroll the Desert Social menu here.

Shop at Goddess Isis Books & Gifts here.

Visit Anna Figallo on Instagram here.

Reach out to Starling Salon here.