Houston’s Favorite Bearded Bohemian Is Spreading Joy — and a Jello Mold or Two — This Christmas

SEXY, SOUTHERN-FRIED charmer Cabe Nowlen wears many hats, including that of committed singer-songwriter. And then sometimes he doesn’t wear a hat at all, or anything else, describing himself as a “naked hippie” on his popular Instagram page, where more than 15,000 follow his colorful, occasionally bod-baring posts. He’s also proprietor and top stylist of Montrose’s venerable Craft Salon. Here’s what he had to say in our quirky Q&A. You won’t believe what he gets up to on Wednesday nights!

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Being an entrepreneur.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A famous singer-songwriter.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Love and support from my family.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever given? Joy. Maybe in the form of an inflatable unicorn costume.

Favorite holiday tradition? Ugly gelatin molds.

Santa already knows, so you might as well tell the truth. Were you naughty or nice this year? A total mixed bag but mostly nice!

Best way to warm up on a cold winter’s night? Cuddles in my big marshmallow bed, of course!

Finish this sentence: I’m gonna get me some mistletoe and… Show you how badly everyone else kisses in comparison!

Your elf stripper name — of course, that’s a thing, duh — is a beloved childhood toy plus a dessert your grandmother used to make. Go! Puff-a-Lump Maple Balls.

Where’s the best place to find holiday cheer in Houston? Michael’s Outpost on Wednesday Nights with Jerry Atwood at the piano and me, a few cocktails in, on the microphone!

Tell us about your closet. Something old you love, and something you hope gets stuffed in you stocking? I love my vintage big brown teddy bear faux fur coat scored a few years ago at Pavement. Hoping someone leaves a professional organizer in my stocking to help me clean that dang closet out!

Name-drop time: Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met (and how did that happen)? Diane Keaton. I was a photographer at the time. I was shooting a runway show in a building on the street where she was shooting the movie Mad Money. I was being escorted through the set and into the building. I came through the rotating door and almost ran right into her. She was just standing there, cute as can be, in her scarf and Velcro rollers in her hair waiting for here scene. She looked up at me and smiled and said hi as I awkwardly fumbled and stuttered and mumbled hello! Embarrassed, I continued and tripped going up the steps toward the elevators and dropped my equipment and landed in a splat! I’m sure she would never remember it, but I was not only embarrassed by my own awkwardness but also equally impressed with her grace, friendliness and overall badassness. Big fan!

Name three things on your bucket list. Dinner with Jennifer Coolidge. Have a significant part in a major movie. Finish another album of my original music.

What’s your most useless talent? Jump-roping my arms!

If you were arrested without explanation, what would your friends and family think you had done? Oh bless, I don’t even want to know!

What would you choose as your last meal? Filet with garlic mashed potatoes, mushrooms, goat cheese. And several dirty martinis!

What’s the closest thing in life to real magic? Sharing a meal and visiting with people you love and realizing how happy you make each other.

Is there a charitable cause you support, and why that one? Montrose Center. They do so much for seniors with a focus on LGBTQ+, giving them a sense of community, feeding them, helping them with other needs when they sometimes have no family to turn to. I would encourage anyone to check out all the great things they are doing including the new Senior Housing Facility.

What’s something about you people would find surprising? I can actually be sort of shy and very anxious with people I don’t know super well. I think I’m more introverted than people see.

In five words or less, what’s your advice for living a happy life? Gratitude. Do good. Seek more!