We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nik Holmes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nik, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I actually started building my clientele while I was still in school. One day, my instructor pulled me aside and told me, ‘Start building your client base now—it’ll make a difference later.’ I took that advice to heart. While others were just focused on finishing the program, I was already marketing myself, practicing on real clients, and creating relationships. By the time I graduated—just seven months later—I walked across that stage not only with my license in hand, but with a solid foundation of 10 to 20 loyal clients I had built while still a student.

So when I officially opened Smooth & Spicy Spa, I wasn’t starting from zero—I had momentum. That first dollar I earned in my business wasn’t just a transaction—it was confirmation that my passion, my work ethic, and all those late nights were starting to pay off. It felt amazing. But I also knew it was just the beginning. I was excited, proud, and motivated to keep building the brand I dreamed of.

Nik, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

first fell in love with the beauty industry through personal experience. I started getting waxed at age 23, and every time I left an appointment, I felt confident, empowered, and like I could conquer the world. That feeling stuck with me—it was more than just a beauty treatment; it was an emotional boost. But at that time, I was in a different season of life—I was working in corporate, married, raising children, and focused on supporting my family.

Fast forward to age 39, when I finally felt like it was my time. My children were older, and I knew it was the perfect moment to follow my dream. I enrolled in esthetics school and dove all in. Seven months later, I graduated with my license and a vision to build something special—Smooth & Spicy Spa.

At Smooth & Spicy Spa, we specialize in full-body waxing, advanced skincare treatments, and noninvasive mole and skin tag removal. Our goal is to help clients feel confident and radiant in their own skin. Whether it’s achieving smoother skin or treating stubborn skin concerns, we create a safe, luxurious, and empowering environment where self-care becomes a lifestyle—not just a treat.

What sets us apart is our commitment to results and experience. Clients don’t just come to us for a service—they come to feel seen, pampered, and recharged. From the moment they walk in, we create a vibe that’s warm, elevated, and intentionally designed to help people feel their absolute best—inside and out.

I’m most proud of building a business that empowers others. It started as a dream, and now I get to help clients feel beautiful, confident, and taken care of every single day. That’s something I don’t take for granted.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: Smooth & Spicy Spa is more than skincare—it’s a whole experience. It’s about self-love, confidence, and unapologetically showing up for yourself.

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

One of the biggest moments that tested my resilience was shortly after I started Smooth & Spicy Spa in 2019. I had just opened my business and was finally gaining traction—building my brand, growing my clientele, and finding my rhythm. Then suddenly, COVID hit. Everything came to a halt. Like so many small businesses, I was forced to shut down just a few months into my journey, right at the point when things were starting to take off.

It was disheartening, to say the least. But through the grace of God, I stayed grounded. Even though the spa was closed, I never missed a rent payment. I remained committed to my vision, and I refused to give up on the dream I had worked so hard to build.

When the world finally started to open back up, something incredible happened—my business didn’t just bounce back, it skyrocketed. I returned to my hustle with even more focus and passion. I leaned into social media more than ever before and got more comfortable marketing my services online. That momentum pushed my business further than I ever expected.

Ironically, what seemed like a setback turned out to be one of the most pivotal, transformative moments of my journey. COVID taught me that resilience is about staying the course even when everything around you feels uncertain. And that no matter what challenges come your way, if you stay faithful to your purpose and keep showing up, your breakthrough will come.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When it came to funding my business, I made a bold decision—I pulled from my 401k. At the time, I was working at Apple, and I knew that if I truly wanted to build Smooth & Spicy Spa from the ground up, I needed to invest in myself. So I used those funds, along with credit cards, to cover everything I needed—from equipment and supplies to products and marketing. It was a leap of faith, but I believed in my vision.

I knew I wasn’t just starting a business—I was building a brand and a legacy. And sometimes, that means taking calculated risks to bring your dream to life. Every dollar I invested came from a place of purpose, and looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. That investment was the foundation that allowed me to create the experience my clients now love and trust

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smoothandspicyspa.com
• Instagram: @smoothandspicyspa
• Facebook: @smoothandspicyspa
• Twitter: @smoothandspicyspa
• Youtube: @smoothspicyspa8528