Meet Josie Hernandez | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josie Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe in taking risks to achieve your dream goals, without taking them you will always stay in one place. We took a huge risk without knowing when we started Moonflower Hair Co. We had just opened up our salon doors in the first week of March 2020, uncertain of what was ahead of us. Covid had a huge impact in our business, in result we were forced to shut our doors the third week of March for 2 months. It has been challenging to navigate through this pandemic, with that being said it has been quite an experience to open up a business when the world felt as if it was falling apart. We’re so thankful for the community for their continuous support.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Everything I do is with dedication and passion thanks to my children. My children inspire me to push for a better opportunity for them. Nothing in life is easy, but you have to push through the fear of failing, even if the bigger picture seems impossible. In the past I have had alot of discouragement and people telling me that I wouldn’t make it, especially having kids at such a young age, it sparked something in me to be the best that I could be for not only myself, but my children as well. I have 3 kids, with my youngest daughter Violet being diagnosed with cerebral palasy and it has been a learning process but is a constant reminder there is a light somewhere down the road. And I feel if I can do this and start making my dreams a reality than anyone can. Throughout the years I learned that true dedication and love will push you past all your bumps and hard times in life and show you down the right path. My brand is a symbol of my hard work and dedication I have for the people who come to me and allow me to make them happy with my skills. I want people to know it doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you keep your mind and heart to your goals and dreams, you can make it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Arizona is filled with all kinds of hidden little gems. I would start with a honey lavender latte with oatmilk at Berdenas Cafe, following with breakfast at Huauchinangos in Mesa on University! You have to try their fried quesadillas! Presidio in Phoenix is also a great spot for brunch, especially their chilaquiles is amazing! Sedona is always a must when traveling to Arizona, a place to rejuvenate and inspire your soul. I come here often to refresh my mind and ideas. Truly a breath taking experience when you are venturing out to different trails and vortex’. I always bring back a crystal from Sedona, its almost impossible to come back home without one. Sedona is a place of peace and beauty, that everyone should experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many creative talented people who I have been honored to work with that have gotten me to where I am today. Emi Williams is a huge part of why the salon was possible, without her we wouldn’t be where we are now. Her postive energy and creative ideas have given us a chance to grow in Oldtown Scottsdale. Huge shout out to my loving husband, Nathan Hillyer for his support throughout my career and always encouraging me to take a risk and for taking the role of being full time dad so I could pursue my dreams and is ultimately one of the biggest reasons I am where I am.

Instagram: @josiehairnandez
Yelp: Moonflower Hair Co.

Image Credits
Heather Hixon @heatherhixon