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

Hi Jeff, every day, we hear about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was a history lover who became a hairdresser when I was a teenager. I combined my love of history with the history of my chosen occupation and became America’s Hairstorian! I started collecting hair and beauty artifacts when I was 19 in beauty school and now almost 30 years later, I have fulfilled my dream of creating a roadside attraction, beauty parlor and museum. The Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum is in downtown Joshua Tree, California.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was a teenager with a dream of creating a roadside attraction beauty parlor museum. I ended up living in the Mojave desert, just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. The perfect location for A classic Americana roadside attraction! In December of 2015 I found the current location on highway 62, right in the middle of downtown Joshua Tree. Part of my passion in collecting is curating and displaying the artifacts for everyone to view and enjoy. Tourists from all over the worl visit our national park and many of them pop in to check out the Beauty Bubble Salón and Museum. I am coming up on the 5 year anniversary of this shop and now, after a 3 month pandemic lockdown, things are going great! Our weeks are now split between private hair appointments only on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and we are open to the public for museum tours and gift shop sales on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Our gift shop features unique vintage items, Beauty Bubble souvenirs and Mikal Winn jewelry. The rest is “Hairstory”

My salon has been closed again temporarily due to the pandemic. I will reopen the museum and gift shop in August while we await the go ahead to resume hair services. And unfortunately the restaurant at the 29 Palms inn is also temporarily closed but you can still book a stay in their rooms!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our area is filled with unique and creative destinations and diamonds in the rough. Anywhere you go in downtown Joshua Tree is worth a visit! All of our restaurants and shops are mom and pop businesses that do not disappoint. Of course Joshua Tree National Park is our most popular attraction but I would also be sure to check out Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown. Their Sunday night house band is a must see and their food is excellent! You also don’t want to miss the Integretron in Landers, a mid century human rejuvenation machine in an all wooden dome. Be sure to book yourself a soundbath while you’re there! Don’t miss the world famous crochet museum behind the Beauty Bubble, it’s adorable! The Noah Purifoy outdoor art museum is also a must see as well as all the murals throughout the town of 29 Palms. While you’re in 29 Palms, check out the historic 29 Palms Inn where my brothers and I play music every month by the pool and bar! This desert does not disappoint.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be nowhere without the love and support of my husband Mikal Winn.

Website: Beautybubble.net
Instagram: @beautybubblesalon
Facebook: Beauty bubble salon and museum

Image Credits
Jeff Hafler

Nominate someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.