Halloween Magic and Green Thumbs with Kiowa Walley

Bottled Up

In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Kiowa Walley, a seasoned hair colorist, landscaper, and Halloween enthusiast. Kiowa shares his love for gardening, growing tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons, and discusses the changing nature of outdoor activities across generations. He talks about running a landscaping business, stressing planning and relationships. Kiowa, who started in the landscaping field about ten years ago, also recounts organizing "WalleyWeen," a neighborhood Halloween tradition supporting local charities. He explains how the event evolved, involving themed rooms and volunteers. Finally, they touch on Kiowa's reputable career in hairdressing and his inspiration from lifelong gardening experiences. Enjoy the show!

Episode Highlights

1. Gardening and Outdoor Life: Kiowa shares his love for gardening, discussing the basic crops he grows, such as tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons. He reflects on his childhood, mainly spent outdoors, and how these experiences fostered his enduring connection to nature. Host Andrew Allen contrasts past generations who spent more time outside and today's tech-savvy kids.

2. Insights into Landscaping: With over ten years of experience in landscaping, Kiowa provides invaluable insights into the constant planning and adjustments necessary for running a successful landscaping business. Kiowa's expertise shines through, from precise grading and leveling to building strong local supplier relationships.

3. The Magic of WalleyWeen: Learn about the origins and evolution of "Wally Ween," an immersive Halloween event that started in Kiowa's backyard twelve years ago. The event has grown thanks to the community's support and collaborators like Alina Goldin and the Enrichment Center. Discover the intricate setups and themes like funeral parlors, morgues, and circuses that make Wally Ween a must-visit event every October.

4. Community and Charity: "Wally Ween" isn't just about thrills and chills—it's also a charitable event. Kiowa discusses how proceeds benefit organizations like the Anna Maria G. Sookman Foundation and "The Den," which support children with various activities.

5. Balancing Passions: Kiowa talks about balancing his dual careers in hairdressing and landscaping, revealing how he manages his time and maintains his creative edge in both fields. From his acclaimed work as a colorist to the meticulous details in his landscaping projects, Kiowa's dedication is truly inspiring.