Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. My name is Demi, I'm 31 years old, and I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at 25. I became a licensed cosmetologist at age 19. I started this Gofundme several years ago to help with business costs, and wanted to update information and share it again.
As a child, I LOATHED having my hair done, pretty much by anyone. I am very tender-headed, and the noise level of a conventional salon was painful, and miserable for me. The social aspect of having to make small talk with a stranger who I didn’t feel safe with, was incredibly uncomfortable.
As a teen, I often colored and cut my hair myself, experimenting in the solitude of my own bathroom/home. After high school, I realized I could go to school to do it as a career, so I attended the Aveda Institute of Denver in 2012. After some health issues, I finished my program in 2014 and became licensed. I worked in small salons, and big salons alike.
I never felt like I fit in with my peers on a social level, and I was deep in sensory overload after every work day. I continued to be misunderstood by my colleagues and was told by many I started seeing more information about "less common traits" of Autism, ADHD and other neurodivergence. After having family in the OT profession confirm that I displayed traits as a child, I decided to get evaluated. I was diagnosed by a team of neuropsychologists that work specifically with adults. Once this revelation and a new world opened up, I realized I needed to change how I worked, to stay in my field.
After a year of being an independent contractor at a salon while being openly autistic, I realized my clientele had similar discomfort with salon environments as me. The cross-noise, the socializing aspect, the crowdedness, and the sound of 5+ blow dryers going off while trying to hear another person in conversation. I moved to a shared private salon suite in the Denver Highlands area, where I rented a booth for seven months. It was a great fit for myself and my clientele. I could afford it, although it was a 60 mile round trip commute.
Without notice or warning, we were told that a local business would be taking over the entire building, and kicking us out in the process. This company offered the property management a lot of money to renovate the space, and although our spot had existed as a hair salon for a decade. We were asked to move out with about a month's notice.
Thankfully, I came across Salons by JC, a luxury suite company near the University of Denver. A great location for all involved, but it is double what I had paid in rent at my last location.
I’ve held steady since starting this Gofundme, but times are tougher than before, and the economy is making my work very difficult. I’m not able to support myself as independently as I’d like, which is already a common struggle for Autistic individuals. In 2025, an unsafe living situation abruptly ended, and left me unhoused for 5 months. This salon is so important to me, that I kept it my financial focal point, even when I didn’t have a roof over my head. I am happy to say that I’ve found stable housing as of October, and have been thriving at home since.
My studio is unique for many reasons. My room specifically is sound insulated! The location is easy to access, with free on-site parking, elevators and spacious doorways for wheelchair access. I have the option to turn one or both ceiling lights off. We are across the street from the lovely DU campus outdoor space, and many small restaurants and shops. I have clean fidget toys for my clients to use during services, and I allow flexibility over music, or no music at all.
My studio's name is Talking Hairs, which is a play on the name of Talking Heads, the Post-Punk band from Rhode Island. They have been my favorite band since I was a child, and David Byrne is a huge influence to many of us, because he is also on the autism spectrum. I was lucky enough to meet their keyboard player, Jerry Harrison, a few years ago at his concert! I am also a fan of goth/industrial and prog rock.
During this time of inflation, costs are higher for everyone, which puts even more of a strain on disabled individuals, especially those who are self-employed. A lot of my clientele are also autistic or have other disabilities, are on tight budgets, lost jobs, or have moved out of state recently. Understandably, we are all struggling.
I work very near and dearly to the LGBTQIA+ Community, and being a solo operated and owned business is a very difficult endeavor to pull off. Yet, I have been successful in being an independent stylist since 2020. The salon rent will always be there. Because of my neurological, mental and physical health restrictions, I can only work a certain limit of hours and days. Much of my free time is spent recovering from socialization, sensory input such as noise, physical pain and being around so many other people in a day. Ideally with my chronic pain and spinal issues, I need to take more time off for physical therapy and rest.
I will be using the majority of these funds for salon rent, stocking product, cleaning/hair color supplies, buying some new equipment and tools for my clients, sensory accommodation add-ons, and finally, to be able to support and pay myself enough to cover normal life expenses.
As an independent contractor, these all come out of my pocket. I have put every penny of what I have, to keep this place going. In short, I sometimes lose more money than I make with this business, but it's extremely important to me that I create this space for ALL of us.
I'd like to get some sensory Items, such as weighted capes, and other genius tools to help make my services even more comfortable. I find myself cutting costs and trying to stock the bare minimum sometimes. Small businesses are taxed very high in the US, and I pay tax bills every year. I haven’t taken a vacation since 2022, I live a very modest life in order to keep the focus on my services in the community.
My services are an important part of the local community of neurodivergent and queer individuals. I often put other things on the back burner, so that I can keep this space running for those who need it most. But I cannot do it alone. I have limitations with work, because of my own disability and social energy.
Asking for help is difficult for me, but It is necessary in order to continue my necessary services for the community.
I work closely with businesses like Brewability, who share our mutual goal of reaching folks with disabilities and providing them with support. Not only is this a unique business scenario for my clients, but a unique and accessible work situation for my own neurodivergence.
If you donate, you will not only be positively affecting my business and mental/sensory health, but many others in the local community in need of my services, and a sensory safe place in the Denver area to get their hair done.
To date, I have over 100 Five Star Reviews on Google, have been featured on Denver7 News (in 2022) and have been given the accolade “Best of 2025” and “Best of 2026” Hairstylists in a Denver by Business Rate. I have helped countless families of autistic children, teens, and autistic adults find joy, independence and comfort in a service that should be given with dignity to everyone. I have been featured in the Denver7 News, Out Front Magazine, Tease Magazine's " Disabilities in the Industry" Article, a podcast about autism, and more digital interviews.
I believe with the support of the community, I can continue to grow and expand my capacity and ability for connecting our communities with hair that feels and looks good.
Thank you SO MUCH for reading!
Give me a follow and check out my info!
Instagram @talking_hairs
XOXO
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