Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Duran.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
I remember being nine years old and dolling up my younger sister with hair and make-up. I might have burned her once or twice, but I couldn’t resist trying all my new beauty tricks on her! Although my sister was my muse, my mother is the true pillar of my appreciation for beauty. Growing up watching my mom prioritize her beauty fascinated me. She always managed to maintain her hair, nails, and sense of style.
At 14, I had the privilege of attending a trades and technical high school in Yonkers, NY, where I studied cosmetology and barbering. I had the option to pursue fashion at my high school, but was torn between fashion and cosmetology. As it turned out, the fashion department was at full capacity. Today, I believe that was divine intervention because I love what I do and will continue to build from that.
The first five years of my career, I spent it working at salons. Eventually, I decided to build my own clientele and work as a freelancer. I started traveling from home to home, providing blow-dry services, haircuts, and the occasional updos. Once I got my footing, I realized I could take my business to Hollywood. Since then, I’ve met a lot of women who love getting pampered in the comfort of their home, here in Los Angeles. It had been my dream since I was 10 years-old to be a model and hairstylist.
Now that I’ve lived in Los Angeles for a year and a half, I’ve met many amazing women. These women ranged from reality tv stars, to actors, to models, and even successful CEOs. Living in Los Angeles has also given me the opportunity to meet other creatives, like make-up artists, and photographers that have given me the opportunity to work on set. I remember living in upstate New York, where I’d dream of working in the heart of the industry, and here I am today. Meeting successful people has been inspiring for my success.
I am forever grateful to my mom for showing me the ropes of beauty, and every artist and friend who is still helping me along this journey.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Most freelancers would agree that the biggest hurdle along our journey is maintaining a consistent clientele. Growing a clientele takes time. This city is big on having the right connections, so it is important to be prepared when met with opportunity. In the process of establishing myself as a freelancer, it can be difficult to consistently bring in new clients. I find that it’s important to create work that speaks for you, to believe in your skills and talent, to say yes to new opportunities that align with your values, and to put yourself out there by creating opportunities where there aren’t any.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in blow-dries, haircuts, color, hair extensions, and updos. I take pride in everything I do as a creative because I truly enjoy it. I believe my clients love working with me because I bring a peaceful and joyous spirit to the room, and aim to listen and satisfy their needs.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
What do I like the least? Traffic. I do love that I can go hiking, to the beach or the park on any given day. There’s always something to do, many cool restaurants, friendly people and endless activities to take up as hobbies!
Pricing:
- Blow-dry $80
- Color $175
- Haircut $100
- Updos $120
- Extensions $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautyvianic.pixieset.com/clients/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyvianic/
Image Credits
Jean Marie Biele
