We were lucky to catch up with Nickee Blendz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nickee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The mission of The Legazy Experience is to build a legacy worth following. At first glance, many might notice what seems like a misspelling of the word “legacy,” but the truth is that the name holds a deeper meaning. The “Z” represents the first letter of my daughter’s name, symbolizing my ultimate inspiration and purpose. As I strive to create a brand and deliver a quality experience for my guests, I also aim to embody resilience, hard work, and determination—values I want to pass down to my daughter as an enduring example.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

A native of Virginia, I grew up in a small town where skilled barbers were scarce. At an early age, my mother introduced me to barbering by cutting the neighborhood kids’ hair. Initially, I focused on braids and loc retwists, but I was never satisfied with the final product because it lacked that finishing touch. Determined to complete what I started, I picked up my first pair of clippers at 17 and began honing my barbering skills.

I’ve been barbering since 2006 and have learned that the industry can be tough. I am determined to leave a mark on the industry that changes how others view barbers who are female. I say “barbers who are female” instead of “female barber” because, as a licensed barber, I did not attend a school exclusively for females, nor did I take a state board test intended only for females. We deserve to be respected as professionals and for our skills.

Being a barber goes beyond the haircut. It’s an opportunity to impact self-esteem, plant seeds, and become a beacon guiding people in the right direction. The connections made through barbering can last a lifetime, and my goal is to build a legacy worth following.

In 2016, I earned my master’s in human services. Many ask why I still cut hair, and I found that both fields share the same goal of serving others. This is very fitting for someone in a profession that deals with clientele all day. It provided me with the foundation to better understand how social structures are created and how people operate within and respond to those systems, particularly those in need.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Nicole Conaway grew up in a small rural town with limited opportunities, where life presented challenges from an early age. Diagnosed with epilepsy as a youth, Nicole also faced low self-esteem, depression, and bullying. Despite these struggles, she refused to let her illness or introverted nature define her.

While she overcame numerous obstacles and achieved significant milestones, Nicole still felt a lingering void. For much of her life, she found herself “existing” rather than truly “living.” That changed with the birth of her daughter, a transformative moment that brought her life into focus. Through her daughter’s eyes, Nicole saw her future for the first time and realized the importance of turning dreams into reality.

Inspired by her desire to lead by example and help others, Nicole embraced her calling as a speaker along with her new found journey in barbering. This journey has allowed her to connect with thousands of individuals. Nicole’s high-energy and inspirational testimony is sure to resonate deeply, inspiring others to pursue their purpose. Through her compelling life story, she aims to deliver a powerful message of hope, healing, and the triumph of perseverance, leaving audiences motivated and empowered to take action in their own lives.

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

Risk-taking reflects an individual’s boundless approach to their goals. A person’s willingness to take risks often determines their future success. Recently, I took a significant risk by purchasing an investment property and converting a shed into a studio, driven by my desire for ownership of my own space.

Many barbers own their brand but lease their workspace, which limits their control and benefits. I was paying over $13,000 a year in lease payments, while the property owner enjoyed tax write-offs that I couldn’t. Additionally, at any moment, they could have asked me to leave for any reason, leaving me with little security.

I wanted to eliminate that stress and gain control over my professional environment. By investing in my own space, I aimed to master my brand and gain experience before taking on the larger responsibility of a bigger investment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: nickeeblendzit

Image Credits

Photo ZC
@sellersmedia