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- [00:00]
Podcast Host
You can trust podcasts to deliver results for your business. 80% of podcast listeners say they'll consider a brand recommendation by their favorite host. Even more impressive, 88% have taken action because of a podcast ad. If you're looking to connect with highly engaged audiences, now's the time to dive in. Download podcast Pulse 2024 for all the latest insights and see how podcast ads can drive real results for you.
- [00:35]
Jen Sullivan
Hello, welcome to Fat Mascara. I'm Jen Sullivan. I'm so glad you're here. So if you happen to click on this episode, it's Friday and you haven't yet listened to the Wednesday episode, please go back. Just scroll a tiny bit back and click on our naughty and nice special of 2024. It was so much fun putting it together for you, and we had such a blast. So you have to listen to that before you listen to this. But as we are doing a bit of some of our best episodes, some things we love this year, next week, we're gonna do the top interview of the year, according to you. You all voted. But today, what I have for you is a Best of fm. And just as a reminder, we're gonna be back in the New Year on January 8th with all new news episodes. But for now, this best of designation doesn't go to everybody. But Nikki Nelms is absolutely worthy. So she's a hairstylist, and she's worked with everybody from Yara Shahidi and Solange to Janelle Monae. And her creativity knows no bound. As you listen to this interview, which was originally recorded in 2020, I want you to take from it creative inspiration to go into the new year with, like, this is the person to take it from. As she says, when she's thinking about how she approaches new work, creativity, a new job, whatever it is, she doesn't ever look to the side. She doesn't look at what other people are doing. She just looks forward. And I love that energy, and I want us all to bring that into 2025. So we're gonna play that interview for you now, and we'll be back on Wednesday with another special. A special guest then, too. All right, let's get into it.
- [02:05]
Co-Host
Thank you for coming, Nikki.
- [02:07]
Nikki Nelms
Thanks for having me.
- [02:08]
Co-Host
We wanted to have you on the show for a long time.
- [02:10]
Nikki Nelms
Oh, thank you. Thank you.
- [02:11]
Jen Sullivan
So, first up, let's think back. When is the first moment that you knew when you were good at doing hair, when you were like, huh? I could do something that, like, not everybody can do here.
- [02:20]
Nikki Nelms
When I was little, I can't remember how old I was. I think I might have been in the, like, fourth grade or something. But my cousin, my older cousin, her name was Rhoda, she passed away. She did a style on herself, and it was so, like, beautiful. To me, that was the first time I saw a connection between, like, a hairstylist and a regular person, because I thought that you had to have, like, be some kind of special person to do hair. You know what I mean? Like, but when my cousin did it, I was like, oh, like, you're just my cousin, but you made it look so professional. And all day, I remember asking her, like, tell me how you did it. What kind of curling iron? I mean, and I was like a kid, you know? So she told me how to do it, and I did one of my aunt's hair. Like, she let me, you know, experiment on her, and it came out so pretty. And my other aunt Cynthia, she used to go to this salon called, I can't remember, but the stylist was Donna, and she was, like, the city's best, you know, and she did the same hairstyle at the same time that I did it on my other aunt. And mine kind of looked better and lasted longer. And I remember my aunt saying, well, that's crazy. Like, why did I pay all that money to Donna when I could have let you do it? You know? And when I got that confirmation from her, it made me feel like, wow, like I could do it. So I think that was the first time I put the connection together that I might have something, you know? Yeah.
- [03:58]
Jen Sullivan
And then were there, like, aunties coming out of the woodwork to get their hair done?
- [04:01]
Nikki Nelms
Well, the aunt that I did it on, Aunt Norma, she had a standing appointment for the rest of my life. You know, she always, you know, got her hair done and would tell her friends about me. You know, it's my niece. She's super young, but you can't tell because she does a good job, you know? So, yeah, it was on the up and up from that.
- [04:24]
Co-Host
So you, you know, you went from working in the salon world, if I'm right, to working with celebrities. But I want to know how you made that jump, because, you know, a lot of us know you for working with these massive celebrities who Jen named at the top.
- [04:40]
Nikki Nelms
Well, I get bored easily. And when I started in a salon, I started right after I finished cosmetology school. When I got to the salon life, like, professional licensed, my main thing was to. Or my goal was to be in a hair magazine. Like, that's all I wanted. I just wanted to see a picture of a style that I created and Hype Hair Salon. Hype Hair. You know, American salon, whatever. So that happened pretty quickly, and I was over it. I was like, that was it. Like, the first time the salon I worked in did a submission with my work, they picked up, like, three pictures of mine, and I was like, all right, it has to be more than that. Like, the thrill is gone. And so I started one. I started to hear about, like, a lot of music videos being shot in Miami. I worked in Fort Lauderdale, so that was the thing. And I just did everything that I could linked up with the right people.
