Meet Nicole Jernigan | Healthy Loc Preceptor & Loc Care Specialist

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

Hi Nicole, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of myself is remaining integral to who I am, what I stand for and where I come from. The main factor behind the success of my business is remaining rebellious even when it isn’t/wasn’t popular. I’ve created an over 20 yr old business telling people to do the complete opposite of what the majority sides with, with their locs. My philosophy is tried and true and has helped So many people around the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is A Distinct Image. I teach my clients and students how to care for their scalps and locs without products. My tagline “No Wax, No Gel, No Butter, Not Ever” is what sets me apart in my industry. In the A.D.I. Science Lab themed salon, I use science, positive psychology, nutrition, a holistic standpoint and more to create the philosophy that I follow to care for my exclusive clientele from the inside out. I got to where I am because majority of my clients, having scalp issues, were at wits end trying to find a loctician who was knowledgeable about their conditions that they were sensitive about. I’ve studied so many clients, scalp and hair conditions, illnesses, mindsets, trauma etc through running my business, managaging a barber shop and a natural hair salon and endless classes. I pride myself in helping them become confident in what they see, feel and think about the challenges they endure.

Now the owner of my own store front salon and freelance learning space, I’ve had challenges with my own health, hair, mind body and soul which pushed me into overdrive into my own journey to heal. I took my own advice. After losing my sister to lupus, watching my son graduate in the midst of the pandemic, catching a life threatening case of covid, dealing with clinical depression, reversing diabetes in less than 6 months, losing almost 100lbs, having a brain procedure, losing my father Aug 1, amongst countless others, having the Grand Opening to my Safe Space is one of my Greatest achievements. Having perseverance, endurance and courage allows you to “Stay True”, in the words of my son. I surround myself with positivity. From people that I allow to experience and have access to me, listening to Affirmation Music daily, eating to live healthy…for the most part, finding healing through yoga and lots more self care, I keep myself and business grounded in and outside of the salon. Other than that you can always find me with a cup of loose leaf herbal tea bopping to the beat of my own drum.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Oohh this is good! My 2 best friends and I love music, good food and dope vibes. In Hampton Roads there are many places to go based on your interests but just a breif list in no particular order we will experience and explore rest and relaxation by way of Aerial Yoga with my girl @yogawithZee_ to open our minds bodies and hearts up to the time we will get to share. We will take our talents to King Spa, an all inclusive membership situational type of day spa that you can visit ALL DAY. Food: We will have breakfast at Cltre Vgn Joint , a Vegan breakfast/lunch spot that I absolutely love, Desmond’s Island Grill, a vegan soul food spot that has food to hug you tight! Brothers, a fine dining restaurant in downtown Norfolk that gives Yassss Dawling and amazing food! Happy Cafe is a Must too bc you just Have To!

We would have to visit Noire a Simply Panache Lounge where they host an array of mini concerts, live music, classes, dance lessons, and more.
Also the Book Club in portsmouth. Va , a wine, candle and book bar with a fly esthetic and good music.

Slow Dive, a Bodega, Gallery themed spot in Norfolk, where the nightlife feels like underground parties in NY, great music featuring local and traveling artists, art and a chill dope vibe. Cork & Co, a martini bar/ winery space with amazing brunch and dinner, is also one of my fav spots too located in downtown Norfolk.
We would def have to visit the beach, a private one like Chic’s Beach where the sand is smoother between your toes, if it cooler out we can set up the fire pit and listen to the waves or we can get a suite at the ocean front and watch the waves from inside and play the friends deck of The And by The Skin Deep.
For our down time, we would chill around in our pj’s and snack have random conversation, take naps and just be present in the moment. We don’t require much.

I think that would be a very fulfilling weekend.

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 son I’zayah & my late father Askia Sparrow.

My son taught me and continues to teach me why I am and will always be a Pro-Male woman. I appreciate seeing him pour into others the way I pour into him. As a high school teen mom, I appreciate growing up With him, learning life with him and experiencing success with him despite odds that were and will be in both of our favor.

My father was/is my favorite mentor. His love and unprecedented dedication to his community helped me understand my purpose of serving, teaching and growing mine inside and outside of my industry. Although his physical form is no longer here, I find great pride in following in his footsteps in my own way to honor his name.

Website: Adistinctimage.com

Instagram: Adistinctimage

Linkedin: Nicole Jernigan

Facebook: Adibynicolej

Image Credits
Ellamarierosephotography Jay Charles