Today we’d like to introduce you to Martina Nicholas.
Martina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I kind of fell into hair. I went to beauty school to learn more about my hair and to learn how to do more hair like mine. I had such a hard time knowing where to find a stylist & who to trust, I figured, at the very least I would be able to do my own hair. I was already styling my family’s hair & really had a knack for it so I figured, why not? Well, I learned absolutely nothing about my own hair! I spent the next 6/7 years styling a type of hair that was not mine, but that I learned & did it well.
In 2016 I went through my own self realization journey. I transitioned from wearing my hair straightened to wearing it natural. The process of trying to find a stylist that could care for my hair in its natural state, then realizing that there was still not a stylist I could comfortably trust with my hair was enough to make me want to learn everything I didn’t already know about curly hair, and other types of curls that are different than my own. As I got more comfortable with my hair I started to take on more curly clients. I made the decision to take some official curly hair training in NY & its been history ever since.
Going into a classroom setting where every model had waves, curls, or kinks was one of the most beautiful, uplifting things I have ever experienced. We were finally all seen. I decided after that trip, all I wanted to do was curls. I wanted to make us feel beautiful, feel seen. I knew then that I could be everything I wish I had for myself.
I came back and have worked hard ever since learning as much as I can, marketing to let the community know I am here, and really just supporting all people in my chair.
I offer haircut services that are customized to your curl pattern. I am an expert at coloring your hair but keeping your curls healthy & in tact. Past that I make a conscious effort to make you feel safe in my space, and give you a stylist to trust. A Curl Friend.
I am striving to continue to make a lasting impact in my community so that we don’t feel less than because of our hair. There is a deeply rooted stigma and stereotype held against super curly textured hair. It comes from systemic racism, institutional bias, and frankly industry companies not being intentional when it comes to inclusion within their brands. From marketing & who they show to represent their brand, to who they hire to teach and support brand messaging. This has in turn subconsciously taken away the self esteem and worth of so many people with afro, super curly textured hair. So much so we have spent decades hiding our hair’s true form just to blend in.
It is my mission for us all to feel confident, to stand out, and in turn be free.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about you plans”
– Woody Allen.
I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am without obstacles. Obstacles give you grit. They teach you persistence. They show you how much you are willing to do to get what/where you want because its so easy to tuck & run at the first sign of hardship. My biggest obstacle was being in my own way. Being afraid to really go after what I wanted because I was too afraid to fail. Instead of opening up to the possibility that this is exactly where I am supposed to be right now & everything else will fall into place.
Let go of fear, & step into the void.
Sunflower Curls is the name of my business, I am more known under my IG handle @4allcurlkind. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
“Our mission is to show you how to care for and embrace your natural texture by providing specialty services to help your texture thrive. We provide these services for the curl community in order to provide a safe haven for you and your curls where your hair and culture is understood.”
I provide custom curl services such as treatments, styling, haircuts, and hair color. I love being the stylist that can show my curly clients that they CAN have color. Without damage. Because I understand their texture & it’s needs.
I want to be known for helping you develop a positive loving relationship with your hair. I have the ability to empower others and really show them that they have the ability to look how they envisioned themselves looking. I am proud to be able to offer that support to my community locally & hope to be able to eventually extend that reach.
Although curls are my specialty, I do still have clients with straight hair, and still take on new clients that have straight hair naturally or clients that thermally straighten their hair.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success has changed over the years. First it was a set amount of money. I knew I “made it” if I was making “x” amount a year. But over the years I have realized how much making genuine connections, & empowering people really matter to me. How much it satisfies my soul. Success in general should be defined and redefined as necessary. I think it should directly relate to your life experience & goals. I set small attainable goals & when I achieve those, those make me feel successful. Transitioning into being a curl specialist. Being a solopreneur as we call it. Offering services that some have never had the ability to experience out of lack of knowledge or fear. Those are all success for me. Having a set definition of success feels stagnant in a life and world that is ever changing. So for now, my next step into success is expanding my reach in the community and to be know as Phoenix’s top curl specialist.
Pricing:
- Custom Curl Cut $125
- Curl Transformation Service $65
- Curlyage Color $250+
- Steam Treatment $30
Contact Info:
- Address: I am located inside of Firefly Collective
6122 N 7th St
Suite A
Phoenix 85014 - Website: www.sunflowercurls.com COMING SOON
- Phone: 602 699 4848
- Email: contact@sunflowercurls.com
- Instagram: @4allcurlkind @sunflowercurlsphx
Image Credit:
Tor Hawley, Talia Lynn, Martina Nicholas
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