Rising Stars: Meet Nikki Ferris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Ferris.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I worked in cosmetics retail for different brands like MAC, Benefit and Smashbox for over 14 years. I loved many parts of my job, but I didn’t want to get stuck there. Over time, I built up a loyal clientele that hired me outside of work to do makeup for weddings and special occasions, and one day, I realized I could leave my position at the makeup counters and just do makeup freelance.

Since my schedule was 100% up to me at that point, I decided to take that opportunity to go to Esthetics school, which would further qualify me as a licensed makeup artist, not just a “certified” makeup artist. Little did I know that I’d also fall in love with waxing in school, and after a year with a waxing chain, I’d open my own studio offering makeup and waxing services!

The Dollhaus Beauty Co. was born in October 2019, and after being open just 18 months I’ve had to hire four waxers to be able to keep up with demand for services. I’ve transitioned out of waxing and into managing the shop, as well as doing freelance makeup. The shop is continuing to grow in popularity and we are seeking out a larger location so we are able to accommodate all our new clients. In addition to regular business, we’ve taught classes and sold merch! It’s been an amazing few months, even in spite of the setbacks with the pandemic. The team and I are looking forward to the future!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
During the pandemic, the state mandated that all salons shut down five different times…we were essentially closed for nine months. It was really stressful in the beginning, but our landlord was incredibly understanding and didn’t charge us during the closures. If it weren’t for her generosity, we wouldn’t have survived the closures.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our shop’s motto is “not your mother’s waxing salon”, and it couldn’t be more true! We’re a 1950’s/1960’s vintage-inspired micro-salon mixed with splashes of punk and kustom kulture influences. We celebrate diversity: all people, all genders, all ethnicities, shapes, sizes and styles. We have clients that travel from Temecula and Riverside to get waxed by us each month because they love the vibe and because our waxers are so talented!

I cherry-picked some of the best waxers in OC from the waxing chains; (the ones that had the most years of experience, were the most outgoing and friendly, the most requested, always booked and had glowing reviews) and I offered them a better-paying opportunity to work for me. They make more money working less hours and get to express their individuality and style more at The Dollhaus. Our first-time clients can also connect with their waxers ahead of time via Instagram in case they have questions on how to prepare for their services, which is not something that clients get when visiting a waxing chain.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The city of Orange has so much history, and I love that it remains largely unchanged. Many historical homes and buildings like the one we are located in have been turned into businesses! You could be lying on the wax table and thinking to yourself, “wow, I’m getting my brows done in someone’s former bedroom…I wonder who they were and how their room was decorated back then. I wonder what view they had when they looked out this window.” It reminds you how time flies.

Pricing:

• First Time Brazilian Wax (30 mins): $68
• Brazilian Wax (Maintenance) (20 mins): $60
• Full Brow Re-shaping (30 mins): $40
• Quickie Brow Wax (Maintenance) (15 mins): $20
• Underarm Wax (10 mins): $22

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thedollhausbeautyco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dollhausbeautyco
• Other: https://www.vm.tiktok.com/ZMdTeVTU9/

Image Credits:
Images: @maddogvisuals (Instagram)