We were lucky to catch up with Nadine Nichols recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nadine, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
This question stood out to me because it is something that crosses my mind rather often. Absolutely i wonder if having a “regular” job would eliminate stress or help pay for insurance benefits. But quickly i realize how blessed i am to be working in a creative field where i can control everything. I own Nadine Rose Hair Studio LLC in Medina Ohio and i am my own boss and get to offer services i feel most confident in. I also run Nadine Rose Photography on my own and get to work with families and individuals to create lasting memories.
Thinking of being behind a computer all day or answer phones does not appeal to me. I love being able to connect to people on a personal level and create beautiful artwork with hair or photos. Yes things are expensive and i most certainly struggle at times when its slow but money is not something i want to hold valuable in my life. I find value in knowing im making an impact on others lives and fulfilling my own creative needs.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Nadine Rose i grew up in Strongsville Oh, Graduated from Strongsville high and Polaris Career center where i studied cosmetology. Once i got my license i went to work in a salon and have been doing so ever since. I now have my own Studio in Medina Oh; Nadine Rose Hair Studio LLC. I offer an array of hair services but what i specialize in is blonding, corrective color, bridal/specialty styles, men’s cuts, and eyebrow waxes.
Something that i feel sets me apart from other stylists is my attention to detail and also being respectful of my clients budget and hair needs. I love modern color techniques that allow my client to go longer in between color appointments. I Offer a specialized conditioning treatments to help those who’s hair has been damaged by color or heat and help them maintain a healthy hair routine.
Scalp heath is something i have been working towards learning more to offer even better education and products for my clients to promote hair growth and hair health. In my Salon you can expect to feel relaxed and safe in a judgment free environment.
I offer silent appoints for those with sensory troubles or anyone who wants to relax and experience some ASMR or not talk about life or the weather. I want to be a place where anyone can come and feel like they are being taking care of and that their needs are truly listened to.
For my photography business; this was 100% self taught. The summer of 8th grade i grabbed my moms Motorola cell phone and went to the backyard to take photos of the flowers swaying in the wind. Form there on out a new obsession grew. I went to the most reliable source i knew, Youtube. There i watched endless videos on camera settings and composition ideas. I felt a fire under my butt of a creative energy i never knew was there. Eventually i begged my parents for a camera and was blessed on Christmas with a Nikon point and shoot.
Later i was able to upgrade and then again more recently another upgrade. I started slow and took photos of my friends and found my love of portrait photography. My ultimate dream was to be in a fashion magazine. Today i focus on weddings and Families, Lifestyle and once in a while an artistic portrait shoot.
I attended a summer photography event at Pittsburg institute of art. I was still very young and did not have the confidence i do today. They sent us out on the streets of Pittsburg to capture street art and i found myself nervous to approach people on the streets. Looking back i wish i had the confidence i do today to really give that my all. I wanted to attend the Cleveland Institute of Art for photography but unfortunately my parents did not have the funds to support me, i was scared to be in debt for something that i knew i could learn on my own.
I Still wonder where i may have ended up if i went to an Institute and my dreams often feel too big.
Photography is something i feel heals my soul and it is something i will always be fond of and i hope i can pass my skills to my children and beyond.
Have you ever had to pivot?
About 2 years out of school my mentor/salon manager was leaving the salon to open her own studio. She asked me to join her and share the studio space. I was a baby stylist and was easily convinced by her. I knew in my gut i was not ready to go out on my own but she made me feel as though she would help me. About 3 months into our studio journey she leaves for maternity leave. I’m left to run the salon on my own and i quickly discovered a lack of clientele and rent was due weekly.
I applied at a local Salt Spa and started working part time to supplement income. I noticed i was not at the salon much at all and i decided to leave the studio and work full time at this Spa, there i learned how to manage appointments, clean the spaces and also educate clients on our services. It wasn’t much different from salon environments but i was not working my craft.
About 2 years go by and i realize i need to leave and get back into a salon and do what i knew best. So i left the spa and went back into the salons and now looking back i see what happened had to occur to teach me what was needed to be independent. I’m grateful for all the opportunities thrown my way and its gotten me to where i am now.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
The biggest change in the modern world is Social Media. This impacts Businesses especially creatives.
Learning to be on camera and make content is another job within itself and i know a lot of creatives struggle to put themselves out there and to find time to learn all the ins and outs of how and why.
Its exhausting to post consistently especially on days you don’t feel your best. For me what i find helpful is when i do have time and energy i make multiple videos that i can set up on a schedule to post so i don’t have to use mental energy every day to think of a post.
I follow trends and try to also create something new. This can be very challenging but i promise you will surprise yourself if you sit down and jot down ideas.
I love incorporating a mix of education, visuals and comedy on my Instagram and TikTok.
The quality of your videos make a huge impact so i suggest a ring light or natural light to enhance your phone videos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysite.vagaro.com/nadinerosehairstudio
- Instagram: @nadine.rose.hairstudio @nadinerosephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NadineRosePhotography
- Other: Tiktok @Nadinerosehairstudio
Image Credits
Nadine rose photography
and
Cheyenne Bennett