Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Harper.
Hi Haley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Haley Harper, though I go by Harper.
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember, today I express that through a variety of mediums—craft cocktail creation, nail artistry, and graphic design, while constantly exploring new ones. No matter what I’m creating, I’m drawn to work that feels unique, inclusive, and memorable. I love building experiences that connect people through art that is both unexpected and familiar.
That passion for creativity naturally evolved into community building. I run The Sexy, Hot & Cool Bookclub, a name that started as a temporary joke based on the obvious fact that people who love to read are incredibly sexy, hot, and cool—and somehow it stuck. What began as a book club has grown into a space that brings together local queer, alternative, and creative people, becoming as much about friendship and connection as it is about literature. I also organize pop-up events at local bars that showcase the talents of myself and my peers, creating opportunities for artists, bartenders, and makers to share their work while bringing people together.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that community is one of the most valuable things we can create. Supporting one another, sharing ideas, and making space for people to feel seen has become just as important to me as the art itself.
At the end of the day, it isn’t one particular medium that defines me—it’s the act of creating. Whether I’m developing a cocktail menu, designing flyers, crafting an overly elaborate set of nails, organizing an event, or teaching myself a new skill, I find the most fulfillment in making something from nothing. I know people often roll their eyes when someone says creativity comes naturally, but I genuinely feel fortunate that I’ve always been able to pick up new artistic pursuits and push myself to execute them fully. For me, imagination, curiosity, and creation aren’t just hobbies—they’re the foundation of a joy and fulfillment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone’s path is ever completely smooth, and mine certainly hasn’t been. Much of my career has been spent fighting to be seen and trusted for my skill set, especially in a male-dominated industry like bartending, where being young or being a woman can sometimes lead people to underestimate you before you’ve even had the chance to prove yourself.
Because of that, I’ve always felt the need to work twice as hard—not just on my craft, but on my confidence and more importantly, my voice. Learning to advocate for myself and trust my instincts has been just as important as developing my technical skills. Over time, I’ve realized that I can’t create for validation; I can only create work that I’m proud of and let it speak for itself.
Those challenges have made me more resilient and more unapologetic about who I am and what I bring to the table. They’ve taught me that authenticity is a strength, not a weakness, and that the people who connect with your work will find you when you stay true to your vision. Looking back, I think the struggles have made every accomplishment feel that much more meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative whose work sits at the intersection of hospitality, design, and community. Whether I’m developing a cocktail menu, creating nail art, designing a visual identity, or producing an event, I’m always thinking about how people experience and connect with what I make.
I specialize in craft cocktails with an emphasis on ingredient-driven concepts, storytelling, and menu development, while bringing the same intentional approach to every creative medium I work in. I’m drawn to projects that are immersive, approachable, and leave a lasting impression.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any single project, but the spaces I’ve been able to create. Building a book club that has grown into a thriving community for local queer, alternative, and creative people, alongside producing pop-up events that showcase the talents of my peers, has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced how powerful art and hospitality can be in bringing people together.
What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary perspective. I approach bartending like a designer, design like a storyteller, and community building like an artist. I’m endlessly curious, always teaching myself new skills, and I believe that creative disciplines are strongest when they inform one another. That mindset allows me to create work that feels cohesive, intentional, and unmistakably my own.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like most about Houston is how diverse and culturally rich it is. There’s a constant sense of inspiration in the city—you can find it in the people, the food, the music, and the creative communities that exist across so many different neighborhoods. It feels like a place where you can continuously learn and draw influence from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
What I like least is that, at times, there can be a tendency for people to gatekeep knowledge, skills, or opportunities within their respective crafts. Instead of openly sharing and helping others grow, there can be a sense of separation that makes it harder for collective progress. I think the city has so much potential, and I’d love to see even more emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and community-building across industries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haleyharper.com
- Instagram: @grimxcreeper / @grimxnails / @sexyhotcoolbookclub
