Hana Neugebauer of Cow Hollow on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Hana Neugebauer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Hana, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Honestly, I lose track of time anytime I’m outside and not on my phone. There’s something so simple yet so healing about that. I could be going on a walk, doing something active, or spending a slow afternoon with my family, boyfriend, or friends and those are the moments when I feel completely present. It’s such a rare feeling these days, to be fully disconnected from screens and distractions, and just enjoy being where you are. I always leave those moments feeling lighter, more grounded, and more like myself. It’s the best feeling. It’s funny because the second I stop checking my phone or thinking about my to-do list, I feel like I reconnect with myself again. Those little breaks are what keep me grounded.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Alright, well hello, my name is Hana Neugebauer and I am 26 years old. I recently moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco after living in LA for four years and working in the entertainment industry. The move was a big one because I also decided to make a pretty big career switch from entertainment to tech. It was definitely scary at first, but so far I’ve been loving it. I also grew up in the Bay Area, so it’s been really nice to be back home and closer to family and friends.

Lately, I’ve been trying to be really intentional with my time. I think I’ve learned how valuable time truly is, especially as I’ve gotten older and started a new chapter here. I’ve been prioritizing the people who matter most: spending time with family, checking in on friends, calling my grandparents. It sounds simple, but it’s something that’s brought me a lot of joy and perspective lately.

Outside of work, one of my biggest passions is social media. I started posting a lot in college and ended up growing a following while I was living in LA and working in entertainment. It’s always been something I love; it’s creative, fun, and I’ve gotten to go to so many cool events because of it and meet some amazing people. But I also try to keep a healthy mindset about it. Social media can definitely be consuming if you let it, so I always try to remind myself to “create more than you consume.” It’s more of a creative outlet than a career for me. I love sharing my life, connecting with people, and documenting moments I’ll look back on one day, it’s like my personal life log. I never want it to become something that feels like work. I think that’s what keeps it enjoyable and genuine.

And when I’m not working, I’m usually doing Pilates, I’m fully addicted right now! I think I love it so much because it reminds me of dance, which I actually grew up doing and even started college as a dance major. It gives me that same sense of focus and joy.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I’d say my boyfriend. He brings out the best parts of me and constantly pushes me to keep growing. We really motivate each other—we celebrate each other’s wins, but we also hold each other accountable in the best way. I think being in a relationship where you feel both supported and challenged has really shaped how I see myself.

He’s helped me realize that growth doesn’t always come from comfort, and that being with someone who truly wants the best for you means they’ll push you, even when it’s uncomfortable. What I appreciate most is that we genuinely want to see each other succeed, both individually and together. We’re always pushing each other to be the best version of ourselves, whether that’s in our careers, our habits, or how we show up for the people around us. It’s a relationship that’s grounded in mutual respect, growth, and encouragement, and I think that’s really shaped how I see and carry myself in every part of my life.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to stop worrying so much about having everything figured out. I’ve always been a bit of a control freak. I like plans, I like structure, and I like knowing what’s next. But life doesn’t really work that way, and I’ve learned that trying to control every outcome just takes away from the joy of the moment and truly being PRESENT in each moment.

I’d remind her that it’s okay to not have all the answers, and that things don’t need to go perfectly to work out perfectly. Some of the best parts of life come from the unexpected, and the moments that feel uncertain often end up shaping you the most.

I wish I could tell her to trust the process a little more, to let go of the need to control everything, and to be kinder to herself along the way. Everything she’s stressing about will eventually fall into place and she’ll realize she was exactly where she needed to be the whole time.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends, they’d probably say that authenticity really matters to me. I value honesty and realness in both myself and the people around me. I like to surround myself with people who are genuine—people who show up as their true selves, who say what they mean, and who aren’t afraid to be honest even when it’s uncomfortable.

I try to live that way too. Whether it’s in my friendships, my work, or even just in the small day-to-day choices, I want to stay true to who I am. I think that means being upfront about how I feel, admitting when I don’t know something, and not pretending to have it all together. There’s a freedom in that kind of honesty—it makes relationships deeper and more meaningful, and it also helps me feel grounded and confident in myself.

For me, authenticity is the foundation of connection. It’s what makes relationships feel real and lasting, and it’s what keeps me inspired to grow and stay true to my own path, even when life gets messy or uncertain.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d stop working immediately and just travel. I’ve always loved exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, and I think travel is one of the best ways to grow as a person. Life feels too short to stay stuck in routines or narrow mindsets, I really believe seeing the world broadens your perspective and helps you understand people and experiences in a deeper way.

At the same time, you really have to go into it with an open mind. Traveling isn’t just about ticking off destinations or saying that you went to one place, it’s about learning, listening, and embracing things that are unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. I’d want to spend my time fully immersing myself in new places, making memories with the people I love, and seeing as much of the world as I can before time runs out.

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