Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Sparks.
Nicole, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m 26 years old and was born in raised in East Atlanta. I am currently the CEO and founder of my own hair extension and wig boutique, Finer Strands: The Runaia Shakira Collection. I am also a blooming hairstylist that has had a passion for all things hair and beauty since I was a young girl. My interest in hair peaked at a young age because I had to teach myself how to do my own hair and I come from a family of hairstylist. I had watched my older cousin, CeCe Sparks, do hair for years and always thought it was so interesting how she came up with styles. She was one of my 1st introduction into the industry and one biggest role models.
I launched Finer Strands: The Runaia Shakira Collection in November of 2015. The vision of Finer Strands was inspired by my late best friend Runaia who too was a licensed cosmetologist. She was diagnosed with stage 4 thymoma cancer at the age of 19 and at the age of 21, she lost her battle with cancer. Although she was fighting the fight of a lifetime in her personal life, she dedicated her time to help women bring out their inner beauty despite their circumstances. She kept herself looking flawless as ever, and if you didn’t know her personally you would have never known she had cancer. As a licensed beauty practitioner, she saw the importance of self-confidence and how feeling beautiful had not just an impact on herself, but other women as well. Runaia kept herself going by recognizing that it is not cancer that defines a person, but one’s attitude defines how cancer will affect you. The same gift she gave to so many women is the legacy I will continue by pursuing my passion to make my mark in the beauty industry and impact the lives of women.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey into this industry has been full of gains and losses however, every win or loss came with an important lesson that I used as a building block to create the foundation for a successful business in this ever-changing industry. One of my biggest struggles initially was just having the courage to start. Losing someone so close to me that was so valuable, impacted me heavily and often times I didn’t think I had the strength or courage to step out on faith but I did. I was determined to keep her legacy alive and give to others what she had given to so many women. Runaia was truly a light to anyone she met and although she is not here physically her spirit will continue to impact the lives of women.
Another one of the biggest struggles I had was breaking into what some call an “over-saturated” market. The hair and beauty industry is an extremely competitive market and with no prior business experience, learning the ins and outs of the industry and teaching myself the game was no easy task. I had to learn from each experience whether good or bad and use it as a building block to becoming better. When I first decided to launch Finer Strands, there was not as many classes and seminars that were available to teach me the game as there are now, so as a result, I had to learn and figure things out on my own through trial and error.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Finer Strands: The Runaia Shakira Collection – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Finer Strands is a hair extension and wig boutique. Finer Strands is unique because, with each purchase, a percentage of the proceeds go towards donating a premium wig unit to a woman battling cancer. As my business continues to grow, I also plan on using the profits generated to host interactive workshops with cancer support groups and provide them with the resources and tools they need to feel beautiful and feminine as they fight the battle of a lifetime. I specialize in custom wigs and providing a personalized shopping experience for each customer. Finer Strands not only offers a variety of premium hair extensions but we offer affordable beauty tools, products, and services solely dedicated to making women feel beautiful and confident.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to continue to grow professionally and become a bigger competitor in the industry. I also plan to begin to integrate my budding non-profit for minority women battling cancer into my business plan and expand my audience/market internationally. I have some exciting things I’m planning for fall 2019-2020 that I can’t wait to share soon! However, in the meantime, I’m planning to re-launch my business with some fresh and exciting new content and collaborate with some of the top local influencers in the game and adding pre-made custom wigs to the site! Just stay tuned!
I’m most excited about continuing to grow and continuing to make a difference in the life of women everywhere.
Making custom wigs for women and seeing her eyes light up in the mirror once she sees her reflection is the most rewarding feeling in the world. Knowing that I made a difference in her life even if it’s just for that minute, that second, that day makes every challenge, every prayer, every tear worth it. That’s one of the main reasons I will never give up. Being an entrepreneur is not easy at all but it’s the response and the gratitude from customers and clients is what makes it all worth it. I’m driven by something higher than me. My faith in God and knowing that pursuing a career in the hair industry is what will continue to keep Runaia’s legacy alive is what keeps me striving and hungry to continue to grow and make my mark in the beauty industry.
Pricing:
- All custom wigs start at $85
- Bundles $45
- Closures $50
- Frontals $84
- Full Lace Wigs $190
- Bundle deals: $250
- Natural style services and install services/ packages can be booked at finerstrands.com/booking
Contact Info:
- Website: www.finerstrands.com
- Phone: 678-685-1663
- Email: finerstrandsrsc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @finerstrands
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinerStrands
Image Credit:
@usfjrain -Rainey, @kyrafacez- Kyra, @nicole_stylez- Nicole, @theclosetwhispererstyle-Myriah
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