Guest Spotlight: Nicole Justice
Hi Nicole! Thanks so much for doing this interview for my blog. I know you’re super busy running a brow salon business, not to mention your biggest role- serving your home as a wife and mama.
I started following you through Instagram and I can’t remember how, but I’m just glad I did. I know we’ve talked before and you’ve been so gracious to have taken some time to speak to me when I was just getting started in my brow career about a year ago.
That was so meaningful because unfortunately, not a lot of people responded to me when I asked. I hope some of these answers get to bless someone out there starting out in the brow artistry space or simply to tell more of your story and how you got here. Your success is inspiring and your kindness is meaningful.
Let’s get started…
Did you always work on brows? What inspired you to decide on brow artistry as a career?
I have always had a passion for eyebrows, and It all started in 2011! When I was in beauty school getting my aesthetic license. I loved learning about skin, but there was something about waxing & shaping brows that I absolutely loved! I enjoy quick fixes…& with doing eyebrows, I can transform a face in 20 minutes and build someone’s confidence. That is so rewarding to me.
Talk to us about your beginnings, did you start as a renter? How did you build your clientele? Any tips to newbies starting out?
Right out of Beauty School I knew I wanted to do brows and I wanted my own studio one day just doing eyebrows. But I also knew that people really didn’t put much effort or care into brows at that time. So I put my dream on hold (for awhile) and I applied to Sephora. I ended up working there for a few years. I absolutely loved that job!
Several years went by and I felt ready to do my own thing. I started an IG and I began waxing from my apartment. I did that for about a year. My following started to grow and I rented out a very, tiny office suite for like $400 a month! I told myself, if I could do 5 brows a day, I can make it!! My advice for a newbie wanting to venture out…start small, don’t compare your growth or yourself to others, trust God and have fun!!
How long after was it when you decided it was time to add more artists to your brand and build your own business? Did you have to invest in marketing to grow your clientele and fill up your artists?
I didn’t start AHOB with having a team in mind. The thought of having employees kind of terrified me. But as I started to quickly grow, I knew I needed help. So I started with one employee and within 3 years I had a team of 6. With a front desk girl! I didn’t invest in marketing, everything I did and still do is through IG. My brother in law has a marketing company called Root Marketing..so when I really need something super professional, They’re my go to!
How did AHOB get started? Are you the sole owner?
In my living room! My husband and I run arch together. He’s a CPA so he does the back end stuff. My payroll, taxes…all the fun stuff;) We designed it together as well. He has a good eye!
For anyone wanting to expand their business and add artists to their team, what are some of your biggest tips? Approximately how much capitol would you suggest someone to save if they’re interested in opening their own brow business?
Make sure you’re really ready for a team. Figure out the logistics. What works best for you and the people you’re hiring. Are you going to pay them hourly, commission, booth rental..and make sure you’re hiring people that fit your brand.
No one is going to care about your brand or your business as much as you, but you have to create a place that your employees love coming to. You also have to be aware that your employees will eventually leave and may start their own thing. And that’s ok! Don’t take it personal. At the end of the day, it’s business.
I honestly can’t give an exact number on how much money to save. That all depends on the location of your business (overhead) and how you decide to pay your employees. Invest in a cpa! One that you can trust.
Do you recommend any books, podcasts or courses that really helped you build your brand?
My favorite podcast is How I Built this on Spotify . I really enjoy listening to how businesses become successful!
Will you be expanding and adding more AHOB locations in the near future?
Maybe in the near future! Not any time soon.
What are some of your business goals for the the next 5 yrs?
To be honest, just to keep trusting in God with my business. There has been countless times I wanted to give up and close Arch. But I know I have this store for a reason..and I know it’s beyond just doing brows. So in next five years, I just want to keep growing and getting better.
