Meet Nicole Barnes of Nikki2theworld in Downtown Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Barnes.

Nicole, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am from Detroit born August 1983. I am a hairstylist but that is absolutely the last thing I thought I would be. I picked up my first comb at ten years old and never looked back! My father was a famous hairstylist in the 80s-90s and I wanted to be nothing like him, lol! Way to busy for me. So as I dreamed to be an aspiring model, I stumbled upon background dancing, Ja-Rule was the first biggest headliner I had shared the stage with.

My management at the time was truly a God send. Fast forward to 2009, I moved to California to work for Paul Mitchell in San Diego, California! Four years later, I left Robert Cromeans and moved to Los Angeles. Needless to say, I’m a freaking hair stylist………but I can truly say… I could not have found something so giving and receiving at the same time as creative and so high risk!!! Its blood rushing. I love being a hairstylist!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first moved from Detroit to San Diego, I took my state board test and failed it by 13 points because my model was sleeping during a perm! So I worked for free at Robert Cromeans for almost three months. Please let me be the first to say that was the best three months of my life. I learned so much from all three of my dream artist by being their assistant during that time. It was absolutely brilliant. Then three months after that my apartment burned down. Thank God I did not move back to Detroit and even though I was only making $8 an hour somehow I made it work. Those are just two of the many challenges but the most important part for me is that I got stronger every time I was faced with my fears!

Nikki2theworld – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a multicultural hairstylist and I’m known for specializing in everything. My favorite is color and cuts, men a woman. Dreadlocks are dear to my heart because I’ve been doing braids and dreadlocks the longest. 20 years plus! Sew ins, twist, natural styles, tape-ins, tracks, invisible braid, microbeads/ fusions, Brizilblow, split-end treatments, scalp-treatments, blow-drys, life-changing shampoos and most of all LOVE!!!

What role has luck played in your life and business?
I’ve never had bad or good luck.

Pricing:

• Men’s cuts at $65 women $120
• Split end/conditioning treatment $50
• Blow dry style starts at $65

Contact Info:

• Address: 305 e 8th st Los Angeles CA 90014 Neihule Salon
• Phone: 310-357-3183
• Email: hairstrandbynicole@gmail.com

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