Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Ngouy.
Hi Nancy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career as a hairstylist almost 18 years ago. I remember as a young adult trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I soon realized after trying out miscellaneous jobs and changing my major a few times I wanted to find a career where I knew I could never grow tired of and will adapt to any lifestyle. A friend and a truly talented stylist suggested going into the beauty industry. I enrolled in cosmetology school the following week.
Juggling school, work, and assisting at a hair salon for free to gain knowledge wasn’t easy but the fact I was working toward a lifelong career I truly enjoyed gave me the motivation I needed to pull through. The day I started taking clients and creating beautiful looks for each person is went I knew THIS was what I was meant to do.
After graduating college then getting my Cosmetology license finding a job as a full-time stylist within about three years, I was able to build a wonderful clientele.
I always believed in continuing your education and staying on top of trends and latest techniques. This inspired me to pursue a second career in education. I have been teaching for a total of 12 years now and for the last seven years, I have been very lucky enough to host my very own education courses allowing me to travel all over the world meeting new people and sharing my love of everything hair.
From all the obstacles life has thrown at me from my 18 years in this industry nothing was harder than the last two years when Covid hit the world. Everyone was in the same position. I am proud of myself and so very humbled and grateful for my little Community that Studio NN is still standing and slowly but surly getting stronger every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a long and rough road to get where I am today. To succeed in this industry or any other, you need to have a very strong work ethic and extremely tough skin. Work ethic, I believe is just something you were born with and tough skin is something you gain along the way with years of experience. From toxic work environments to troubleshooting tough clients, it could break anyone’s spirits.
Even after all that including the recession in 2008, I would say Covid-19 has been the toughest yet.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am San Diego born and bread business owner. I own a wonderful place described as a “hidden urban jungle” called Studio NN located in Bankers Hill. The shop host a storefront that sells handmade local goods for the mind, body, soul. And the back is where salon is I am the master stylist specializing in technical hair color, precision cuts and hair care. I have been doing hair for 18 years but I believe now with the new storefront, we are getting more notice for being the salon with the most indoor plants. I am strong supporter in shopping small and local each item is unique and has a wonderful story.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a risk-taker. I think as a business owner, you have to take constant calculated risks. Adapting changing and proving to your environment and climate change. Being in the industry of fashion and vanity, you have to be very up-to-date with the latest trends. Risk and being open minded to new idea is important. It’s truly scary but the risk is worth the reward when done right. Taking risks leads to failure and failure leads to lessons learned which then leads to higher chances of success.
Contact Info:
- Email: Studionnsd@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.studionn.shop/
- Instagram: Hairbynn
