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

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 built a successful salon with 12 stylists from a place of wanting to create what I never had – a safe, supportive space where people could thrive. Coming from a chaotic childhood and complex family dynamic with a mom with Dissociative Identity Disorder and a partially paralyzed dad, I learned early that I had to work hard to create my own destiny.

I took the hard path of cutting ties with my family to become who I am. I used the trauma from my past as fuel to build something beautiful. I turned my “too much” energy into leadership. Now, I run a salon that’s known for both technical excellence and heart, train a team that feels like family, and partner with my ride-or-die best friend, Kelley, to create something bigger than ourselves.

The craziest part is that all those things that made me feel like an outsider – my intensity, my creativity, my drive to do things differently – became my superpowers in business. Turns out being “too much” was exactly enough to build something real.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The journey of building something meaningful comes with its own unique set of challenges. As a creative entrepreneur, I constantly navigate the balance between artistic vision and structured business needs. There’s a daily practice of learning to receive support instead of just giving it, managing energy so passion doesn’t lead to burnout, and breaking old patterns that no longer serve my growth. The real work isn’t just in setting boundaries – it’s in learning not to feel guilty about maintaining them.

While I’ve built a successful team, trusting them enough to step back challenges my natural inclination to be hands-on with everything. I think the biggest obstacle is creating space for my own growth while supporting others, finding that sweet spot between leadership and personal development. It’s about learning to live in flow when structure feels safer, and embracing success without feeling like I need to apologize for it. The cool thing is that these challenges aren’t just obstacles – they’re opportunities for evolution, both in my business and myself.

We’ve been impressed with Willow & Jade, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

At Willow & Jade, Kelley and I have created more than just a salon – it’s a sanctuary where both clients and stylists can thrive. As both an owner and stylist, I blend my passion for creative color with deep-rooted leadership, training a team of 14 talented humans while maintaining my own dedicated clientele. The salon has become known for our commitment to both technical excellence and genuine connection, where every service is an opportunity to transform not just hair, but confidence.

While my hands-on work behind the chair keeps me connected to the craft I love, my true calling has evolved into developing our team and creating systems that allow for both structure and creativity. Working alongside my business partner Kelley, we are building a space that honors both innovation and education, where our stylists can grow their careers while staying true to their artistic vision. It’s this balance of creative freedom and professional excellence that sets Willow & Jade apart.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

Success in this industry isn’t a solo journey – it’s built on the foundation of genuine support and meaningful collaboration. My partnership with Kelley has shown me that the most powerful business relationships happen when different strengths align toward a shared vision. While I focus on team development and creative direction, she brings structure and systems that make our dreams executable. Beyond our partnership, I’ve built a network of industry peers who challenge and inspire me, proving that community over competition isn’t just a catchphrase – it’s a business strategy.

The real magic happens when you create an environment where everyone can thrive; where assistants become confident stylists, stylists become educators, and education becomes evolution. At Willow & Jade, collaboration isn’t just about working together – it’s about growing together, celebrating each other’s wins, and creating a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willowandjadenj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairsoakedinbleach
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@willowandjadenj

Image Credits

@jess.glass
@thedeerwoodcompany
@p_and_r_styledshoots