Hailey Fynaardt, a vibrant resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, has fully embraced the rich creativity and festive spirit of Parade Culture and community—an aspect of the city that I now realize is far more complex and fascinating than I initially understood. I invited Hailey to join us as an alchemist of costume, someone who transforms and elevates this tradition through her unique perspective and artistry. Today, she’s here to share her journey and experiences navigating this historically rooted and fantastically expressive practice.
This conversation was so fun! Using a brand new card made for the spirit of COMMUNITY, we swam all over in the flow of our dialogue—including a bunch of random segues like Allison’s recent experience working at Comic Conventions, the likelihood of mushrooms inheriting the earth, and the Human Design profile of the USA (it’s a 5/1 btw) and somehow we pulled it all together in the end! Just like the celebratory parades of New Orleans culture.
Hailey definitely makes a case for not only visiting this wonderful city, but for throwing oneself into it’s unique community—and being fully loved back! This is the alchemy of place and people, transmuting every day objects into magical costumes and difficulty into joy! As she says, it not easy living in the “Big Easy,” but every day, she’s grateful that she gets to live in this celebratory city. Her enthusiasm is convincing! (Listen in, and you’ll see what I mean.)
Check out Hailey’s instagram for more fantastic costumes and amazing parade photos. Pure joy!
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For more alchemical artwork, visit Allison’s website.
Have a wonderful week. Be right where you are with who ever is near. That’s where you’ll find community.
Joyfully yours,
Allison
PS Who else wants to run off to New Orleans after this episode? I’m ready to pack my bags—and my glue gun!
