Conversations with Nicole Marshall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Marshall

Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a personal struggle—one that so many women face but don’t always talk about openly. After giving birth in 2014, I developed an aggressive case of alopecia due to postpartum and breastfeeding hormones. Losing my hair wasn’t just about appearance; it was about identity, confidence, and learning how to redefine beauty on my own terms. Instead of letting it break me, I chose to approach it with resilience, curiosity, and a deep desire to not only help myself but to uplift others facing the same challenge.

That’s how Awakening Your Roots was born. What started as a personal blog to share my experience quickly grew into a space where I could provide beauty and haircare tips, celebrate the trends of iconic African American women, and educate others on the science of hair and scalp health as I work towards my Trichology certification. I wanted women—whether experiencing hair loss or simply exploring their beauty—to feel empowered and informed.

A year into my blogging journey, I saw an even greater need—access to high-quality, stylish, and confidence-boosting hair solutions. That’s when I launched Awakening Luxe Couture, an online wig boutique catering to professionals, millennials, and those experiencing hair loss from alopecia, cancer treatments, or other conditions. My goal was to create a space where women could find not just products but real solutions—wigs, extensions, and hairpieces that make them feel like the best version of themselves.

Both my blog and my boutique are rooted in the same mission: to help women rediscover their confidence, embrace their beauty, and know that hair loss—temporary or permanent—doesn’t define them. Whether through sharing my story, providing expert knowledge, or offering high-quality hairpieces, I want every person I reach to know they are beautiful, powerful, and never alone on this journey.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to building Awakening Your Roots and Awakening Luxe Couture has been anything but smooth, but I truly believe the struggles make the journey all the more meaningful. No business owner has an easy path—whether it’s navigating financial challenges, time constraints, or simply learning as you go, there are always hurdles. But for me, that’s part of what makes entrepreneurship so rewarding.

Blogging itself isn’t a high-cost endeavor, but time has always been my biggest challenge. Balancing my role as a successful property manager with motherhood—raising both my independent tween princess and an active, clingy toddler—means that some days, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours. On top of that, creative roadblocks like writer’s block can be frustrating, and I’ve experienced firsthand how easy it is to step away without realizing how much time has passed. My recent eight-month blogging hiatus was a perfect example. One day I was writing, and the next, I found myself returning in the new year, launching an ambitious project—28 days of HerStory for Black History Month. Diving into the research, writing, and daily promotion after such a long break was overwhelming, but it was also deeply rewarding.

Then there’s social media and marketing—an entirely different beast. In the beauty and hair industry, competition is fierce, with brands leveraging social influencers and ever-evolving trends to stay ahead. Figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how to build my brand’s presence has been a learning experience in itself. Some days, it feels like an uphill battle, but I thrive under pressure, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

So no, it hasn’t been easy. But the struggles, the lessons, and the resilience it takes to push forward make every milestone that much more fulfilling. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What pays the bills? Property management. I’ve been in the industry for 22 years, starting from the bottom and working my way up. While my heart has always been drawn to creative fields like acting, modeling, and writing, I’ve come to truly appreciate the career I’ve built. Property management is fast-paced, dynamic, and never dull. No two days are ever the same, and the situations we encounter would amaze you—but that’s what makes the job so interesting.

For a long time, I resisted the idea of growing in this industry. I kept telling myself it wasn’t where I wanted to be, even as I received promotions, awards, and recognition. Eventually, I stopped fighting it and embraced what I was naturally good at: exceptional customer service, transparency, and problem-solving. Those skills have not only allowed me to thrive in property management but also to find ways to weave my passions into my life.

Beyond my career, I’ve found joy in nurturing creativity in other ways. I’ve worked as a part-time talent agent, and as a momager, I’ve guided my daughter through her own journey in acting and modeling, ensuring she has both opportunity and protection in an industry that can be tough to navigate. I also get to channel my creative energy into resident events at my properties, as well as through my blog and online wig boutique, Awakening Luxe Couture.

What sets me apart is my ability to balance structure and creativity, professionalism and passion. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s not about the detours—it’s about what you do with them. I’ve learned to embrace every opportunity, lean into my strengths, and create a career and life that fulfill me in more ways than one.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles has been a dream of mine since middle school. Growing up, I was captivated by the entertainment industry, and when my partner and I both set our sights on LA, it felt like fate. Six months after making the decision, we packed up and moved to LaLa Land, ready to chase our dreams. But like any place, LA isn’t exactly what I imagined—because beyond the Hollywood lights and movie magic, there’s a real city with its own rhythm, complexity, and character. It has its glamorous pockets, its everyday neighborhoods, and areas that reflect the struggles of any major metropolitan city. Yet, what makes LA so special is its personality, its energy, and how it stands apart from the East Coast, where I grew up. Life here moves differently—it’s more laid-back compared to the hustle of D.C. or the nonstop rush of New York.

Of course, I have to join the chorus and say it—the weather is unbeatable! I get to experience fall, spring, and summer without the harsh winters I grew up with in Northern Virginia. The ocean, the mountains, and the desert are all just a drive away, offering a level of variety that’s hard to find anywhere else. Yes, the cost of living is astronomical—housing, gas, taxes, shopping, you name it—but somehow, you make it work because the pros outweigh the cons.

What I love most about LA is its creative spirit. It’s a city that welcomes originals. It’s filled with dreamers, artists, empaths, and storytellers, all drawn to the unspoken energy that fuels innovation and reinvention. There’s a mix of people who’ve lived here their whole lives and transplants who came seeking something new, and together, they make up the ever-evolving heartbeat of the city.

Even though Northern Virginia will always be home—where my family, childhood memories, and roots are—Los Angeles is my home. It’s where my partner and I built a life together, where we had our kids, created new traditions, and shaped a future that feels uniquely ours. I have my home, and then I have my home. And for me, that’s LA. I love it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.awakeningyourroots.com and www.awakeningluxecouture.com
• Instagram: @awakeningyourrootsblog and @awakeningluxecouturewigs