Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Edgington.
Hi Nikki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my journey into the beauty industry when I was just 16 years old. I had recently graduated valedictorian from my high school and was ready to take on life. I was just a baby then! I was done with school a year early but was ready to start chasing my passion. I began cosmetology school at Bellus Academy with the support of my family & my now husband, Kory. During that time, I assisted an amazing stylist in Solana Beach. I also started my journey as a freelance bridal & event stylist with one of my close friends who started a company specializing in wedding/event hair & makeup. When I graduated, I immediately started working in a chain salon. After about a year of working for corporate salons, I took the leap into booth renting. It was a struggle at first but has been one of the most rewarding leaps of faith I have ever taken. That leap has led me to being a stronger stylist. I now am a Color & Extension Specialist with a focus in Blonding & both Tape-in & NBR Extensions. I also have continued to do Bridal hair, which is one of my FAVORITE & most rewarding parts of my career. I take my own bookings for that, as well as contracting with local event companies.
A few months into being an independent stylist I found out I was pregnant with my son, Silas. My sweet boy was born in January of 2019 and has been such a joy! When the world was turned upside down by Covid, everything came to a halt. It was a game of open and close for about a year. I did hair as much as I possibly could and spent a lot of time honing my craft & learning a ton about my color line. I spent so much time learning, researching, and practicing techniques new and old. During that tumultuous time, we were blessed again with my precious baby girl, Autumn. Being a mommy to these two is such a wonderful gift! Even with the craziness of being a mother of two, I still am fully committed to my passion & career. I recently moved into a beauty collective, Luxe Beauty, and couldn’t be happier! It is a beautiful little salon in La Mesa. It’s a perfect combination of a traditional salon and a studio, which creates such a unique experience me as a stylist & for our guests! I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love in my beautiful salon home, as well as traveling to different locations throughout the county to take part in special days for my bridal & event clients. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without the support of my wonderful family, husband, mentors, and of course- my fantastic clients.
Alright, 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?
When I first chose to take the leap into owning my own business, I bit off more than I could chew. I went into my own big studio and really struggled. It forced me to work harder than I ever had before. It also made me humble myself, take on a night job, and refocus. I gave up my studio and found my first booth in Love Spell Salon. It was my salon home until COVID. That time of salons opening & closing constantly was such a period of uncertainty. I definitely learned to make the best of when I was able to work and take it in stride during closures. Working full time while pregnant, both times, wasn’t easy but something I couldn’t imagine not doing. Balancing life as a mom, wife, and stylist can be a challenge. I love all three aspects of my life so I figure it out! The relationships I have with my family and my clients are so important and special to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Luxe Creations By Nicole?
I am a hairstylist specializing in Blonding, Bridal & Extensions. I also love fashion shades & traditional colors! Check out my Instagram to see my diverse portfolio (@luxecreationsbynicole). Watching a client’s eyes light up when they see their new color or seeing how their extensions build their confidence is such a rewarding moment.
As far as my bridal clients go, getting to be with these women on their big day is such an honor. I love getting to talk with them and help them create a look that they will love day of & cherish when looking back at photos.
Hairstylists all have our own special touch and way of doing things. My style, both business-wise & creatively, is unique. For me, listening and getting to know my clients & understanding their needs is my first priority. That’s the catalyst for everything else.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always interested in beauty & arts. I was academically inclined but loved acting, singing, and everything beauty! I acted in a couple of plays in high school and loved all aspects of the theatre. Getting to dress up and create a look and character was so fun. I was outgoing as a younger kid and got a bit more reserved as I got into middle and high school, as I didn’t connect with most people in my grade. I didn’t exactly have the same mindset or interests as other kids my age most of the time growing up, and that definitely created an interesting dynamic with my peers. I often spent time with my family and found myself relating to kids who were a couple of grades older than myself. I was fortunate enough to find a handful of friends throughout my younger years who are still a big part of my life today.
Contact Info:
- Email: Nikkibucey@gmail.com
- Website: https://luxecreationsbynicole.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxecreationsbynicole/
Image Credits
Family Photo by Porcelain Photography
