Meet Shanique (sha~nee~qua) Pearson (ms. Nikki) | Cosmetology Consultant/Instructor/Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanique (sha~nee~qua) Pearson (ms. Nikki) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanique (Sha~Nee~Qua), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was creating something that was exciting for me to wake up to every morning, Not only that, I wanted both creative and financial freedom. I wanted to put all my energy into my craft and not worry about how many hours needed to be clocked or how much money was being made. My passion for all things cosmetology, outweighed effort and the risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In this Cosmetology Industry there are so many talented professionals. However, what sets me apart is my pure joy and passion for the craft. I gain perspective, purpose and meaning in teaching someone with the hunger and drive for all of what the Cosmetology Industry has to offer. Whether it be behind the chair or running an institution, I immerse myself in the world of Cosmetology to keep my skills as sharp as my shears. My professional journey took a great deal of dedication, calculated time, sleepless nights, continuous refinement of attention to detail, structured practice and most importantly, patience and grace to allow myself freedom to explore. All of these things were and are very difficult to balance. Especially for a self proclaimed perfectionist. Embracing patience and grace helped me overcome challenges that would arise in my day to day professional/personal life. I intentionally wanted to build something that would have longevity. So that means not taking any short cuts along with gathering quality knowledge and information. “MzNikkiaturservice” (Ms Nikki at your Service) is my company I created in 2016, encompassing all of what I have to offer. As a Stylist, it started with a booking site for any potential clients that wanted to book hair services with me. As an Instructor, my weeks were catered to mentoring, teaching and coaching future professional cosmetologists preparing to apply for a professional license. Presently, I offer many services in the beauty industry to either beauty schools or salons as a consultant to streamline the logistics of their companies. I take absolute pride in working with companies or individuals that prioritize quality service, efficiency and emerging industry trends that shape our salon and beauty world. With MzNikkiaturservice, the goal is to always pay it forward. I’m a true believer in “each one, teach one.” Sharing my knowledge of the beauty industry as a Mentor ensures that the legacy of bestowing potential clients with supreme confidence, does not end with me.

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 more so a devout homebody, however when I decide to roam about my city, a day in the life would start with breakfast. Places like Shipley’s, a southern staple. The Breakfast Club, The Honey Hole, or The Toasted Yolk cafe. Houston has become a mecca for brunch. Anywhere on Almeda and Westhimer would suffice.I hear the night life is on fire! From a night out to Karaoke at the Hideaway on Dunvale, to good music and nice drinks at Grooves of Houston or Empire State Jazz Cafe on Wilcrest. Places to bring some culture like The Miller Outdoor Theater, Discovery Green, or the many Museums and Immersive entertainment options Houston, Texas has to offer. There is no short of fun or things to get into here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All of who I am, is in reverence to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love you and thank you to the two people that came together to create a beautiful anomaly. Mom and Dad you both are my heart in human form. Thank you to my sister for being my first live mannequin head and my brother as my first critic. Shout out to the Lazare’s and Pearson’s for all of the encouragement along the way. B.H.O.P. Inc, you are my foundation and rock! I want to give a major shout out to my alum Jack Yates Senior High School Cosmetology Teacher for opening my mind up to all the possibilities that lied ahead for me. Shout out to Ogle Hair Skin and Nails for welcoming me to sharpen my skills and widen my horizons in the beauty industry. One particular instructor in mind; Mrs. Roberts, Admin Katrina Patters, and Director Rachel Young. Thank you for the many talks, mentoring, encouraging conversations, cries, and laughs. I am beyond thankful and appreciative for the time you all took to pour into me. I appreciate you J.C.Penny InStyle for giving a new stylist a chance to spread her wings and discover my niche. Thank you to the beauty salons, fellow stylists, and classes that allowed me to spend time building on who “Ms. Nikki” is today. Thank you, Thank you Thank you to my fellow associates, close friends, clientele for your patience and belief in me to be your hair expert you sought after to bring your thoughts and visions to fruition!

Website: https://MzNikkiaturservice.setmore.com

Instagram: @mznikkiaturservice

Image Credits
EDITOR- Billy Cravin
PHOTOGRAPHER – Visual Control Photogrphy Studio (Aaron)