Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Nikole.
Hi Alicia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Alicia Nikole is one of the most sought-after celebrity hair and makeup artists in the Greater Toronto Area. Over the course of her 20-year career, she’s honed her craft across all mediums: television, editorial, music video, print, and film.
Alicia has worked with a wide variety of television networks, including NBC, Hulu, ABC, CBS, CTV, TSN, CBC, Discovery Channel, HGTV, CP24, and City TV. Alicia’s outstanding reputation has allowed her to work with a long list of “who’s who” in the entertainment industry, including stars like Nia Vardalos, Kevin Costner, and Hollywood producer Gary Goetzman.
Many of the talented actors and on-air personalities Alicia has worked with have also become devoted personal clients. These clients hire her for their most important life events, like their weddings, galas, and professional events. Alicia has over 15 years of experience in the bridal industry and has created countless signature looks for brides and wedding parties. She works with each client to develop a look that meets their needs and prides herself on bringing out the best in each of her clients.
Alicia has gone on to create CHRGD Apothecary. CHRGD was developed out of Alicia’s love for natural healing and her desire to offer thoughtfully sourced products with healing adaptogens, minus the toxic ingredients found so much in our day-to-day lives. The line reflects Alicia’s clean, uncomplicated approach to skincare and is fuelled by her passion for helping everyone look and feel their best.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has never been a smooth road. Risks and challenges are a part of life but an even bigger part of an entrepreneur’s life. The first lesson I learned was to always have a plan B, just in case.
The pandemic presented one of the biggest struggles I’ve ever faced as an artist. The television network I was working with ceased production, all the sets were closed, and people were not investing in getting makeup and hair done because there was nowhere to go and no events anywhere.
It was a scary point in my career, and I didn’t know when or if I was going to be able to work again. Could I actually stay in the career I loved? But out of that came my own product line, which was charged. It was my plan B and became my focus during that time when I couldn’t practice my art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my passion for not only the creativity of makeup but also the color theory and science behind it. As a creator of my own product line, I understand what ingredients are best for my clients as well as what will work on every undertone and hair type. This helps make me a universal skin professional and able to work with any client regardless of their ethnicity.
My career started in high school where I would create looks for my classmates for events. I have been a freelance artist my entire career, where I have created my own brand and cultivated my client list from brides to celebrities alike. Nothing has been easy but the best way to overcome challenges is to keep moving.
Through the pandemic, there was no work, but I was able to focus on creating my own product line during that time & perfect it along with working on my business plan. I’m always in motion and never look back, only forward. This business is not about luck.
It’s about determination, art, creativity, relationships, and adaptability. Truly doing what you love, so your passion reflects positive energy through every working relationship.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I struggle with the concept of luck – I usually attribute it more to being in the “right place at the right time.”
A number of years ago, I was creating a bridal look for a client when I met another makeup artist who admired my work. She then pushed me into the television space. So, was it luck? Or just great timing? Who’s to say?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alicianikole.com
- Instagram: @Alicia.Nikole
- Linkedin: @Alicia Nikole
Image Credits
Shawn Goldberg
