Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Lopez.
Hi Nicole, 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.
As I sit in the serene ambiance of Revive Salon and Spa, nestled in the vibrant heart of the Heights, I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary 17-year journey that has led me to where I am today: a proud salon owner, a color specialist, and a certified hair loss practitioner in hair regrowth therapy.
My path in hairstyling began in the wake of personal loss. Losing my father was a pivotal moment, and his enduring advice resonated deeply within me: “Find something you love, and if you can make a living off it, you’ll never work a day in your life.” This wisdom steered my career decision, presenting me with a choice between pastry chef and hairstylist. The pragmatism of shorter school duration for hairstyling aligned with my financial constraints, nudging me towards what would become my life’s passion.
I embarked on this journey at Supercuts, where my flair for hair swiftly propelled me from novice to color specialist. Yet, life had other plans that required a detour. The birth of my third child necessitated a flexible schedule, leading me to transform my home into a sanctuary for hair artistry. This phase was a blend of personal and professional growth, allowing me to nurture my family and my craft simultaneously.
The decision to join Revive Salon and Spa four years ago marked a significant turning point. It wasn’t just a new job; it was a leap of faith towards becoming my own boss. This transition wasn’t merely a career move; it was a homecoming to my true calling. Today, as the owner of Revive, I look back at this decision as the moment I fully embraced my purpose.
My philosophy has always been twofold: to create aesthetically beautiful and healthy hair and to empower other women in their entrepreneurial journeys. This dual focus has been the cornerstone of my career. Now, as I venture into the realm of trichology, specializing in holistic hair regrowth, my goal is to intertwine physical beauty with mental well-being, offering a comprehensive approach to hair care.
My story is more than just about hairstyling; it’s about resilience, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of passion. It’s about the countless heads of hair that have passed through my hands and the stories they told. It’s a testament to the fact that when you truly love what you do, it transcends the boundaries of work and becomes a lifelong journey of fulfillment and joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Embarking on a journey as a hairstylist for the past 17 years, I’ve navigated a sea of challenges, both personally and professionally. Balancing the dual roles of a dedicated single parent and a hairstylist, I strived to build a strong clientele while ensuring the well-being of my family. This journey demanded not only honing my skills as a stylist but also evolving into an astute entrepreneur and a well-rounded businesswoman. Embracing humility and placing my faith in God, I’ve learned to overcome obstacles without losing sight of my goals. The COVID-19 pandemic added an unprecedented layer of difficulty, testing my resilience and adaptability in ways I never imagined. Moreover, going through a divorce and restarting from scratch was a daunting yet transformative experience. It underscored the importance of prioritizing my health and mental well-being, reminding me that nurturing oneself is as crucial as nurturing one’s craft and business. These struggles, while challenging, have been integral in shaping the professional and person I am today.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
My journey as a hairstylist spans 17 remarkable years, beginning with humble beginnings at Supercuts and traversing through various salons before finding my perfect fit at Revive Salon and Spa in the Heights. Alongside, I also embraced the unique experience of working from my home for nearly a decade. My specialty lies in being a color expert, with a keen focus on Blonding and hair extensions, areas where I take immense pride in my expertise.
Recently, I’ve embarked on an exciting new venture as a hair loss practitioner and a certified trichologist. This progression reflects my deep-rooted passion for not just styling hair but also in fostering a deeper understanding and care for hair health among my guests.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to creating more than just styles; I strive to forge personal connections, helping women bring their dream hairstyles to life while educating them about maintaining the health of their hair.
As a salon owner, my aspirations extend beyond personal achievements. I am devoted to supporting and uplifting fellow female entrepreneurs in the hair industry, fostering a community of empowered, successful ‘boss babes’. This dream of building a supportive network is what I am most proud of brand-wise. To our readers, I want to convey that my brand is not just about offering exceptional hairstyling services; it’s about creating a community, educating on hair health, and empowering women in their professional journeys.”
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
“Risk-taking, in my perspective, is an essential ingredient in the recipe for success, especially in the dynamic world of salon ownership. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve encountered and embraced several significant risks that have profoundly shaped my career and personal growth.
One of the most pivotal risks I took was rebuilding my business from scratch following my divorce four years ago. This was a daunting challenge, as it involved not only retaining my existing clientele but also attracting new clients in a highly competitive market. Marketing myself anew and re-establishing my brand required both courage and resilience.
Another formidable challenge was navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, mine, too, faced the threat of instability. Staying afloat during such unprecedented times tested my adaptability and resourcefulness as a business owner.
Most recently, I took the leap of purchasing Revive Salon and Spa, stepping into the role of a salon owner for the first time. This venture, while risky, has been an exhilarating journey filled with learning opportunities. It has been a process of building not just a business but also my expertise, humility, and strength as an entrepreneur.
Each risk I’ve taken has been a steppingstone towards becoming a better version of myself, both professionally and personally. These experiences have reinforced my belief that embracing risk is not just about facing challenges, but also about seizing opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive in the ever-evolving beauty industry.”
Pricing:
- Customized scalp facials starting at $149
- Customized blonding starting at $285
- Customize color starting at $150
- Customize hair extensions starting at $850
- Customize hair treatment starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reviveintheheights.com/
- Instagram: @hairandbeautybynikkil
