Meet Nikki Wozniak of Downtown Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Wozniak.

Hi Nikki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! I’m Nikki! Owner and creator of The Whyld Hare. Born and raised in Phx, I knew at a very young age I wanted to work in a salon. I grew up putting curlers in my dad’s hair for fun on the weekends at grandmas house. In 5th grade I dreamed of someday owning my own salon. I knew college was not something I wanted to pursue and decided to go to cosmetology school after I graduated high school.
I was so inspired by Toni&Guy, their culture, their education, their edgy style, literally Everything. I graduated from Toni&Guy Academy and worked as a colorist for the first 6 years of my career. Color was always a very special talent and love that I had and still is my favorite part of my career. Color is just so fascinating in so many ways and is such a big part of being a hair stylist.
I ended up being a color educator for 10 plus years because of how passionate I am about color and education.
I’ve had some amazing hair mentors in my career over the years. The most amazing mentor who saw something special in me, never gave up on me and was always such a great influence and inspiration for me is Trini.
He is a very kind and caring human who I learned a lot from.

Fast forward to 2019 I had this thought in my mind of what I was going to name my future salon. I wanted it to be a play on words but also showcase my love for the Desert where I was born and raised. That’s when the idea of The Whyld Hare was born.

I’ve always been a big believer in the power of manifestation. Not in a way that if you just hope and pray one day your dreams will come to life. But with lots of hard work, dedication, patience, hope, and never giving up, anything is possible.

Growing up in Phoenix, I’ve always had a special connection to Downtown Phx. And in 2021 Me and my Fiancé, Aaron were fortunate enough to land a piece of the heart of downtown Phoenix, on Roosevelt Row. I had a vision and a HUGE remodel ahead of me. But with the never ending help and support from Aaron my dream became a reality!

I created The Whyld Hare for everyone to have a salon to go where they can enjoy their hair experience, in every way! I have cultivated a team of amazing stylists who are well versed in all areas of hair. Our awesome team of stylists are not only talented, but they also make sure to listen to try to make your hair dreams come true! Our salon is unique in many ways and we welcome you to come sit in our chair and be a part of the whyld magic!

I also want to give a special thanks to all of my amazing clients who have become friends over the years. I have built such amazing relationships and connections with so many of my clients. They are who makes my dream possible, who continue to support my artistry, my vision, and put their trust in me. I can honestly say that I have the most amazing career and it just gets better and better as the years go by!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve always struggled to “fit in” my whole life. Being a Stylist has helped me gain confidence and find a place where I know I belong.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love all things hair. I am a stylist of 20 years in the beauty industry and a proud salon owner. I’ve specialized in color and education for most of my career. Education is so important in our industry. I’ve studied in New York and Italy and I also taught for an Italian color line for 10 years. Color has always been my biggest passion. I now have my own team of stylists who I am educating and mentoring. It is such an honor to have a team of talented stylists to watch grow and blossom in this industry.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The thing about taking a risk, is if you don’t, you’ll never know what you could me missing out on or the lessons you could be learning in taking those risks whether they are positive or negative, it’s all in your way of thinking. There’s not too much in life that scares me, intimidates me, or hinders my growth. Mainly because I have gone through so many obstacles along the way and have grown through them all!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Thewhyldharesalon.com
• Instagram: the.whyld.hare