We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nakisha Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nakisha below.

Hi Nakisha , thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving a secure career in education and technology to pursue entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. My background is in computer science and education administration—I’ve worked as an IT specialist, classroom teacher, coordinator, and even a school principal. That career path was safe and stable, but I felt called to merge my gift for teaching with my passion for beauty. Stepping away from that security to launch The Swich Up Hair Solutions was a leap of faith. That decision not only allowed me to provide luxury in-salon services, but also positioned me to become a national educator and trainer with Farouk Systems (CHI). In that role, I’ve had the privilege of training and mentoring hundreds of stylists across the country through brands such as JCPenney, Fantastic Sams, and Sally Beauty.
The risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Today, I get to empower clients through transformations in my chair while also educating beauty professionals, giving them the skills and confidence to grow their own careers. Taking that leap gave me the freedom to create a business that impacts lives on multiple levels.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Nakisha Harris, and I’m the founder of The Swich Up Hair Solutions, where beauty meets education and transformation. Before I stepped into the beauty industry, my career path was in computer science and education administration. I worked as an IT specialist, classroom teacher, coordinator, and eventually as a school principal. Education has always been at the heart of who I am, and I carry that same foundation into the beauty world today. What pulled me into this industry was the ability to combine creativity with teaching and service. As a licensed stylist and entrepreneur, I provide luxury extension and color services, smoothing treatments, and custom hair solutions designed to give my clients confidence and lasting results. Beyond the chair, I also offer mentorship and education for beauty professionals—helping them strengthen their technical skills, business mindset, and confidence as entrepreneurs.
In addition, I am proud to serve as a National Educator and Trainer for Farouk Systems (CHI), where I’ve had the opportunity to train hundreds of stylists across the U.S. with major salon groups and retailers such as JCPenney, Fantastic Sams, and Sally Beauty. This role allows me to pour back into the industry, using my background in education to break down techniques and inspire stylists to grow.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge education and artistry. I don’t just provide a service—I create an experience that’s rooted in professionalism, knowledge, and empowerment. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a brand that elevates both clients and stylists: helping women look and feel like the best versions of themselves, and helping professionals believe in their ability to thrive.
At the core of my work is this: luxury lives in the details, and growth comes from education. That’s the mission of The Swich Up—whether I’m behind the chair, in a classroom, or mentoring another stylist, I’m here to create impact, confidence, and change.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on a combination of consistency, education, and authenticity. Coming from an education and leadership background, I’ve always placed a high value on professionalism and excellence. In the beauty industry, that translated into showing up prepared, delivering consistent results, and educating clients and stylists along the way.

A big part of my reputation also comes from being transparent. If I don’t know something, I’m honest about it—and then I go learn it. I operate with excellence and integrity in every interaction, whether it’s with a client in my chair or a room full of stylists I’m training. People can trust that I’ll give them my best and that I’ll always stand on honesty.
What really helped me stand out in the market is my ability to merge artistry with teaching. Clients trust me because they know I’m invested in their confidence, not just the appointment. Stylists respect me because I’m committed to helping them grow their skills and businesses. Over time, this dual focus on service, mentorship, and integrity has built my credibility and positioned me as both a stylist and a trusted educator.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came on the very day I graduated from hair school. What should have been one of the most exciting days of my life turned tragic when I lost my brother. At that time, I had already secured a position as an assistant in a salon, with the promise of a permanent seat on the floor once I graduated. But with his passing, my entire world shifted. I had to pause, gather my “why,” and ultimately step away from that opportunity. Starting over was difficult. I eventually found another position, but it paid just $9.50 an hour—far from where I envisioned myself when I first started this career. Still, I refused to give up. I leaned on my faith, my discipline, and the belief that this new path was bigger than the moment I was in. After that first year of struggle, doors began to open, and blessings started to flow.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding pain or setbacks—it’s about facing them, recalibrating, and moving forward with purpose. Losing my brother shaped my determination and gave me a deeper reason for pursuing this industry, and it continues to fuel the way I show up for my clients, my students, and my brand today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theswichup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswichuphairsolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theswichuphairsolutions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakishaharris/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSWICHUP
• Other: TikTok @theswichup

Image Credits
My Self & Mohammed F. Ghanayem