- [05:47]
Co-Host
But how did you find those people? I think a lot of people don't even know how to break into that world of celebrity and music videos.
- [05:54]
Nikki Nelms
Well, I worked in the salon, and the salon had, like, you know, models that would come in, and if they told me they had a fashion show, I would go to the fashion show. And then I ask, you know, who did your hair? And then they tell me who did their hair? And then conversations with that person would lead to, oh, I heard about a music video, and I'm like, how do you get booked on that? And they tell me, oh, contact this lady. So it was a lot of, like, you know, one connect leads to the other. You know, I was really determined. I had tunnel vision. Like, I wouldn't stop until I found someone that would say, okay, can you come and do this job?
- [06:36]
Co-Host
You know, so you have to be the squeaky wheel.
- [06:39]
Nikki Nelms
You have to be annoying.
- [06:40]
Co-Host
You have to be annoying.
- [06:41]
Nikki Nelms
Like, sometimes they're not gonna call you back, and sometimes they don't want you to call them back, but you still have to do it, you know, and this wasn't like the social media time, so it wasn't like you could go and slide in someone's dm. Like, a lot of jobs came from Craigslist and, oh, yeah, cold calling and stuff.
- [06:59]
Co-Host
You know, I think that's really good advice. You know, even though it's kind of. It's kind of hard to hear, you have to be annoying. You know, you do have to be very proactive.
- [07:09]
Nikki Nelms
I.
- [07:09]
Co-Host
You know, while we were doing some research, there was an amazing story about you working with Lil Wayne. Would you mind going. Would you mind telling our listeners about that? Because you. You were kind of the squeaky wheel in that situation that didn't fall into your lap.
- [07:23]
Nikki Nelms
I guess I could say I was a squeaky wheel because I met him randomly at the Essence Festival weekend in New Orleans, and We were at this club called 360. It was this club in New Orleans that would spin around, like, slowly through the night. And me and my friends, we were there just on vacation. So it was like, no hair kit. You know, I didn't bring a haircut or whatever. I had no intentions on doing hair. So I saw him come in the club. And mind you, I'm from the South. Me and all of my friends were big fans of everything. Cash money, you know. So when we saw him, for some reason, I did not fan out at that moment. Like, I don't know why, it just turned into, like, such a normal situation for me. My friends, they were like, oh, my God, that's Lil Wayne. But I was just like. My mind went to work mode. Like, I wonder when he's going to shoot a music video. So we were standing at the bar together. And, I mean, like I said, we were fans of his, so we really listened to his music. And I thought that I knew him for real. Like, he rapped about his mom, his daughter's mom, so I felt like I knew them. So when we were at the bar together, I leaned in. I was like, how's Sita doing? Sita's his mother. And he was looking like, she's good, you know? And I was like, oh, okay, Tom. I said, what's up? You know? And he was like, all right, I'll do that. And I said, well, when are you shooting your next music video? And he was like, tomorrow. And I was like, oh, cool. I was like, well, let me know if you need somebody, you know, to do your hair. I'm here. I do hair. You know, I'll give you my number. You can just call me. And he was like, okay. And so that was it.
- [09:12]
Co-Host
That is so crazy.
- [09:14]
Nikki Nelms
So, you know, I'm excited that the conversation didn't go bad. And I was walking around with my friends, and I was like, yeah, we were talking. And then he walked around, I guess I don't know if he was looking for me, but he found me. And he was like, hey, let me get your number. And then. So I was like, whoa, shit, this is really happening. So I started running my resume down to him, and I was like, well, I've done a McDonald's commercial with Venus and Serena. I've done this. And he was like, I don't care. I didn't ask you. You know what I mean? It doesn't really matter. Like, you could just give me your number. I was like, okay, cool.
- [09:48]
Co-Host
Oh, my God.
- [09:49]
Nikki Nelms
Gave him my number. And, you know, I wasn't expecting him to call, but in the back of my mind, it's like, you know, when you play the lottery, you don't really think you're gonna win, but you do start planning, like, what you'll do with that money if you won, you know, kind of thing.
- [10:02]
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, exactly.
- [10:03]
Nikki Nelms
So I went on with my night, my next day. The next day was Sunday, I think the party, the club scene was like Saturday night. And he called, like, closer to 6:00, like maybe 5 or something like that. And I was like. He was like, hello, may I speak with Nikki? And I was like, I knew who it was, but I couldn't act like.
