We recently connected with Chris Nicole and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Happiness as a business owner is complicated. It’s not a simple yes or no—it’s layered, deep, and constantly evolving. Some days, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride knowing I’ve built something from the ground up, something that reflects my passion, my purpose, and my vision. Other days, the weight of responsibility feels heavy—like I’m carrying the success of my business, my clients, and my future all on my back.

But through it all, I hold onto my why. My son is watching me. He’s watching how I move, how I push forward even when things are hard, how I create opportunities instead of waiting for them. He is my greatest motivation, the reason I refuse to quit, and the reason I keep showing up even on the days I feel like breaking.

And then there’s God. This journey isn’t just mine—it’s His plan, and I’m just walking in it. Every challenge, every setback, every moment of doubt is shaping me into who I’m meant to be. I lean on my faith because I know I wasn’t given this vision just to struggle—I was given it to impact, to build, and to serve.

Do I ever wonder what it would be like to have a regular job? Absolutely. There’s a certain comfort in knowing exactly when your next paycheck is coming, in having clear-cut boundaries between work and life. But I also know that’s not my path. I wasn’t called to be comfortable in a 9 to 5. I was called to create, to lead, and to pave the way for others.

So, am I happy? Yes. Not because it’s easy, not because it’s always fun, but because I’m living in my purpose. Because every challenge I overcome is a lesson for my son. Because every person, client or student I help through my work is a reflection of God’s grace in my life. And because I know—without a doubt—that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a beauty professional, educator, and mentor (The Beauty Doula) who has built my career on passion, purpose, and perseverance. I own Luxe87 Salon, where I specialize in creating high-quality, confidence-boosting hair services, and I’m the founder of Beauty Doula, a brand dedicated to educating and mentoring aspiring beauty professionals, helping them birth their visions. My journey in this industry has been shaped by experience, hard lessons, and a deep desire to serve and give others the guidance I once needed.

My path into the beauty industry wasn’t just about loving hair—it was about wanting to create something meaningful. I started as a stylist, mastering my craft while learning the business side of the industry through trial and error. Over time, I realized that many beauty professionals struggled with structure, strategy, and confidence in building their careers. That realization led me to pursue my cosmetology instructor’s license and create Beauty Doula, where I bridge the gap between talent and business success.

At Luxe87 Salon, I provide top-tier hairstyling services that focus on both aesthetics and hair health. My clients come to me not just for a hairstyle but for an experience that makes them feel empowered and seen. Helping them achieve healthy, beautiful hair while providing an elevated experience.

Through Beauty Doula, I offer:
• Hands-on training for beauty young professionals who want to refine their skills.
• Business education to help hairstylists understand branding, pricing, and client experience.
• Mentorship programs designed to build confidence and provide guidance in navigating the beauty industry.

For Beauty Doula students and mentees, I help solve the problem of uncertainty and lack of direction in the beauty industry. Many talented stylists struggle with branding, business growth, and confidence. I teach them the structure and strategy they need to turn their skills into a profitable and fulfilling career.

I believe what sets me apart is my commitment to both the artistry and the business of beauty. I don’t just do hair—I educate, empower, and equip others to succeed. I understand the struggles of building a business in this industry firsthand, and I use my experiences to help others avoid common pitfalls. My approach is structured yet personal, blending technical skills with mindset and business strategy.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made. Seeing my clients walk out of Luxe87 Salon feeling confident, seeing my mentees gain clarity and direction in their careers, and knowing that I’m helping shape the future of the beauty industry—that is what drives me.

I want people to know that Luxe87 Salon and Beauty Doula are about more than beauty—they’re about transformation. Whether it’s giving a client the perfect style that makes them feel unstoppable or guiding an aspiring stylist toward a thriving career, my work is about empowerment, education, and excellence.

I don’t just do hair. I help people birth visions and step into their best selves.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Hustle Isn’t the same as growth. For a long time, I thought success in business meant working non-stop, always saying yes, taking on every client, and sacrificing rest to “make it.” I equated being busy with being successful. The harder I worked, the more I thought I was proving myself.

But then reality hit.

I remember a time when I was booked back to back, barely taking breaks, constantly feeling exhausted. My schedule was full, but my spirit was drained. I was making money, but I wasn’t growing. I had no time to strategize, no space to refine my business, and no energy to actually enjoy the life I was working so hard to build. I was operating on survival mode, not success.

The turning point came when I started experiencing burnout. I was so overwhelmed that the passion I had for my work started feeling like a burden. That’s when I had to unlearn the idea that hustle alone builds success. It doesn’t. Strategy, boundaries, and intentional growth do.

I had to shift my mindset from working hard to working smart. I learned to set boundaries with my time, structure my business for sustainability, and create balance so that I could pour into my clients and students without running myself into the ground.

Now, I don’t just fill my schedule, I fill my purpose. I make room for growth, for quality, and for longevity. And that shift has made all the difference.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Reading Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst was a game-changer for me, not just personally, but in how I manage my businesses and approach entrepreneurship. It taught me that boundaries aren’t about pushing people away; they’re about creating the right space for healthy relationships, whether in business or life.

For a long time, I struggled with saying no. I felt responsible for everyone, clients, students, colleagues, always wanting to help, always stretching myself thin to meet expectations. But Lysa’s book helped me realize that constantly overextending myself wasn’t a sign of dedication; it was a sign of misplaced responsibility. I was carrying burdens that weren’t mine to carry.

Lysa helped me realize that protecting my energy is in alignment with protecting my business. I used to believe that being “available” all the time made me a great business owner. Now, I understand that being intentional with my time and energy makes me a better business owner. Healthy boundaries allow me to serve my clients and students without draining myself in the process.

I had to accept that not every opportunity is meant for me. I used to say yes to everything, every client, every project, every collaboration, out of fear that saying no would mean missing out. But now, I evaluate whether an opportunity aligns with my vision for Luxe87 Salon and Beauty Doula. If it doesn’t, I trust that letting it go creates space for the right opportunities.

Leadership requires boundaries, whether it’s managing a salon or mentoring beauty professionals, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being everything to everyone. Clear boundaries create clarity, for my team, my mentees, and myself. I don’t have to rescue people from their own responsibilities; I have to guide, support, and empower them.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the book was realizing that no isn’t mean, it’s necessary. Saying no to things that drain me, distract me, or don’t align with my purpose isn’t selfish; it’s stewardship. When I operate with clear boundaries, I can give my best to the people and projects that truly matter.

Lysa’s words helped reshape how I manage my businesses, my time, and my energy. Now, I’m not just building a business, I’m building a sustainable business that allows me to thrive, not just survive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theeluxe87.com
• Instagram: @sheis.chrisnicole and @luxe87salon
• Facebook: luxe87salon

Image Credits

Chris Nicole