Four Inane Questions with Enthusiastically Me author Hazel Krebs

Photo Courtesy of Hazel Krebs

As Hazel Krebs is quick to point out, she’s gone through numerous transitions in her life. Professionally, Krebs has found her calling as an author and speaker for her own company, Enthusiastically You.

Krebs published her first book in January 2024—appropriately entitled Enthusiastically Me—which chronicles her journey into sobriety and gender transition. She wanted to document her story of breaking free from society’s inherent expectations for gender presentation, career aspirations, and dreams. Her goal? To help people find their passion and inspire everyone to live enthusiastically.

A native of Omaha, Krebs moved to Kansas City nearly ten years ago. As Krebs told us, she consistently tried to go unnoticed in her fundamental years. Growing up, she never felt like she belonged in the world around her.

“That internal torment hit a crescendo in 2018, which set up a journey of self-discovery,” she says. Her gender transition that followed unlocked parts of her she didn’t know existed. “Particularly those allowing me to be happy,” she adds. “Everything changed for the better.”

We caught up with the author/speaker recently to hit her up with our questionable query. She knocked it outta the park. Bless.

Photo Courtesy of Hazel Krebs

The Pitch: Admit it, what comedian do you not find funny? 

Hazel Krebs: Every comedian is wonderful and worthy of pursuing their craft in the way that suits them best; However, there is one I do not find as funny as most people: Will Ferrell.

Sure, he’s had some gems, which make me laugh on occasion. The problem I have is that nothing changes with him. Even when he tries to reinvent himself, I feel he divulges into what made him popular in the beginning, rather than moving forward.

Before I move on, I adore how Will is supporting his transgender friend! His advocacy is incredibly beneficial for our community. For that, I hold endless gratitude!

If you were a candy bar, what candy bar would you be? 

I embrace my uniqueness to the fullest extent possible. Whether it’s my pink hair, colorful clothing in any situation, or my willingness to talk to anyone, I stand out regardless of the situation.

Not to mention, I am not for everyone, which I am absolutely okay with.

The candy bar that comes to mind is Laffy Taffy, specifically the pink flavor or whichever fruit-ish flavoring they use for pink. (My favorite color is pink, by the way.)

Which could you not live without—hand lotion or lip balm? 

Oh, hand lotion for sure! I can hardly keep track of my lip balm, and rarely does it bother me. Hand lotion on the other hand (pun fully intended) is much different, on account of washing my hands often as a server.

If I don’t have lotion when I notice my hands are dry, I am miserable. Of course, that makes me think about it even more, leading to even more misery. It’s an arid cycle!

In the grocery store, you see yourself on the cover of a tabloid magazine. What’s the headline? 

While this won’t sell many magazines, my headline would be about spreading happiness to as many people as possible.

Transitioning at nearly 40 years of age has completely altered my perspective on life since I lost decades pursuing a life that wasn’t mine. Now, I cherish every opportunity for joyful connection, big or small, through sharing my positivity.

Sadly, it’s not as common as I think it should be. Also, being a pink-haired, trans woman living in the Midwest is not too common either.