Meet Johneine “Nina” Grate | Children’s Salon Owner/Master Cosmetologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johneine “Nina” Grate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johneine “Nina”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After finishing cosmetology school, I knew I wanted to own a salon but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to specialize in. After working in a few franchise salons, I felt I serviced way more children than adults. They always seemed uncomfortable and nervous. I then had the brilliant idea to open full service children’s salon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m most proud of being able to create a vision, execute the vision, and show others if I did, they can too! Owning a children’s salon or any business can be challenging but my patience and my ability to connect with them makes it a lot easier. It took a lot of mistakes to get to where I am today. With me opening in 2019 and being hit with the pandemic, I felt like things would not be the same and I should just throw in the towel but I kept moving and it was the best decision. Hard but the best! I’ve learned so much with being a business owner. The first and most important thing is it’s not always about the dollar. It’s about the service, care and how you make your customer feel the FIRST time they enter your establishment. That’s how you keep your business thriving! After working with children of all ages, I’ve encountered several of them have being bullied. My next venture will incorporate support groups for those children to build confidence and leadership skills that will take them to heights they undoubtedly reach.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I like to try new things so I’d definitely take them somewhere I’ve never been before but do something fun. We would fly out to Napa Valley! We would do a little window shopping, visit all the wineries, eat from the best charcuterie boards and most importantly stomp grapes-that’s on my bucket list ☺️

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends! Especially my Dad! He has had a tremendous impact on my business. My absolute biggest support. He lives by the motto, “It’s according to what want” I take that as long as you want something, you’ll strive to keep it!

Instagram: @Bellesbeauskids

Facebook: Belle’s & Beau’s Children’s Salon

Image Credits
Erik Revills