Meet Nichole (Grant) Halker of Van Michael Salon in Buckhead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole (Grant) Halker.

Nichole (Grant), can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My aunt sat me down in 2007 & on the table she had an application to the Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati ready for me to fill out. But never have I ever considered cosmetology school! She brought awareness to me to how passionate I really was about hair & skin & makeup. It was time for me to start listening to that & stop wasting away time as a bartender & undecided college student. I knew once I started, that I had made the right decision! I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be hired at Van Michael Salon! It just seemed so out of my reach! But I received the phone call in December of 2008 & started in April of 2009!!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Those first few years were difficult financially & mentally. You are an assistant making little when you first start & then you do have to specialize in cut or color at the salon & do a continued two years of education. So it is definitely very testing within yourself. But I did it within 1 year & 9 months.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Van Michael Salon – what should we know?
The salon definitely distinguishes itself due to the continued education. I chose to specialize in cut versus color because I had to work harder with cut! I realized if I was doing this every day & wanted to stay on top of my craft, I would need to push myself. Cutting is straight up geometry & physics, neither are my strong suite naturally, so I do have to really map & strategize every cut with every client on a daily basis & it does not get old! I love it! & I am a little ocd & bit of a perfectionist so the attention to detail with shorter hair& men’s cuts are always my favorite, but I truly do love cutting anything on anyone because it’s always instant gratification to see the transformation you sculpt on ahead!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have been extremely privileged to be working with some of the best people in the industry! I have so many mentors at my fingertips, but I will say overall in every aspect of the business, Brandon Darragh has been the best mentor & educator I could have asked for.

Contact Info:

• Address: Van Michael Salon
  39 west paces ferry rd NE
  Buckhead, GA 30305
• Phone: 4042374664

Image Credit:
Lightstylistphotography, Fabi Lovell

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