Meet Nicole Lopez | Salon owner

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

Hi Nicole, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m a third-generation Houstonian, born and raised in this vibrant city. Growing up in Houston shaped me in so many ways—the culture, diversity, and strong sense of community taught me resilience, hard work, and the value of building genuine relationships.

My upbringing played a huge role in who I am today. I was raised in a family that believed in faith, perseverance, and giving back. My father and stepfather both instilled in me a strong work ethic, self-motivation, and the importance of independence. Watching the women in my family overcome obstacles with grace and strength inspired my passion for empowering other women.

This foundation is what led me to become a beauty entrepreneur. I’ve always believed that beauty isn’t just about appearance—it’s about confidence, self-care, and feeling your best. That belief, combined with my deep-rooted love for helping others, pushed me to create a space where beauty professionals can thrive and clients can receive top-tier services. My background fuels everything I do, from running my salon to mentoring other women and growing my own business with integrity and passion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the proud owner of Revive Salon and Spa in the Heights, a one-stop beauty destination that houses a diverse group of talented beauty professionals specializing in everything from hair and skincare to body contouring and aesthetic treatments. Beyond providing top-tier beauty services, my mission is to create a community—a space where beauty professionals can thrive, support each other, and grow their businesses in an environment built on empowerment, collaboration, and professionalism.

What sets Revive apart is the culture we’ve cultivated. This isn’t just a salon—it’s a place where women in the beauty industry are given the resources, mentorship, and space to build something for themselves. I take pride in fostering a supportive, drama-free environment where we encourage and uplift one another. Our clients don’t just come in for services; they come in for an experience, for expertise, and for the confidence that comes with investing in themselves.

I’ve been in the beauty industry since 2008, specializing in blonding, hair extensions, custom color corrections, and hair loss treatments. My passion has always been about more than just hair—it’s about helping women feel and look their best, restoring confidence, and creating transformations that go beyond the surface. Becoming a salon owner was a natural next step, but it wasn’t easy.

The journey hasn’t been smooth. Taking over Revive was a leap of faith, and entrepreneurship comes with its share of challenges. From navigating financial pressures and managing a team to ensuring a consistent client experience, I’ve faced obstacles that tested me in ways I never expected. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and times when I questioned if I could really do this. But every challenge has been a lesson—on resilience, leadership, and the importance of staying true to my vision even when things get tough.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t about doing it all alone—it’s about community. Surrounding myself with like-minded professionals, learning from my mistakes, and staying adaptable has been key. I’ve also learned that as much as I pour into my business, I have to pour into myself—my growth, my mental health, and my ability to lead.

What I want the world to know about me and Revive Salon and Spa is that this is more than a business—it’s a movement. It’s about creating beauty, confidence, and opportunity. It’s about empowering others to believe in themselves the way Myra once believed in me. And it’s about proving that with hard work, faith, and the right people around you, anything is possible.

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 Houston, I’d make sure they got a taste of the city’s amazing food, nightlife, and culture.
• For food, we’d definitely hit up Pappadeaux’s for some Cajun seafood, Goode Co. Cantina for Tex-Mex and margaritas, and Bob’s Lounge & Grill for the best Indian food in town.
• For drinks and nightlife, I’d take them to Monkey’s Tail for craft cocktails, Onion Creek for a laid-back Heights vibe, and Axelrad for a fun beer garden experience with live music.
• For experiences, we’d explore the Heights for boutique shopping and live music, walk through Buffalo Bayou Park for the best city views, and maybe take a quick trip to Galveston for a beach day.

Houston has so much to offer, but I love showing people the good vibes, great food, and diverse experiences that make this city special!

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, who played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today—not just personally, but in business as well. Being raised by my Hispanic parents instilled in me the values of resilience, hard work, and unwavering faith. Even though we grew up with limited financial means, I never truly felt the struggle because we were raised in a home filled with love. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for us, and no matter how hard times got, they never let us see the weight of their burdens. Their example of perseverance, independence, and the rewards of hard work taught me the foundation of success—not just in business, but in life.

I also want to recognize Myra Salas, who saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. At a time when I was transitioning from marriage to divorce, learning how to stand on my own, she gave me the opportunity to believe in myself. She encouraged me to take the leap into booth renting at a salon in the Heights—something I didn’t think I was good enough for. Her support, mentorship, and belief in me will always hold a special place in my heart. I will forever be indebted to her for that push when I needed it the most.

Lastly, I want to give recognition to all the beauty professionals at Revive Salon and Spa. Their commitment to their craft, their professionalism, and their ability to uplift and support one another is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The community we’ve built at Revive is a true blessing, and I’m inspired every day by their dedication and passion.

Success is never achieved alone, and I am beyond grateful for each of these people who have been a part of my journey.

Website: https://www.revivesalonandspas.com/

Instagram: Revive_salonspa

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/jbtx.photo?igsh=MXNveWllMHVlNndwbA==

Jill with jbtx.photo
Samantha with Rodela photography