Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Ray
Hi Nichole , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with hair and makeup. I used to style my Barbie dolls for hours, and when I ran out of dolls, my little sister became my personal muse. I even turned my grandfather’s fishing tackle box into my own portable makeup and hair kit, carrying it with me everywhere. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to make people look and feel beautiful every single day.
As I grew older, my love for beauty intertwined with my passion for music, acting, and modeling. I was a songbird at heart, performing in talent shows, cheerleading, dancing in musical theater, and singing in choir. But even while I was on stage, I found myself drawn to the process of getting everyone ready—whether it was for winter formal, prom, or performances. That’s when I realized my talent wasn’t just about my own artistry—it was about bringing out the best in others.
After high school, I pursued cosmetology and continued my journey in the entertainment industry as both an R&B artist and a solo performer. Through the connections I built in music, I naturally transitioned into being the go-to hair and makeup artist for everyone I worked with. That shift was the beginning of something much bigger—I wasn’t just creating looks; I was building my name and reputation as an artist who could be counted on.
Now, 25 years into my career, what has truly sustained me isn’t just my artistry—it’s my reliability and integrity. I’ve never canceled on a client, and in all these years, I can count on one hand the times I’ve even been a few minutes late. My clients know they can depend on me, and that trust is everything. I genuinely care about every person who sits in my chair—whether they’re in entertainment, corporate, medical, or law. My job isn’t just about beauty; it’s about confidence. When my clients look their best, they feel their best, and when they feel their best, they perform at their best.
I truly believe that God has blessed my hands to help others see themselves in the best light possible. As long as I continue using my gifts to uplift and empower people, I know I’m fulfilling my purpose.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road—it’s been a wild roller coaster with plenty of highs and lows. But through it all, I’ve embraced the ride, because I know I was built for this.
In the beginning, while I was building my name and pursuing my dream, I still had to make ends meet. I worked in salons for a while, but I quickly realized that being behind a chair every day wasn’t for me—I needed freedom to chase opportunities. So, I transitioned to working at Sally’s Beauty and taking clients at my house, but even that got in the way of being able to network and work in Hollywood.
Then, in one of the most unexpected turns of my life, I became a patrol officer—just so I could work graveyard shifts and free up my days for my true passion. From 7 PM to 7 AM, six nights a week, I worked that job, then came home, slept for an hour, and headed straight to LA to network and work on as many projects as possible—often for free—just to build my name. I kept that brutal schedule for eight years before I finally went full-time with my dream in 2017. By then, I had built a strong reputation, and I was flying all over the world for work.
But even with all of that, new challenges kept coming. The influencer era changed the industry—suddenly, everyone wanted everything for free. At the same time, clients were canceling last minute, leaving me with financial instability. So, in 2018, I implemented a deposit system, which saved my career and gave me the security I needed.
Then came 2020, and everything shut down. TV, film, and entertainment work disappeared overnight, and as a self-employed artist, I didn’t qualify for government aid. Just when things started to recover, Hollywood was hit with the double strike, shutting down all work for another year. It was like living through the pandemic all over again—but this time, with no rent breaks, no mortgage relief, and no safety net.
Through all of it, I’ve learned to trust in my resilience. No matter how bad things got, God always provided just enough to get me through. This career is unpredictable, unstable, and at times, terrifying—but I love it. It fuels me. I was born to be a go-getter, a trendsetter, and to figure out a way—always.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed cosmetologist, hair and makeup artist, content creator, producer, and event producer. What makes me unique is that I don’t just specialize in one area—I have mastered all aspects of hair and makeup artistry. I believe in being a well-rounded artist, constantly evolving and pushing my craft forward. I am a forever student, always learning, growing, and staying ahead of industry trends.
My specialties include hair color, extensions, all aspects of makeup, special effects makeup, and body paint. Beyond that, I am a full-fledged content creator, handling everything from shooting and editing videos to producing high-quality photos & videos, managing other artists, and teaching the next generation of creatives. I thrive in every stage of production—from pre-production to post-production—and I love bringing visions to life.
What I’m most proud of is my longevity in an industry that sees so much turnover. The entertainment business is fast-paced, competitive, and often lacks genuine connections, yet I’ve built a reputation as someone people can trust—not just for my artistry, but for my integrity. My clients and colleagues know that I truly have their best interests at heart.
What sets me apart is my versatility and hands-on experience in every part of the creative process. I’m not just a hair and makeup artist—I’m a videographer, photographer, editor, content creator, and producer. I don’t just execute one role; I understand the bigger picture and can step in wherever I’m needed. Whether it’s on a production set, at an event, or in a creative brainstorming session, I bring a multifaceted skill set, a team-first mentality, and an unmatched passion for making every vision come to life.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has contributed most to my success is my dependability and timeliness. I don’t believe in wasting people’s time or effort. In my world, being on time is already late—so I am always early. You could ask any of my clients, and they will tell you the same thing: I show up, I follow through, and I never cancel.
I respect people’s time because I know how valuable it is. When someone schedules an appointment with me, they are planning their life around that commitment—and I take that seriously. I expect the same respect in return, which is why I hold myself to the highest standard.
Beyond just being reliable, I believe in integrity. I do what I say I’m going to do, I mean what I say, and I stand by my commitments. This industry is built on trust, and I’ve built my career on being someone that people know they can count on—every single time.
Pricing:
- Glam & Go: Hair + Makeup: $575
- Day Rate: Makeup: $1500
- Day Rate: Hair: $1500
- Half Day Rate: Makeup: $750
- Half Day Rate: Hair: $750
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicholeray.com
- Instagram: @nicholerayartistry
- Facebook: @nicholerayartistry
- Youtube: @thenicholeray
- Yelp: Nichole Ray Artistry
- Other: TikTok: @nicholerayartistry
Image Credits
Nichole Ray, Brandi King, Shot By Sham, Liane V, PinkyDoll, Djuan Reed, Sila Martinez, Brent Faiyaz, Busi Yende, Asia Monet Ray, Shannon Beador, Timothy Kennedy, Eva Belibi, Adrianne Michelle & Chantal Wahba
