Meet Nickie Nou | Founder/CEO – Curls Dynasty, IBol Beauty

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

Hi Nickie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a mix of anticipation, glee, and, honestly, a bit of dread! The thought process was fueled by a deep desire to innovate and create meaningful solutions for women—especially those who felt underrepresented in the hair care industry. I wanted to go beyond just selling products; I wanted to build a brand that resonated with real people and provided them with tools that addressed their unique hair needs.

I remember sitting with this bubbling excitement—imagining the possibility of creating something that could revolutionize hair care for women like myself and those around me. But with that excitement came the daunting reality of stepping into uncharted territory. I knew I’d be facing challenges—learning curves, late nights, moments of doubt…

There was this spark inside me that kept saying, “You can do this. You can be the solution that so many are looking for.” That spark ignited a fire. It pushed me to create a brand that celebrates the beauty and diversity of all women, emphasizing quality, integrity, and empowerment. And now, with my new salon opening just a month ago, I get to see the brand come to life in an even more personal and interactive way. It’s all about community, connection, and creating a safe, pampering space where everyone feels seen, heard, and fabulous.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Absolutely! My business is a reflection of my obsession and passion with innovation, and community. My hair care brand and newly launched salon are both built on the foundation of understanding and celebrating the diverse beauty of all women. What sets us apart is our commitment to service, authenticity and quality. From the beginning, I wanted to create a brand that was more than just products on a shelf or services on a menu—I wanted to build a movement that empowers women to embrace their beauty, take charge of their hair care journey, and feel confident in their own skin.

What excites me the most is seeing the transformation—not just in hair but in confidence. Watching a woman leave our salon with her head held high or reading a review about how our products have changed someone’s relationship with their hair—it’s priceless. I’m proud that we’ve created a space, both physically and virtually, where women feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

Getting to where I am today business-wise has been a journey filled with highs and lows. It certainly wasn’t easy. When I first launched the hair care brand, there were so many sleepless nights—experimenting with formulas, dealing with suppliers, figuring out the branding, and, of course, trying to get the word out with a limited budget. There were moments of self-doubt and fear, especially when things didn’t go as planned. But I’ve learned that the success lies in persistence. Every challenge was a lesson, and an opportunity in disguise.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay true to your vision and your values, no matter what. The pressure to conform, to cut corners, or to follow trends is real, but staying authentic has been my guiding principle. Another lesson is the importance of adaptability. The business landscape is always changing, and being open to learning and evolving is key. You have to be willing to pivot when necessary but never lose sight of the core of what you’re trying to achieve.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that we’re here to disrupt and make a difference. We’re about more than just hair; we’re about community, empowerment, and celebrating what makes us unique. I started this journey because I saw a gap and felt a calling to fill it, not just for myself but for every woman who has ever felt overlooked or misunderstood for the texture of her hair, for example. I want people to know that our story is one of faith, hard work, and resilience—and that we’re just getting started. There’s so much more to come, and I’m excited to continue growing and evolving with the amazing community that’s been with us from day one.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience filled with all my favorite things! We’d kick things off with some quiet time by the water, just relaxing, catching up, and enjoying a great bottle of red wine—there’s something so calming about that peaceful setting. I have a passion for discovering new restaurants and flavors, so we’d definitely eat our way through the city, exploring hidden gems, trendy spots, and local favorites that offer a real taste of the city’s culinary scene.

For a bit of adventure, we’d do something spontaneous, like a helicopter ride over the city—nothing beats seeing it from that perspective! For me, it’s all about blending relaxation, excitement, and exploration—creating memories that last a lifetime!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to give a massive shoutout to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible. He’s given me the strength, wisdom, and the spirit to dream big and the courage to go after those dreams relentlessly. Every step of the way, I’ve felt His guidance, and I’m grateful for the path He’s set before me. He made me a person who can achieve things beyond my imagination, and for that, I am eternally thankful.

Next, I want to shine a light on my incredible mom. She’s been my rock, my teacher, since day one. She molded my character to believe that I can do anything, and she showed me how to face adversity with grace and strength. Her resilience, love, and tenacity taught me that there’s always a way, and if you can’t find it, you create it. Everything I do, I do with the lessons she’s poured into me.

I also owe so much to the beautiful community of women who have supported my business from the very beginning. These are the women who took a chance on my products when no one else knew who I was, who shared their honest feedback and spread the word, who showed up at the salon on opening day and kept coming back. Their love and loyalty have been the backbone of my success. It’s not just about customers; it’s about a sisterhood. These women believe in what we’re building together—a place where everyone feels empowered, celebrated, and embraced. Their trust and encouragement mean the world to me.

And, of course, I can’t forget my family and friends. They have been my heartbeat throughout this journey. They’ve believed in every step, celebrated every win, and been there to pick me up through the challenges. They’ve helped me brainstorm, volunteered at pop-up events, shared my story far and wide, and most importantly, reminded me to keep going when things got tough. I’m blessed beyond words to have such a strong support system that roots for me every single day. So, to everyone who’s been part of this story—thank you. Your love, faith, and support have made all the difference.

Website: https://www.curlsdynasty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickienou?igsh=NHJ4YTlmYzMyZWl2&utm_source=qr

Other: Curls Dynasty Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/curlsdynasty?igsh=MXR5ODNjYzI4NjkzNA==

Ibol Beauty Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ibolbeautyofficial?igsh=dDE4bmF6ZjNtMXZp

Image Credits
Aubrey Jonsson
Karvisual
Allen Cooley