Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Goodson.
Nikki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born September 9th in Atlanta, Georgia, from Felicia Cannon (Syracuse NY) & Perry Goodson (Atlanta GA) (1958-2009). Growing up as a student-athlete on the Eastside of Atlanta was challenging, especially in a different yet non-diverse environment. I started playing softball at the age of two.
Leading Dekalb County in home runs I stood out by the time I graduated from Martin Luther King High school (Lithonia GA) earning a full softball scholarship to Southern University (Baton Rouge LA) After my dad’s passing I transferred still playing softball to a private school In Raleigh NC (Shaw University). Life began to get challenging for me without the guidance of my father. I moved back to Louisiana to graduate with a trade-in Human Services at Baton Rouge Community College. After trade school, I moved back to Atlanta with a degree and started working with my Uncle building houses in the Atlanta area on days I wasn’t cutting hair at the shop. My life changed instantly.
That’s all the good things that have happened to me up till this point. Now let me fill you in on my story so you can understand my work ethic and tenacity behind the things that I do. I grew up in an abusive household. My stepfather was mentally and physically abusive, so it took me years to accept who I was as a person, let alone deal with people having a positive response even though I was mentally in a negative state growing up. I guess that explains why I hit so many home runs growing up from so much built-in anger from things in life I had no control over. A couple of years after my father passed, I had a rough time making logical decisions in life that lead me in & out of the system.
After being released, I was homeless & living out of my car. Enrolling back into college the last time changed my life because I was going down a path of destruction after my father passed. I was living but mentally my mind was elsewhere. I woke up one day and said to myself this will not be my life anymore! I went sober & celibate and that was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life because it gave me an opportunity to get to know myself and find my purpose here in this world.
I’ve always had a caring heart to genuinely want to help people and that’s what I do today. I’m a licensed Master Barber & a Female Contractor. None of this was easy. However, I thank the creator for the journey I’ve been through because it made me who I am today. I give back to the community and I’ve been with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Lithonia, GA) since I was two years old. The Late Pastor Eddie L. Long was my direct spiritual father throughout my life.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a very rough journey. I struggle still but not as much as I used to. I’m always wanting to find ways for my business to grow bigger. So I know I have more challenges ahead of me, but I know they won’t be impossible to accomplish!
The advice I would give young women is to find themselves and be comfortable with who you are inside & out. When you are comfortable with yourself, ALWAYS try! Whatever your dreams are ALWAYS try! You are in control of your destiny so research everything and make it happen with a Mumba Mentally!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Goodson Services story. Tell us more about your work.
I am a licensed female Master barber/stylist. I have groomed some of the top celebrities in the industry from Petey Pablo, Trill Fam/Savage life Artists, Archie Eversole, Baby D, artist from the group 2 Live Crew, Arlen Griffin, DJ Melissa (Atlanta love & hip hop cast member and many more just to name a few. I cut about 80% of the LGBTQ community an Atlanta and surrounding states. I’m also a female builder.
Yes, I get down and dirty and build homes. I love customizing homes for people to enjoy with their families. I do everything except electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Outside of that, I do everything that needs to be done to build a home. I specialize in hanging drywall & finishing as well as painting. I absolutely love what I do. Hopefully, I’ll get to me Chip & Jo from fixer upper one day to get some home Knowledge from the vets I admire. I’m very proud of my growth in both fields and my drive for wanting to learn more currently. I’m always open to listening to ideas and ways to improve and help others. My passion & heart sets me aside from others. I’m a Virgo and that naturally sets me aside.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My family has inspired me. Everybody is awesome in my family from my great-grandma to my grandma to my aunts to my female cousins and my mom! I come from a family of very strong, intelligent women. We are all educated and we stick together no matter what! I love my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/5VQ1GK9D7XE3P
- Phone: 404-988-2705
- Email: nikkigoodsondoesitall@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodsoninc.services?igshid=12x2fjv79vaum
- Other: https://instagram.com/goodsoninc.homeservices?igshid=3wgplg4dh139
Image Credit:
Green tangerine photo
Nikki Goodson
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