Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nyla McKraken. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nyla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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.
I moved across country during the beginning of COVID. I lived in Seattle, WA for 10 years and built my business there, but for me it was time to leave Seattle. I decided to take a few trips around the country to places I could better afford life and Baltimore had the right vibe. But I didn’t know anyone here. My move date was set for April 1st 2020 and then COVID hit. I ended up moving about two weeks early to make sure that I could get out of Washington and not get stuck in quarantine. I had found a job but I wasn’t able to start for three months after I moved.
I have been able to find clients and community in Baltimore that are the best I have ever had.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I was 15 when I decided I wanted to be a hairstylist. I loved the idea that I could help people look and feel their best. I also wanted to become a fantasy stylist and play in the world of rainbows. Fantasy colors have gained popularity over the last 12 years that I have been doing hair and have become so much more mainstream. It’s not just punks who have blue hair. It’s accountants and moms and students. You can absolutely be a professional and have the unicorn hair of your dreams. Getting to have hands on contact with my clients is truly a blessing in this weird age of a pandemic. I truly believe that we need personal touch and giving a great scalp massage is a specialty of mine. I even have a special add on service if you want more relaxation.
My clients inspire me the most when they bring in a feeling or a mood for their hair. I recently had someone come in who wanted Disney villain hair. Replicating someone else’s work isn’t my dream so bring in a few photos that inspire you and we can build the perfect hair for you.
And finally let me make you sparkle! Probably my favorite service is fairy hair. I take a single hair and add a glitter extension. It’s the perfect way to dip your toe into the fantasy world with very little commitment.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Recommendations. I am so thankful for the clients who tell their friends and family about me. I moved to Baltimore at the beginning of 2020 and had to build my clientele in the midst of a pandemic. I was blessed with clients who gave me a chance and then told their people about me. Instagram is also a huge part of getting my name out there. I am definitely not trying to become some sort of influencer on social media but the ability to show off my work is important.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Kindness and understanding. Communication is everything in the hair world. I like to take a seat with my clients and talk through their goals. I feel that this gives me the ability to really look at them and hear what they are saying. Kindness is the other thing that has to be present. People tell their stylists everything, you have to be able to see each client as a person not just a head of hair. I guess also humility. You cannot hit 100% and you have to be able to listen when something didn’t work for your client. Humility will also tell you when you can’t do something. Not every service will be in your wheelhouse and you have to know when to say I can’t do what you’re asking me to do.
And never try to gaslight your clients into thinking that something rocks. Be the first one to say this isn’t working the way I thought it was going to go. Let’s go in a different direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mckrakenhairmagic.com
- Instagram: @mckraken.hair.magic
Image Credits
Devon Rowland Photography