We recently connected with Nikki Scandalous and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Chasing Rainbows

Some people need hard facts and numbers before making a decision. I’ve learned that sometimes, the most powerful guidance comes from something deeper—something unseen but undeniably felt. When I opened my salon, I wasn’t just following a business plan. I was following a feeling.

Before I even considered opening a salon, the universe started sending me signs—rainbows. Not just metaphorical ones, but real ones, in the sky, appearing at moments when I was questioning what was next for me. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But then, they kept showing up. It felt like I was being led, like something bigger than me was nudging me forward.

A year before I even knew I’d be doing this, I wrote myself a check for $20,000. I didn’t know how or when I’d have that money, but I wrote it anyway, as a promise to myself. Fast forward, and when I found the space that would become my salon, the cost to rent it? Exactly $20,000. Everything happened fast, but my gut told me this was it. So, I trusted it. I took the risk. In a way, I felt robbed but I truly leaned into that gut feeling. I ended up winning that money back but that’s a longer story.

What’s even more wild? In the beginning, I didn’t even want a salon. I didn’t want the responsibility of others, and in many ways, that has been the hardest part of it all. But I did want a space where I could be free. I wanted to make silly videos, push my creativity, and just exist without feeling boxed in by the traditional salon world. And when I looked around, I realized I couldn’t think of another salon like that. So, I created one.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how many other people needed that same space. Scandalous Artistry became more than just a place for me—it became a space where others could feel free too. Scandalous Artistry is about the Artist. A space that isn’t like anywhere else, where people can breathe, create, and just be. And in doing that, I found something even greater than I imagined—I found meaning.

I’m here to remind people that this industry can still be fun. That art is everywhere. That we don’t have to take ourselves so seriously to be successful. That we can love each other, support each other, and grow together. And every time I step into my salon, I know with every part of me that this was always meant to be.

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?

Meet Nikki Scandalous: The Heart Behind Scandalous Artistry

I built this on my own. No roadmap, no safety net—just trust. Trust in my gut, trust in my vision, and trust that if I followed what felt right, the path would unfold in front of me. And even though it hasn’t been easy, that trust has led me exactly where I am today.

When I look at my place in the industry now, I see myself first and foremost as a creative colorist. I live for color, for transformation, for bringing art to life through hair. But beyond that, my passion lies in the bigger picture—themed shoots, creative collaborations, and bringing the community together. That’s what Scandalous Artistry is all about. It’s not just a salon; it’s an uplifting space that welcomes artists of all kinds. Whether it’s through fashion, photography, or collaboration, we are always here to help other creatives bring their visions to life.

It’s healing to be part of something bigger than yourself. But it’s also not easy. As stylists, we transfer energy. Honestly, as humans, we do. I believe that’s why we’re here on this earth—to share, to give, to learn from one another. And I know, without a doubt, that through my work, I have impacted so many people along the way.

This past year, I’ve received more recognition in the industry than ever before. And while that feels amazing, nothing compares to the feeling of being authentic and leading with love. That’s what truly matters.

Over the last nine years, my clients have taught me just as much as I’ve given to them. If I had to name one of my best qualities, it’s that I have a way of making people feel like we’ve known each other forever. And in return, I have been blessed with some of the most loyal, supportive clients who have believed in me and my dreams from the very beginning.

I am beyond grateful for every single person who has come into my life—and even for the ones who have left. Because every person, every moment, every challenge has shaped me into the artist and human I am today.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Alone, but Never Giving Up: My Resilience as a Salon Owner

When I first opened my salon, I didn’t fully know what I was getting myself into. I knew I wanted a space to create, to be free, and to build something different—but the part that scared me the most? Having a team. Leadership wasn’t something I had ever planned for, and yet, there I was, signing the lease on my dream space with only an assistant by my side. On top of that, I inherited a barber along with the space, someone I hadn’t originally planned to work with but was willing to take a chance on.

Then, within the first two months, everything shifted. The barber wasn’t paying rent, and I had to fire him. Shortly after, my assistant quit. Just like that, I was completely alone in my own salon. No team, no backup—just me, balancing a full schedule while carrying the weight of running an entire business on my own.

I knew I could cover everything financially, but that didn’t make it easy. After putting so much into creating this space, being left to run it entirely alone felt like a gut punch. But even in those lonely months, I never let myself believe that this was how my story would end.

I held onto the vision. I reminded myself, One day, I will have a team that believes in this just as much as I do. One day, I won’t be doing this alone. And now? I have a team that is not just talented, but loving, supportive, and fighting for the same goals. We’re not just coworkers—we’re a creative family, pushing each other to grow, celebrating each other’s wins, and holding space for each other’s dreams.

But resilience isn’t something you learn once—it’s something you have to keep choosing, over and over again. Even recently, I had stylists team up to leave me. I’ve had negativity thrown in my face, moments where people have tried to shake my foundation and make me question everything I’ve built. And honestly? Staying true to myself through it all has been the hardest thing.

But I refuse to let negativity define my journey. I didn’t build Scandalous Artistry to fit in. I built it because I believed in something different—an uplifting space, a place where artists can grow, where people can be themselves, where hair is art and community is everything.

Looking back, every struggle, every lonely moment, every challenge that tested me as a leader—it was all worth it. But it wasn’t easy. Leadership isn’t just about creating a business; it’s about creating a vision that people want to be part of. And while I had to walk through the fire to get here, I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Because now, every time I walk into my salon, I see the proof that resilience works. That betting on yourself works. That holding onto a vision, even when everything feels impossible, works.

And I’ll keep building, keep growing, and keep pushing forward—because this is just the beginning.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building on Social Media: Growth, Consistency, and Authenticity

If you were to scroll all the way back to my very first posts on Instagram, you’d see my work from hair school. And honestly? I love that I’ve kept everything on my page. It’s a true representation of my growth over the last nine years. Seeing how far I’ve come is a reminder that we don’t start as experts—we grow, we evolve, and we get better with time. It feels crazy even saying that it’s been that long, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that staying consistent is key.

Social media is constantly changing, and sometimes I struggle with comparing myself to others—especially when it comes to numbers. There are moments where I look around and wonder, Why isn’t my following growing as fast as theirs? But I always come back to this: It’s not about how many followers I have—it’s about who is following me. And I think that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’ve had so many amazing opportunities.

I may not have millions of followers, but I have the right ones—the ones who see me, who connect with what I’m doing, who understand my vision. And that’s worth more than any number.

Advice for Those Building Their Social Media Presence

I challenge anyone who wants to grow on social media to start showing up in a more authentic way. I truly believe that’s what the world needs right now—less perfection, more realness.
    •    Embrace what makes you unique. The things you think might make you different? That’s what people will love about you.
    •    Stop worrying about numbers. Focus on building a community, not just an audience.
    •    Stay consistent, even when it feels slow. Growth takes time, and every person who follows you for the right reasons is worth more than a thousand random ones.
    •    Have fun with it. People can feel your energy, and when you’re genuinely enjoying what you post, the right people will be drawn to it.

At the end of the day, social media is a tool—but you are the magic behind it. When you show up as yourself, the right people will find you.
Don’t be afraid to get a little SCANDALOUS.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.scandalousartistry.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkiscandalous www.instagram.com/scandalousartistry
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/scandalousartistry
• TikTok: @nikkiscandalous

Image Credits
instagram.com/mily_media (the pic of me with yellow hair/ most recent photo) instagram.com/annbuster (photos of me with blue hair) instagram.com/laurenschoepfer.photo (some of the salon photos, some I took myself)