We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicky Nocera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicky, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a young age, I started loudly expressing my interest in art and fashion. My mom said I seemed to march to the beat of my own drum and was a trend setter. Sadly, when I was 15, my 17 year old sister committed suicide and home life became rough. My hairstylist (who was a friend of my parents), always made me feel and look good when I was in her chair during my difficult high school years.

As I went through my journey to heal from the loss of my sister and the toll it took on my family, I began to have more clarity on what my calling was; to become a hairstylist. I am super passionate about the artistic side of doing hair, but I love the human to human connection just as much. Hairstylist are day-makers and we take ours roles very seriously at Salon Nine Seven.

In memory of my beautiful sister and others who have struggled with mental health challenges, I have been on a conquest to make the world a happier place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting to where I am at certainly wasn’t easy. There was a move and I had a couple of kids along the way that made me question whether or not to continue down the career path I had chosen. However, my husband has always remained supportive and reminded me along the way of where my would take me. I had to get creative on how to feel balanced in my life between my career, family, and friendships. Obviously, we all have to make money to live, but dollars signs are not what motivate me. Bringing happiness to others and enjoying what I do means more. Ultimately, choosing to do hair at a salon in my community of Lilburn instead of commuting into Midtown Atlanta, is what helped me feel that balance. It allowed for me to establish a great client base and have more clarity on how to make the impact that I set out for earlier in life. In January of 2021 I became the owner of the salon I was working in. My husband and I renovated it 6 days!!

My salon is a place that not only makes people look good, but feel good throughout their visit and beyond. Now that I have my own place of business, I can facilitate community based events that will give to charitable causes. Lilburn is one of the most diverse communities in the state of Georgia and we want to exemplify that vibe at Salon Nine Seven.

I am a lover of all arts and follow fashion closely. I channeled this in my design for the salon so each guest that enters will instantly feel confident they will leave looking good as they are in the hands of true artist. I see each guest as an opportunity to make art and enhance their best features. I specialize in curls cutting, Sahag dry cutting, razor cutting, and advanced color techniques. I love working with all textures of hair!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since we live near stone mountain, we always like to take a hike there so we all can see the beautiful skyline. Additionally, we always like to cruise down the Beltline. Lunch at Ponce City Market and bar hoping is fun

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Joe, is someone who I give a massive shout out to. He is the most positive, driven, and loving person I know. He has always listened to my creative ideas and goals and worked with me/supported me in making them come to life.

I would like to give Bryan Sepp a shout out as well. He was the owner of the first salon I worked at. He was an amazing mentor that taught me precision haircutting that people specifically seek me out for today. Because of him, I learned very early in my career how to facilitate the perfect consultation with each of my guest and how important it is.

Additionally, I want to shout out to the product line I educate for, Surface. I have been with the company for 11 years (started with them 1 year after becoming a hair stylist). It is such a wholesome company with amazing people leading it. My time educating with Surface really helped shape me into the stylist I am today and feel confident in opening my own salon.

Website: www.salonnineseven.com

Instagram: @salonnineseven

Facebook: Salon Nine Seven

Image Credits
Photography done by: Marcie Reif, Ansley Sukowske, Clint Alexander, and Emil Powella

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