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

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

Yes, I do! A portion of what I make from both my real estate business and my beauty studio goes back to causes that mean a lot to me personally.

I run two nonprofits that I’m super passionate about. One is called Paws at Home, and it focuses on rescuing animals—especially in the South, where the stray population is overwhelming. I’ve always had a huge heart for animals, and after seeing so many suffering without help, I felt called to do something about it. We help get animals out of shelters, into foster homes, and eventually adopted.

The other is the Blush and Boots Foundation which is really close to my heart. It’s for women who’ve experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), like I have. It’s a space for support, healing, and community. We provide resources, mentorship, and just a safe space to connect and not feel so alone.

I chose these causes because they’re part of my story. Helping animals and helping women warriors heal—it’s how I turn my own challenges into something good for others. It makes everything I do feel more meaningful.

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?

Hi! I’m Nicole Limongiello—a licensed cosmetologist, real estate broker, Air Force veteran, mom, and founder of two nonprofits. I wear a lot of hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a passion for helping people feel secure, confident, and seen—whether that’s through finding their dream home, getting glammed up for a special day, or getting the support they need during a tough time.

My journey into beauty began over a decade ago. I’ve always loved how hair and makeup can empower someone—it’s not about covering up, it’s about enhancing what’s already there and helping people feel beautiful and confident. After becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I built a career doing wedding hair and makeup, specializing in extensions, lashes, and natural glam. Over time, that evolved into launching my own studio, where I now offer both beauty services and tattoo artistry in a space designed to feel inclusive, inspiring, and a little edgy.

Alongside beauty, I also pursued a career in real estate. As an Air Force veteran and current reservist, I saw how many military families struggle with relocation, VA loans, and finding a trusted agent. I became that trusted person. I now run a team that helps first-time buyers, relocating families, and veterans navigate the market with confidence. For me, it’s not just about closing deals—it’s about making sure my people feel taken care of and empowered during one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

I think what really sets me apart is how personal this all is for me. I’m not in business just to hustle—every part of what I do is connected to my story. I’ve experienced trauma, single motherhood, military service, and rebuilding my life from the ground up. I bring that empathy and strength into every interaction. Whether I’m helping a bride feel her most beautiful, a veteran family find their forever home, or a survivor feel less alone—I’m showing up fully, from the heart.

I’m most proud of the fact that I have never given up. I’ve been through a lot, and I’ve turned pain into purpose. I’m proud of the veterans and animals I’ve helped through my foundations. I’m proud that my daughters get to see what resilience and compassion in action look like. And I’m proud that I get to create spaces—whether a home, a studio, or a safe community—where people feel like they belong.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that I care deeply about the people I work with. Whether you’re booking a service, buying a home, or looking for community—when you work with me, you’re not just a client, you are family. You’re part of a bigger mission rooted in love, strength, and service. I’m building a brand that stands for authenticity, healing, and transformation—and I’m so grateful to share that with the world.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what really helped build my reputation is that I lead with authenticity and heart in everything I do. Whether it’s beauty, real estate, or my nonprofit work, people can tell that I truly care—and that’s hard to fake.

In both industries, I’ve built trust by being consistent, transparent, and deeply committed to the people I serve. In beauty, it’s about making each client feel seen, confident, and celebrated. In real estate, it’s making sure clients feel informed and supported through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Especially as a veteran and a mom, I connect with people on a real level—they know I understand their challenges and will advocate for them every step of the way.

I also think my reputation has grown because I’m not afraid to share my story. I’ve been open about my experiences as a survivor, a single mom, a business owner, and a woman rebuilding her life. That vulnerability has created deeper connections and a sense of trust that goes beyond the transaction.

At the end of the day, it’s the relationships I’ve built, the integrity I’ve led with, and the impact I’ve made that have earned me my place in the market.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of trial, error, and a whole lot of realness. I didn’t start with a perfect strategy—I started by just showing up as myself. Whether I was sharing before-and-afters from the salon, behind-the-scenes of a rescue mission, or a raw moment from my personal life, I leaned into authenticity. That’s what people connect with most.

I didn’t worry about being polished all the time. What helped me grow was being consistent, engaging, and letting people into my world—not just my work. I talk to my followers like they’re friends, and that connection has built a really loyal community.

My advice for anyone just starting:
•Be consistent. Even if your audience is small at first, show up regularly.
•Be real. Don’t try to be someone you’re not—your story is your superpower.
•Focus on connection over perfection. The perfect aesthetic won’t matter if people can’t feel who you are.
•Add value. Teach something, share something meaningful, or make someone smile.
•Engage! Respond to comments, DMs, and show love to your followers and fellow creators.

At the end of the day, people follow people. Let them get to know you—and the right audience will find you.