Meet Trailblazer Nikki Romano

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us Nikki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hello! I’m a licensed cosmetologist of five years. I knew I wanted to be involved in the beauty industry since I was about 14 years old. Everything in my life has always pushed me towards hair, makeup, and beauty in general. At the age of 14, my friends would always ask me to do their hair and makeup and I would always say yes. There’s nothing more rewarding than making someone feel beautiful so why would I say no. By the age of 17, I had enrolled in a cosmetology program that worked with my high school called EVIT. Typically, it’s a two-year program but since I started my senior year, I was only there for a year. EVIT gave me that little taste of what being a hairstylist like and I knew I was making the right decision.

After that, I had enrolled in a beauty academy to finish out my hours. Once I had graduated and became a licensed cosmetologist, I went into an assisting program in an upscale salon. I highly recommend being an assistant to anyone who is just starting out. It is one of the best opportunities a hairstylist can have. I learned so much working for a mentor who was a color educator. Coincidentally, the color just happens to be my favorite service. It also gave me the chance to work with a very high-end clientele and work behind the scenes at photo shoots. Which is exactly why I can never become bored within my career choice. If I become complacent, I can always take a different avenue without actually changing what I do for a living. This is exactly why I chose to become a hairstylist. I knew I needed something different every day because sitting behind a desk is not for me. I need change and what better way to do it than working with hair. Every year, trends change, techniques change and I have to change with those trends. Lastly, I needed a way to express myself and find my form of creativity. Being a hairstylist gave me everything I could possibly want in a career choice.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were obstacles along the way. Beauty school was probably the biggest obstacle. Hence the term “beauty school dropout.” Being a hairstylist is a very self-motivated career choice. At the age of 18, it’s hard to stay self-motivated when you’re still trying to figure out who you are. There were times, I felt like giving up and looking for something else but at the end of the day, nothing else would be worth it. If I could give someone who is just starting out a few words of advice it would probably be to stay focused on you. Don’t worry about what your friends in college are doing because their schooling and your schooling is different. In a way, being a beauty school student is like entering the workforce so you have to stay focused. The faster you get through it, the sooner you can begin developing yourself as an artist.

As a stylist, the obstacles are a little smaller. It’s more of a case by case obstacle. For example, color correction can seem impossible or intimidating. That’s where being an assistant for about at least a year gives you those tools and confidence to take on a 5 to 6-hour process. That would be my number one advice to anyone starting out. Of course, we are going to make mistakes, that’s how we all learn. By taking an assistant position, I know I made far fewer mistakes than if I were to have just gone out there and begun my career with only the knowledge I had from school. A hairstylist has to invest in education and it’s not cheap. Why not take full advantage of the free education through an assisting program.

Someone once told me 90% of hairstylist fail after the first five years. Not the most motivating words to be told as a newbie but it’s true. Just remember to stay focused and work hard because it’s not easy.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do all different styles of work. It can range from a sleek chic bob to a lived-in beachy textured look. I do offer cut, color, and extensions. I don’t specialize but I will say my favorite service to offer in color. Color allows me to be as creative as I want and truly developed a personalized look for that client sitting in my chair. It’s also where most clients are open to change. Like I said earlier, there is no better feeling than making someone feel beautiful and confident. Everyone who has a seat in my chair is unique in their own way and I like to accentuate that. Most of my clients will say I have a great memory and that may be true, but what it comes down to is that they are people and not a number or a paycheck. This is what sets me apart from most. I chose to find a way to connect with everyone and personalize each service to that individual.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I come from a family of strong women. I’ve been surrounded by inspiration for my whole life. My grandmother is a big inspiration because she is an incredibly hard worker. She came to this country as an Italian immigrant and has worked her way to a comfortable lifestyle. My mother would have to be the biggest inspiration in my personal life. Whenever I wanted to quit she was always there pushing me to do better and not give up. I wouldn’t be the hairstylist or even the person I am today without her help My mom is such a hard worker. She keeps everything together, whether it’s home life or business.

My number one inspiration in the beauty industry would have to be Sonya Dove. A salon I had worked at was hosting an intimate class with her as the instructor. She is an inspiration because she truly understands what it means to create a look for an individual. From the start to finish, the class was very informative. Never once brought up the money factor, it was all about the hair and the client. On top of her talent, she’s also very sweet and humble.

Pricing:

• Haircuts are $70
• Color (depending on the service) 100-2500
• Extensions require a consultation

Contact Info:

• Address: 15551 N Greenway Hayden Loop
  Unit 140
  Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
• Phone: 602-368-2009
• Email: nikki_romano@yahoo.com
• Instagram: Color.me.kiki

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.