Meet Nicko Matthews

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

Hi Nicko, what is the most important factor behind your success?
1. What made you pursue this career?

I’ve been in beauty my whole life. I owned two salons in Indianapolis and have been doing hair for over ten years as a licensed cosmetologist. Beauty has always been my passion — it’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.

But FACNAK’D started from something deeply personal. I was struggling with dark marks and hyperpigmentation and got tired of hiding behind makeup. I once paid someone to create skincare for me — they took my money and disappeared. That’s when I decided to be the answer to my own problem.

I reached out to my cousin, who’s a chemist, and together we started formulating products that actually worked. I did my research, tested ingredients, and started small — just $2,000 and a dream. It began as something I sold in my salon, but it quickly grew into something bigger than I ever imagined.

I created FACNAK’D because I believe real beauty begins with real skin.

2. What is the most important factor behind your brand’s success?

Consistency and self-belief. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. I’ve learned to create my own boundaries and design my own life.

Success doesn’t come overnight. You have to show up every single day, even when it’s hard. That discipline, that drive — that’s what keeps FACNAK’D growing.

3. What makes you happy? Why?

Waking up every morning and knowing I’m in control of my own life — that’s happiness.

I love that I get to live life on my own terms, without limits or boundaries. Every day I wake up grateful that I took a chance on myself. Building this brand, helping people love the skin they’re in, and knowing I did it my way — that’s what truly fills me with joy.

4. What is the most important role as a parent and what impact has it had on your son?

Being a single mom is not easy, but it’s the most rewarding job I have. My son is 11, and I let him dream big. I encourage his imagination and always make sure he knows that anything is possible.

You’ll find me on the sidelines cheering at his basketball or football games — because no matter how busy I get, I’m always his biggest fan. My family in Indianapolis has been a huge support, especially when we moved to Houston. That support has helped him become independent and confident.

Motherhood and entrepreneurship are two full-time jobs, but I make sure to balance both — and to still enjoy life in between.

5. How do you know whether to give up or keep going?

You keep going. Always.

Billionaires conquer failure and fear. I’ve failed before — I had a clothing line that didn’t take off, a lip gloss brand that didn’t work out, an online boutique that didn’t succeed — but I never stopped believing in myself.

If you can give up on yourself easily, you’ll never see your breakthrough. After a million “no’s,” you’ll eventually get that one “yes.” That “millionaire yes.”

I don’t quit. FACNAK’D will make me a millionaire — I already see it.

6. What was your thought process behind starting your own brand?

At first, FACNAK’D was just a hustle — an extra stream of income while I was still doing hair. But the more people asked about my skin and started using my products, the more I realized I was building something special.

I wanted to help others who struggled with the same issues I did — to show them that beautiful, healthy skin was possible. I didn’t want to just sell products; I wanted to build confidence.

What started as “just something on the side” turned into my purpose.

7. Risk-Taking: What role has it played in your life and career?

Taking risks changed my life.

When I was 13 or 14, I told my mom, who worked in a warehouse, “I don’t want to do that — I want to be pretty every day.” From that moment, I decided to chase a life that looked different.

Moving to Houston was another big risk. But Houston is the world of money — the city for entrepreneurs. I knew if I could make it here, I could make it anywhere.

Every big leap I’ve taken — even when I was scared — has opened a new door. Risk is part of the reward.

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?
FACNAK’D is more than a skincare brand — it’s a confidence movement. I created it for women and men who want to feel good in their own skin. We focus on real results and real ingredients that work for everyday people, especially those dealing with hyperpigmentation, dark marks, and dry skin.

I believe real beauty begins with real skin, and I wanted to create products that help people embrace that. FACNAK’D is playful, authentic, and rooted in self-love — it’s for the everyday hustler, the mom, the dreamer, the go-getter who deserves to feel confident without covering up.

What sets us apart is that I lived this journey — I didn’t just build a brand, I built a solution for myself first. I struggled with my own skin for years, trying everything, wasting money, and hiding behind makeup. When I couldn’t find products that worked, I made my own. Every product in FACNAK’D comes from experience, research, and pure passion.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy?

Not at all. It’s been a grind. I started with $2,000, selling products out of my salon in Indianapolis. At first, it was just a side hustle — something to offer my clients. But as people started seeing results and asking for more, I realized I was onto something real.

There were times when I questioned myself, times when things didn’t go as planned, and times when I failed. But I’ve learned that failure is part of the formula. My clothing line failed. My lipstick line failed. My online boutique failed. But I never stopped showing up. Every “no” brought me closer to my “yes.”

When I moved to Houston, I knew it was time to take FACNAK’D seriously. Houston is a city for entrepreneurs — the energy here is unmatched. If you can make it in Houston, you can make it anywhere.

How did you overcome challenges?

With faith, consistency, and resilience.

When things got tough, I reminded myself why I started. I didn’t want to work in a warehouse like my mom — I wanted to be pretty every day and live life on my own terms. That fire kept me going.

I also learned to stop being afraid of starting over. Sometimes, God makes you rebuild to show you what you’re really capable of.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Believe in yourself first. No one will see your vision the way you do — and that’s okay.

Be consistent. Even when no one is watching, keep going.

Create boundaries. Protect your peace while building your dream.

Take risks. Growth only happens outside your comfort zone.

Failure doesn’t define you — quitting does.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want people to know that FACNAK’D is proof that you can turn your pain into purpose.

I didn’t have investors, a team of chemists, or fancy funding — just passion, persistence, and prayer. I worked with what I had and built something that now helps people love the skin they’re in.

FACNAK’D represents confidence, consistency, and courage. I want everyone who uses my products to feel empowered, fearless, and proud of their natural skin.

I’m a mom, an entrepreneur, and a dreamer who refused to give up — and if I can do it, so can you.

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.
I’m still learning my way around Houston, but one thing I can say for sure — this city knows how to have a good time! There’s always something to do, somewhere to eat, and someone amazing to meet. So if my best friend came to visit, here are a few of my favorite spots and things I’d make sure we did:

Friday-We’d kick off the weekend with dinner and vibes at Lov3 Nightclub & Restaurant — because by nightfall, it transitions from a restaurant to a full-on lounge experience. Good food, great drinks, amazing music, and a crowd that knows how to have fun. The energy there sets the tone for the rest of the trip — pure Houston flavor!

Saturday mornings are made for brunch, so we’re heading straight to MOXI. Their brunch is unmatched — beautiful atmosphere, good music, and that perfect mix of bottomless mimosas and luxury vibes. It’s where everyone comes dressed to impress.

Then, after a little mid-day glam and chill, we’d wrap up the night with dinner at Provaré Houston — the food is top tier and the ambiance is even better. It’s one of those places that just feels special every time you go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, my son, my team, and my FacNak’d Baes — every single person who has poured into me and believed in this dream.

My family has been my foundation. Their love, prayers, and support have carried me through every high and low. My son is my biggest motivation — he keeps me grounded, inspired, and focused on building something he can be proud of. Watching him grow gives me strength to keep pushing, no matter what.

My team deserves endless credit for helping me bring my vision to life. They believe in the mission just as much as I do — and that means everything.

And, of course, my FacNak’d Baes — the amazing customers and community who trust my brand, share their stories, and show up for me every single day. You all are the heartbeat of FACNAK’D. Your loyalty and love remind me why I started.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it because of the people who stood beside me. So this shoutout is for everyone who believed in me when I was just getting started — you made this possible.

Website: https://www.facnakd.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facnakd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FacNakd

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@facnakd

Image Credits
Anthropology Photo Co.