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

Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

In Texas where inclusivity and being different isn’t welcomed with open arms, we made it a point to create a space for truly everyone to be met and accepted in a safe environment filled with love and understanding.

Our heavily male-hetero dominated industry, we’ve made our Barbershop uniquely comfortable for those black sheep looking for compassion through any transition they may be facing, or just a simple relaxing cut. Our doors are open to customers with all abilities and on varying ranges of the mental and physical spectrum. With a special emphasis on our LGBTQIA+, as we are proudly queer and Veteran owned.

Our barbershop is also currently the home-base for our non-profit: Not Rich But Enriched, Inc. Hosting community space for support groups, rallying, meditation, consumer education, and parade gathering spot.

We will be hosting for the first time outside of our doors our annual fundraising event All Makes and Models Car & Bike Show with Beard & Stache Charity Competition preceding this event is Karaoke for a Cause.

Nikki, 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?

Single mom of two, who dove into the industry wanting more than just the several unsatisfying jobs that lacked luster and a way to control her own schedule to fulfill her promise to her mother of a bachelor’s degree, is 11 years and still without degree. Undoubtedly, head over heels in love with what she does.

However, within those 11 years she has obtained not just one but FOUR licenses making her quad-licensed as a practitioner of both cosmetology and barbering as well as being qualified to teach in both realms as well. In 2020, Nikki and her wife opened their speakeasy barbershop: The Bookstore Barber Salon; branded the only authentically weird upscale barbershop.

Upon opening the business, Nikki made a vow that the business would be more than just a business but an asset to her community. Then was born their annual fundraising event, and after 3 years of events came her non-profit Not Rich But Enriched, Inc.

Today, Nikki is planning yet another annual event, except this year for a bigger reason….hoping to create a truly inclusive, non-denominational, non-religious, socially sober, accessible, safe, and equitous community center for her home town lacking in such a space.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Through my journey I had to leave behind the notion that I wasn’t enough and that I could never accomplish my dreams. Being told countlessly by old bosses/managers/family/friends/exs… you are crazy and you aren’t capable of making that happen.

Sometimes it’s not about what you ARE or ARE NOT capable of, but a matter of when it’s time to purse what you are capable of. Life will no doubt will give you it’s fair share of lessons of failure and naysayers of your abilities. That makes the story of success for any of us that much sweeter.

Nevertheless, the hardest fight was not with others….it was with myself. Once I started accomplishing my dreams the whisper in my ear was even louder. “What did you get into,” “you weren’t made for this,” “they are all just here to watch you fail.” Well that last one may be a little true; but once I shifted my perspective into allowing myself to understand that every interaction, every door walked though, every opportunity is a chance for growth always in our favor. Because we will either learn a lesson and grow from our mistakes or gain something we never knew we needed. For better or best.

Stop listening to the imposter in your mind, they lie.

‘Pronoia Mindset’

Our thoughts create our realities.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I took a class at the university taught by a Mr. Jim Bondi called Effective Business Relations and the class was centered around Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The book describes paradigm shifts as fundamental change in the way people think, believe, or behave, often challenging conventional wisdom or long-held assumptions. It’s a transformation that radically alters the way we understand, approach, or interact with the world around us. Paradigm shifts are fascinating in that they often involve a new perspective, innovative ideas, or groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding and practices, leading to significant advancements and progress in all areas of life.

This book helps you create paradigm shifts in how you operate in business in 7 different ways. It begins teaching you ways to be more proactive through only whay you can control. Realistic goal-setting by thinking of your “end in mind” and working backwards to achieve that end. How to prioritize tasks based on your end goal. Buildling strong relationships while seeking mutually beneficial solutions for everyone with”win-win” strategies. The importance of active listening and empathy to solve problems and overcome conflicts. Creating synergy in the work place by combining the strengths of others, and the value of diversified thinking. Lastly encouraging you to continue to improve yourself through self-reflection, continued learning, physical and mental self-care (spiritually, mentally, physically).

This book not only helped me to become more successful in my professional life, but also my personal life. It made me a better mom, wife, and friend. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting more out of life but may not have a ton of time to devote to taking extra classes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebookstorebarbersalon.com
• Instagram: The Bookstore Barber Salon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebookstorebarberhttps://youtube.com/@notrichbutenriched?si=3VS9nKfJsSL4AhzK
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@notrichbutenriched
• Other: www.nrbe.org

  Insta: @notrichbutenriched

  https://www.facebook.com/NotRichbutEnriched

Image Credits

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