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

Nikki Dee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’d love to share a bit about what it was like to start from scratch after moving across the country. I became a stylist in San Diego in 2016, and I was fortunate to build a busy and successful career there. In 2023, after having my baby, we made the bold decision to move 3,000 miles away to North Carolina—a place where we didn’t know a single person. It was definitely a leap of faith.

Rebuilding my clientele from the ground up was incredibly challenging. At first, I thought I had found my dream salon, but it turned out to be too far from home. Then I tried a commission-based salon that just wasn’t the right fit. It was a tough season of trial and error.

But then, through a mix of luck and what truly felt like fate, I found the perfect situation. I connected with a stylist who had previously owned a salon but had downsized to a suite. She had become so busy that she needed to expand again. We met, discussed our visions, and decided to become co-stylists.

Now, we share a two-person suite where we specialize in hair extensions and lived-in, modern color. I fully recognize how rare it is to find an opportunity like this—especially in a brand new city, starting with no connections. I feel incredibly grateful for how it all came together in such an unexpected, meaningful way.

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?

When I lived in California, the most interesting thing about me—at least to most people—was that I was from West Virginia. I was constantly asked, “How did you end up here?” I always said that, from a very early age, I dreamed of living in California. So after graduating from Radford University with a degree in Dance Education, I packed up my car and never looked back.

When I arrived in San Diego, I taught dance for a while, but I was making more money working in a restaurant. Eventually, when both of those paths came to a natural end, I decided to pursue something I had always been passionate about: beauty. I enrolled at the Paul Mitchell School in San Diego and began what turned out to be the most incredible journey.

I built a loyal clientele—many of whom became lifelong friends—and was fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented stylists in Southern California. The support and love I felt from my community there were truly special.

For me, the experience I offer my clients goes far beyond doing hair. It’s about connection. I’ve had clients tell me, “I don’t even need my hair done—I just want to talk to you.” That’s what I’m most proud of. Of course, my job is to make sure clients leave with hair that makes them feel beautiful and confident. But my passion is making sure they leave feeling seen, heard, supported, and whole.

I like to think of myself as one of the most honest hairstylists out there. If a client asks for something that I don’t think is right for them—or even possible—I’ll be the first to say no. I’m also the first to admit there are millions of hair products out there, and I don’t know everything about all of them. But I do know I love Kevin Murphy. And honestly, I believe everyone could benefit from a fresh set of sewn-in hair extensions. Once I discovered my passion for extensions, my career completely transformed.

Leaving my San Diego clientele was incredibly emotional. Nearly every appointment during that final month ended with hugs and a few tears. That’s when it truly hit me: this industry is so much more than vanity and aesthetics—it’s about community.

Now, I feel incredibly grateful to be rebuilding that same kind of community here in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In today’s hair industry, having access to education is essential for staying on trend. Looking back, I wish I had explored the world of online business education—not just hair education—sooner in my journey as a stylist. Knowing how to run a business is just as important as knowing what you’re doing behind the chair.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Right now, my creative journey is focused on a big goal: owning my own space by the time I turn 40—which gives me just over two years to make it happen. I’m also working toward a schedule flexible enough to homeschool my daughter. The truth is, I really want to do it all—and I believe I can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikkideedoeshair.com
• Instagram: @nikkideedoeshair

Image Credits

The photos of me in the black top and jeans are by @jaquelinereidphotography