Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nika Tolbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nika, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

My business name is iBeauté. I chose the name mainly because I liked the idea of how “iPhone” is spelled and because I have been into the French culture since I was in middle school and beauty is spelled “beaute” in French. The “i” also says “eye” which states that I provide eye catching services and that I provide eye beauty services as in brows and lashes.

Nika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a 34 yr old dual licensed esthetician and I’ve been licensed for 5 years. I started off filling in my own eyebrows with pencil- using the concealer method to shape them back in 2013-14 and did so good on them. From there I started doing family members brows using the same method or only using a razor blade. After awhile I decided that I wanted to learn how to do individual eyelash extensions and so I found a training class to take. Later on I learned that I needed to be an esthetician to provide lash services so eventually I got enrolled into an esthetician program, graduated and became a solo esthetician immediately after receiving my license. Might I add that shortly after starting school I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. From there it made my journey so much more meaningful and I was focused on creating a life that would allow me to work less.

I provide skincare, waxing, brow, lash, and body contouring services. I also provide trainings and continuing education.

I make my clients feel more beautiful and confident within themselves- whether it’s clearing up their skin issues, making their brows look good, etc. I provide a safe space where they can talk, vent, laugh about anything and be themselves without being judged. Also, a lot of my clients have been with me for so long that they are able to book a service as an IOU and pay me at a later date.

I stand out from the others because of the amount of clients that still comes to me after 3, 4 and 5 years. I also have a specialty in waxing and can complete a Brazilian wax in under 15 minutes. I can complete a lash set in 1hr most times and I am very skilled with brow shaping- having the ability to create a cute shape with really thin eyebrows. For these I am proud because my clients really do love me and have been so loyal for so long. I am also proud of myself for the leap of faith I took right after completing school. I started solo, owned a spa, made a few magazine articles, aired on the local news channel and have been able to bless others throughout my journey.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has always been word of mouth!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Since I am now dual licensed in two states, I use a bulk texting app to communicate when I travel back and forth. I send them weekly updates and allow them time to book their appointments. I give leeway for those who have been with me for 3+ years. I allow them to book when needed without a deposit or allow them to get a service and pay me when they have the funds. I have also created discount codes for them to share and invite others to my business and in return they’ll receive a percentage off of their service.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ibeautebynika