Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nora Younis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nora , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

A turning point in my life came when a regular customer at the restaurant where I waited tables saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself.

I had hit a wall, and not sure of where my life was going next. As a Palestinian growing up in Amman, Jordan I had fallen in love with the creativity, consideration, and care Arab women took with their beauty and style. I quickly took notice of the impeccable makeup, big hair, and prominent brows and would attempt to replicate these looks on my younger sisters (it goes without saying that at 12 years old I botched my sister’s hair in our apartment kitchen).

When I moved back to Ohio in 1998 after high school, I was in a rut.

A customer named Sheryl would always compliment my hairstyles and nails. We became friends and she convinced me to go to Cosmetology school. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Her encouragement to pursue Cosmetology school was the push I needed to take a leap of faith. With her support, I gained the confidence to share my plans with my parents, apply to school, and work towards a career that I now adore. Her kindness and belief in me changed the trajectory of my life, and I’ll forever be grateful for her guidance.

During that time, I got my first job at Damiano’s Hair Designs in Fairlawn, Ohio.

Damiano and April were the best mentors anyone could ever ask for, and I will be forever grateful to them both. They helped me build confidence, and supported me every step of the way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I think what sets me apart from many is that I am extremely honest when it comes to my clients. I always follow my strong gut intuition and lean on my 20 + years of expertise when it comes to my work. I won’t ever perform a service on a client if I don’t feel right about it, no matter how adamant they are, and even if it means I may lose them as a client.

Before every service, I take the time to have an open and transparent conversation with you, ensuring that you’re fully informed and comfortable with the treatment. My pride lies in providing honest recommendations, never pushing unnecessary services, and always prioritizing your needs and well-being. Trust is at the heart of everything I do, and I strive to provide a safe space for my clients in my chair.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As a hairstylist, my role extends far beyond providing a service.
There is a running joke in our community that says we are ” Licensed hair-apists”
When I’m at work, I set aside my personal feelings and struggles to be fully present for my clients. I’m not just styling hair; I’m offering a safe space for connection and vulnerability. Being a hairstylist requires creativity, empathy, and a willingness to listen without judgment. It’s a privilege to be a part of my clients’ lives, sharing in their joys, sorrows, and milestones – from new beginnings to difficult endings.
I’m humbled by the trust they place in me and honored to support them on their journeys.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I thrive on surrounding myself with positive energy and empowering others to feel their best. There’s no greater joy than witnessing a boost in someone’s confidence and mood after their visit .
I feed off off the smiles on their faces when they see themselves for the first time after a service was completed . I love the pep in their step when they leave the salon, Being able to witness this every day makes my heart full.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norathestylist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norathestylist/
• Other: Hair Concepts salon
  16629 Pearl Rd
  Strongsville, OH 44136

Image Credits

Photo credits: Amalee Mohammed