An Inspired Chat with Hana Zacpálková

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Hana Zacpálková. Check out our conversation below.

Hana, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Thank you so much for having me!
I’ve never really thought of myself as chasing something — I just set goals and work towards them at my own pace. Moving abroad to study music was a huge step for me. I honestly didn’t think I was good enough to get into a school like that, but I worked really hard and I think I earned my degree. Later, I pushed myself again by doing a master’s in music production and engineering (something completely new at the time) and learned so much in that year.
After graduating, I stayed in the UK for a couple more years, working, improving my English, and connecting with people from all around the world. Over time, I realised that what’s been driving me all along is growth — becoming a better person and musician.
Now that I’ve moved back home and started teaching, my focus has shifted a little. I’m finding purpose in giving back — sharing my experiences and helping others find joy in music. If there is something I’m chasing, it would be balance — a creative, healthy, and happy life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Hana Zacpalkova, and I’m a musician, music producer, and drum teacher from the Czech Republic. I spent seven years living in the UK, where I studied Contemporary Music Performance and later completed my master’s degree in Music Production and Engineering. That experience really shaped who I am — it pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me grow as a human and artist, and it’s also where I started creating my own original music.

Since moving back home, I’ve started teaching drums and joined my local orchestra as well as two bands, so I’m literally surrounded by music every day — and that feels incredibly meaningful. My partner and I are also building our own home studio, which has been keeping us busy for the past couple of months, but it’s so rewarding to see it coming together.

Right now, I’m working on a new song that tells the story of my life in the UK — a time full of challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories. Between my new job, the move, and setting up the studio, life is beautifully busy. I feel grateful to be in a place where I can make music, teach, and give something back through creativity. I’m also really happy to be back close to my family and friends. Living abroad for seven years made me realise how much I missed them, and it feels special to finally share my music and my life with them again.

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’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that really shaped how I see the world was when I moved to the UK. I was 19, didn’t know anyone there, and honestly, I didn’t feel confident enough in myself. Everything felt new — the language, the culture, the people. But that experience taught me so much about resilience, independence, and how capable we are when we push ourselves.

Then during COVID, I went through a very difficult time — I was far from my family, my relationship ended, and I felt completely alone. It forced me to look inward and rebuild myself from scratch. That period changed how I see the world. I learned to appreciate small things, to take care of my mental health, and to be grateful for the people and moments that truly matter.

Meeting my partner also changed a lot for me. He has a wonderful way of seeing what truly matters in life, and being with him helped me slow down, reflect, and grow even more. I think we’ve both been searching for meaning in this world, and finding each other gave that search a deeper sense of purpose.

Now, I see life as something to grow through rather than rush through. Every challenge, even the painful ones, can become a lesson or inspiration for my music. That experience made me much more empathetic, grounded, and thankful for where I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh, definitely. There were many moments when I almost gave up. One of them was when I first moved to Wales. I couldn’t understand a thing because of the accent, and everything felt overwhelming. I remember feeling completely lost and questioning if I’d made the right choice. But I kept going, and over time I learned, adapted, and started to love it there.

Another big moment was years earlier, when I applied to a music college in my country, and they told me I would never be good enough. That really hurt, but it also became my motivation. I decided to prove them wrong — not out of anger, but because I believed deep down that music was what I was meant to do.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is very close to the real me. I try to be as genuine as I can, whether I’m teaching, performing, or sharing something online. What people see, the passion, the positivity, the love for music, that’s all real.
Of course, there’s also a more private side of me that people don’t always see. I’ve been through challenges and moments of self-doubt, just like anyone else. But I think those experiences make me who I am and actually help me connect with people on a deeper level.
So yes, the public version of me is real. It just might be the slightly more confident and put-together version. The truth is, I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring things out. But I think that honesty and openness are part of what makes myself meaningful.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will remember me as someone who brought joy and kindness into their lives. Someone who inspired others to believe in themselves and to never give up on their dreams, no matter how hard things get. I’d love for people to say that I gave more than I took — that I shared my energy, my passion, and my heart with honesty. That I helped others see beauty in small things, to feel understood, and to find peace or happiness in a song, a moment, or a conversation.
I don’t need to be remembered for fame or success — I’d rather be remembered as someone who lived fully, loved deeply, and made the world a little bit brighter through creativity, kindness, and music.

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