We were lucky to catch up with Nichole Kreps recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nichole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

I once worked for a woman who held incredibly high standards—not just in the service she provided but in the quality of work we delivered to our clients. She was intentional about who she hired, ensuring that we were all aligned in curating the salon culture we wanted to create. At times, it was challenging to meet her expectations, and it didn’t always feel good. But looking back, I realize how invaluable that lesson was.

Now, I carry that same mindset into my own work. I treat my profession as a true career, making sure that every person who sits in my chair walks away not only feeling special but also empowered with the knowledge to achieve their hair goals. More than anything, I want them to feel like they’ve just had a quality experience—one that stays with them beyond the salon.

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 from a small mountain town in the Sierra Nevadas—not exactly a cosmopolitan place. When I started working in San Francisco, it was hard to feel like I fit in. And when I began traveling to New York for work, it felt even harder. There were moments when I didn’t feel like I belonged. But I kept working harder and harder, staying true to myself. Over time, I found my own aesthetic, shaped by the mentors like Coby Alcantar and Howard MaLaren from BUMBLE AND BUMBLE and Oribe and so many educators I learned from along the way.

Coming from humble beginnings, I believe in offering the same level of service to everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. My goal is to ensure that every client feels comfortable in my chair and leaves feeling even better about themselves. What sets me apart as a hairdresser is my commitment to education—I take my time to teach clients how to care for and style their own hair at home. This is huge for me! I love sharing tutorials on social media and walking my clients through techniques so they can truly achieve what they came for.

Through my experience as both a stylist and an educator, I am always seeking quick, effortless ways to make hair look amazing. My own approach is very low-maintenance, and I love teaching my clients how to achieve beautiful hair with ease. I believe that just five minutes of tweaking your hair in the morning can make all the difference, creating that effortless, chic style we all love.

My brand is all about the French-girl aesthetic—undone, messy, soft, and approachable. It’s about enhancing natural beauty in a way that feels effortless yet intentional. And bangs! I think everybody has their own version of a bang! No matter what your face shaped or what your style is, they can be long or short possibilities are endless.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media, especially in the hair industry, is an exciting journey that thrives on authenticity, consistency, and community support. Here’s a narrative that captures this process, along with some advice for those just starting,

When I first started sharing my work on social media, I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I knew that the hair industry was vibrant and full of potential, but I also recognized the challenge of standing out in a crowded space. My approach was rooted in a few key principles: consistency, authenticity, and community

Finding My Style
Initially, I focused on showcasing my unique style and the techniques I had developed. I created content that reflected my personality and what I loved about hair— I made it a point to be myself. This authenticity resonated with viewers who appreciated the realness of my personality and my overall esthetic.

Consistent Posting
I committed to a regular posting schedule. I found that consistency was key in keeping my audience engaged. I started by posting a few times a week, sharing a mix of before-and-after photos, tips, tutorials, and personal stories. This helped my audience know when to expect new content and kept them coming back for more. Over time, I experimented with different formats—clients selfies and reels are my favorite to keep things fresh and engaging.

Engaging with the Community
I made a conscious effort to engage with my followers and the broader hair community. I responded to comments, asked for feedback, and participated in conversations with other hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts. Collaborating with fellow professionals allowed me to tap into their audiences as well, broadening my reach. I found that when I supported others, it often came back around, creating a nurturing environment where we all thrived together.

Building a Supportive Network
Having a network of supportive peers in the hair industry was instrumental. I connected with other stylists who shared similar values and goals. We exchanged tips, collaborated on projects, and celebrated each other’s successes. This camaraderie not only bolstered my confidence but also provided a safety net during challenging times. Knowing I had people to turn to for advice and encouragement made a significant difference.

Advice for Those Just Starting

1. Be Authentic: Share your true self and your unique perspective. Authenticity helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

2. Post Consistently: Develop a content calendar and stick to a schedule that works for you. Consistency helps you stay relevant and keeps your audience engaged.

3. Engage with Your Audience: Don’t just post—interact! Respond to comments, ask questions, and create a dialogue with your followers. This builds community and loyalty.

4. Collaborate and Network: Reach out to fellow hairstylists and industry professionals. Collaborations can expose you to new audiences and foster supportive relationships.

5. Provide Value: Share tips, tutorials, and insights that can help your audience. Whether it’s advice on hair care or styling techniques, providing value will keep people coming back.

6. Stay Open to Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your audience and peers. Constructive criticism can help you grow and improve your content.

7. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Each new follower, engagement, or positive comment is a step forward.

Building an audience on social media is a journey that requires dedication, creativity, and a supportive community. By staying true to yourself, consistently sharing your work, and engaging with others, you can carve out a space for yourself in the hair industry. Remember, it’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections and having fun along the way.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation within my market was a multifaceted journey, heavily influenced by the strength of my fellow stylists and my passion for creativity.

The Importance of a strong team and people that are better than you at some things!

1. Shared Vision and Goals: From the beginning, I knew that having a creative/collaborative team was essential to building a solid reputation. We all shared a common vision for what we wanted to achieve and the kind of experience we wanted to provide for our clients.

2. Collaboration and Support: My fellow members brought diverse skills and perspectives to the table. We encouraged one another to share ideas, and encourage asking questions. This collaborative environment fostered innovation, leading to unique offerings that set us apart in the market. Knowing I had a group of talented individuals backing me up gave me the confidence to take risks and explore new creative avenues.

3. Consistent Training and Development: We prioritized continuous learning and professional development within the team. By attending workshops, and classes in and out of the salon, we stayed updated on the latest trends and techniques. This commitment to growth not only enhanced our skills but also reinforced our reputation as knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the industry.

4. Positive Client Experiences: A strong team allowed us to provide an exceptional experience for our clients. Ensuring that every client felt valued, heard, and catered to. Happy clients often lead to word-of-mouth referrals, which significantly contributed to building our reputation. Our collective dedication to customer service and satisfaction became a hallmark of our brand.

Creating from a Place of Joy

1. Passion-Driven Work: At the core of my journey was my love for the craft. I found joy in creating beautiful hairstyles and making people feel confident. This enthusiasm translated into my work and resonated with clients. When you genuinely enjoy what you do, it shows, and clients are more likely to connect with that passion.

2. Embracing Creativity: I made it a point to embrace my creativity and allow it to shine through my work, trying new techniques, or creating unique styles, the freedom to express myself fueled my happiness and passion. When I’m happy creating, it reflects in the quality of my work, and clients could sense that energy.

3. Celebrating Successes: I always take the time to celebrate my achievements, both big and small. Recognizing milestones as a hairstylist whether it’s a busy day that went smoothly or a perfect bang or receiving positive feedback from a client. This positivity attracted more clients who were drawn to our vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

4. Staying True to Values: I focused on creating a brand that aligned with my esthetic and my values. By staying true to what I believed in— embracing diversity, or fostering inclusivity or community outreach, such as teacher discounts, complimentary haircuts to anyone going in and out of chemotherapy treatments. I connected with clients who shared similar values. Authenticity in my mission further solidified my reputation in the industry.

Building a reputation in this industry is not just about individual effort; it’s about the collective strength of a network of supportive stylists and the passion that drives your creativity. By surrounding myself with a strong, supportive crew and focusing on what brings me joy in creating, I was able to cultivate a reputation that reflects not only the quality of our work but also the positive experiences I provide to my clients. Ultimately, this combination of teamwork and passion has been instrumental in establishing a lasting presence in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicholekrepsdoeshairs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichole.does.hairs?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr