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

Hi Nikki, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Beginning in 2009 was actually the end of me thinking that the diagnosis of Clinical Depression was going to be my life. A single mom that moved from Decatur, Ga to a small town called Milledgeville, Ga, living pay check to pay check. Barely having gas for my car or food in my fridge. I knew that I had to shake the gloom, the darkness somehow. I had learned in some of the outpatient meetings that distractions or things that can take my mind off the never ending movie trailers of life going on in my mind would help. I have always loved all things beauty especially hair. So I signed up for cosmetology school in a near by town of Macon, Ga. While in school a customer saw me working and referred me to their friend that owned her shop. She called to the school and offered me a chair while in school. This was another motivation to complete school and pass State Board…and I did! I kept the chair in Macon and I also held a chair in the town I lived in. Things were looking up, however I wanted more! I decided to move my son and I back to Decatur and locked a chair in at South Dekalb Mall. A friend owned it and at the point watching her growth lead me to want even more! Time had passed and there were a few chairs and suites I had rented but the wanting of “More” had not yet been satisfied! In 2016 I made Snatched Body & Lash Spa LLC a Legit entity. I told my son “we will never live check to check again”! I added more services to create more income, but one service took me by surprise. When I became A Certified Lash Technician I knew this was my “MORE”! I no longer had time to be a Hair Stylist so I took Snatched Body & Lash Spa to the next level and started looking for my own Building. There were ups and downs…A Lot, but I found my location and grew it. I mean with my blood sweat and tears I cultivated that thing into a 6 figure business! My thoughts along the way was that Depression was not going to be the definition of Nichelle! I was going to keep my promise to my son! I am going to be a business of my own! I deserve everything I want and more. Snatched & Lashed is a place where my friend/clients and I talk about relatable situations. We laugh and cry! We even think of our next big moves in life together! As I grew over the years I never dreamed that I would be The person that people cant wait to see so they can tell me about their day or their decisions…But I did think that I was going to persevere and become a Great Business Owner!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a Licensed Master Cosmetologist and a Certified Lash Technician style is an absolute must! Knowing how to switch the game up sets you apart from anybody else. From learning or creating new techniques that will speed your work up in a affective manner to knowing the latest trends. It’s not always about being the first to do it. It’s about being affective in doing it. I have a tremor in my hands so being so precise at Lashing can be intimidating to some but to me, it was a just a test of resilience. I created a technique that would eliminate the tremor, speed up the process all without affecting the integrity of the natural lash. Me communicating with my clients before creating this technique was the only thing that saved me from them hoping out my chair when they felt me shaking profusely! lol My professionalism is what carries me. My overcommunicating is what soothes the timid from paying a high price for a unnecessary service. Me understanding that the people that sit in my chair have an option to come see me is why Im where I am today! My brand has a ground to stand on and its, integrity, honesty, amazing customer service, leading edge technique and an abundance of gratitude!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So The city of Atlanta has some amazing go to spots but the smaller areas such as East Atlanta, Edgewood or Reynoldstown are my go to spots. We would first hit up According to fashion for the latest trends in clothing and accessories! Each day would absolutely be a day of food and bar hoping. From Blu Cantina, to Tin Lizzy and even Ponce City Market for the best tequila infused drinks and bomb food. But my absolute favorite place to hang out is my own backyard. My husband created a oasis of comfort from 2 fire pits to lights, a bar, multiple sitting areas and tv’s across the walls. We enjoy hookah, drinks and grilled food or catered food from my friend Chris the chef! Georgia and its inner cities never ever get boring so the fun or places to see are endless!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout is to my Village! My husband Trey, my son Ja’Lon and my mother Lynn. They have been there to help me pull through those dark days when I thought of giving up. It was definitely tougher on them to see their loved one at their lowest at times, but they ALWAYS picked me up, brushed me off, patted me on the back and said do it again! It’s because of them I am where I am today. Now I won’t get it twisted I needed help learning how to style clients and be customer service driven and that comes from Nene(Stephens) Brooks Miss Press n Curl herself! As well as Kenya Tucker the short hair slayer that taught me how to go for what i want despite what others thought about it! My village whether they knew they were apart of it or not helped me in so many ways to get to where I am today.

Website: Snatchedandlashed.com

Instagram: @snatchedandlashed

Facebook: Snatched Body & Lash Spa LLc

Other: tiktok @snatchedbodyandlashspa Google Snatchedbodylashspa.com

Image Credits
@rockstarpaga

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