Meet Nika, the vivacious hairstylist who is filled to the brim with positivity and dad jokes. She always uplifts the vibe and infuses life into every salon session. Nika is not just a stylist, she's a dancer, a master on the mic, a reel queen, and an absolute bombshell. She’s the best listener and someone you always feel you can overshare with and feel ZERO judgement. She excels at lived in colors, customized services for everyone’s specific needs and is obsessed with the overall health of your hair (and wellbeing). Beyond her skills, Nika's passion lies in empowering clients – she's on a mission to not just make them look good but feel confident in maintaining their style independently. Inspired by her theatrical background, her style is a reflection of creativity and living in a daydream - one she makes a reality. Whether she's crafting chic layers or big, voluminous blowouts, Nika's lively personality shines through, making every visit to her chair an experience. Try not to leave her presence with a smile on your face!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN HAIR?
My mom worked at a hair salon, but funny enough, she never did hair. She managed and was at the front. On days I had PD days and such, she would bring me in, and I was naturally put into the culture. But originally, fresh out of high school, I went into university, and then, I don't know, I felt like it wasn't me. I always had hair at the back of my mind, so I finally did it from there.
HOW DO YOU WANT CLIENTS TO FEEL AFTER A HAIR APPOINTMENT?
I would say empowered. I'm really big on giving them knowledge because half the time people always say, 'I can never get my hair to look like this,' or 'I can't feel like this,' and I always joke with them, it's like my line: 'I don't want you to feel hot only four times a year when you see me.' So I feel like showing them how to do things, giving them product knowledge, just making it more approachable for them. I even tell clients, if you have a new hot tool and don't know how to use it, bring it in, and I'll show you because sometimes me showing you on my tools may not translate the same. So I always want them to feel empowered and that they can deliver it too.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR STYLE INSPIRATIONS FROM?
Well, I grew up performing, so I feel like I'm very theatrical. I am such a daydreamer; I am in my head, whether it's shows I've done, or movies, film. I am always about that. If you go on my [Instagram] page, it's very evident; I always have a day-dreamy vision. I don't know; I like to go above and beyond with that stuff. Have fun! You won't believe me, but I used to be so shy growing up, but now I'm not (laughs).
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
I still dance and perform, so that's a big part of it. Spending quality time with my friends and family, working out, and usually recharging because even though I'm such a big people person, my social battery drains so much with hair. It's good to recharge because my toxic trait is I burn myself out too much. This year, I am trying to protect my peace.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE CUT OR STYLE?
Big, sexy hair, that's like everything. My favourite thing is when someone comes in my chair, especially if they're a fine-haired girl like me, I'll show you the way. Big bouncy blowouts, big curls, nice long layers.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT FRANKIE?
The culture; I have never felt so valued somewhere. Starting off in hair was really tough for me; I almost left hair, I almost quit completely. Just from not being in a healthy environment, not feeling like I could grow the way I wanted to. I always tell Tess and Niela, it's crazy what they've accomplished because they've only been around for a year and a half. I have worked for salons that have been in the industry as a business owner for years, and it's not even comparable. I feel grateful; it feels like such a safe space. I feel like they are definitely changing the salon industry, for sure.
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