- [10:26]
Jen Sullivan
I knew it was, you know, that voice.
- [10:29]
Nikki Nelms
Yeah, that's how that went. I didn't have anything to do his hair. He asked was I available. The stores were closing at, like, in an hour in New Orleans, so I had to, like, find a beauty supply store to get things to do his hair. And it wasn't like you could Google on your phone at that time. So we got the phone book, me and my friends, and we just went down the line and called every beauty supply store. The last beauty supply store we called was open. Most of them, they said that they were closing, but the last one, I lied and told them that I was this big hair salon and that I needed to place a super large order last minute. If they could stay open for me, you know, it'd be worth their while.
- [11:14]
Jen Sullivan
Did you buy a lot? Did you end up buying a lot?
- [11:16]
Nikki Nelms
No, I only needed, like four things. But I needed him to stay open because I couldn't tell him, hey, I need, like, just 10 clips and some gel or whatever. He would be like, no, try tomorrow. So I had to be, you know, a little liar in that situation. So we caught a cab. Was no Uber, no Lyft. We had to find a cab, Essence Festival weekend to go to the beauty supply store. And that sounds like, okay, we're on our way. Until the cab driver decided to stop and get an oil change.
- [11:49]
Co-Host
Oh, my God. Do you want to scream?
- [11:52]
Nikki Nelms
It was a mess, but got the stuff, got there. The owner or the store guy was super pissed. And he was like, where's all I thought you wanted a gallon of relaxer and all of this stuff. And I was just like, you know, plans have changed. Let me just get this.
- [12:07]
Co-Host
Oh, my God.
- [12:08]
Nikki Nelms
That's half the story.
- [12:10]
Jen Sullivan
See, you had to work, like, not squeaky wheel, but you had to work for it. I mean, you could do a lot of type of hair. But we've heard this story from other stylists where they start doing, like, say, men's hair. And then you have a lot of guys in your portfolio, and people are like, you're a groomer or they're doing red carpet work, and people are only hiring them to do celebrity red carpet. They're not getting editorial work. So as you were coming up, you said you had already done, like, a commercial and things, but did you ever feel like you were getting pigeonholed, like, your portfolio and you wanted to do something else, but you were getting stuck in a rut?
- [12:40]
Nikki Nelms
I mean, that happens to this day. Like, I'm only getting. I'll get a lot of questions from, you know, editors and whatever. Like, they only want to ask me about curly hair shampoo or, you know, like, it's very boxed in. They don't look at my body of work or think that, you know, I'm expansive or anything. They. They. They label me and then that's it, you know? But. Yeah.
- [13:06]
Co-Host
Is that really annoying?
- [13:07]
Nikki Nelms
Yeah, it's annoying, but I'm still in control, so I don't have to answer questions if I don't want to. You know what I mean? So I kind of. I keep that in mind. You know, sometimes you can feel like you're. You're held hostage in this thing, but you're really not. That's. That's their issue. You know, if you can't see me for the whole of who I am, then that means your vision is pretty limiting. So I keep that in mind. I don't. I don't take on their issues, you know, but, yeah, that was one. I was kind of put in a box with him. But I kind of appreciated it early on because once I got out of it, I felt like there's nothing that I couldn't do or couldn't get myself out of because it was so hard to get women. Because I wanted to do, like, women's hair, you know, all. All textures, all types. It's so hard to get a woman to believe that you can make them look beautiful and make their curls look gorgeous when your main client, or only client, and sometimes was Lil Wayne and he had dreadlocks, you know. But so when I realized that, I just used the tools that I had and got myself out of that box. Like, it made me see that I can get myself out of any situation and get myself to any situation. That's why when they do it now, I'm not as, you know, bothered, because I just feel like that's your phase you're going through, you know what I mean? Like, that's your, that's your mindset.
- [14:42]
Jen Sullivan
So, yeah, it's funny, you said I could get myself out of any situation. I was like, that's why she's the hair MacGyver.
- [14:48]
Nikki Nelms
Well, nobody's ever called me that. And everybody, I just put that on my Instagram and it became a thing. And I was like, maybe I should have put like child of God or something. I don't know. Like, but they're like, so they call you Hair MacGyver. I'm like, no one's ever called me Hair MacGyver. That's just how I felt. It comes from like the old television show MacGyver. He could make a bomb out of like toothpaste and a hairpin and, you know, get himself out of a situation. So I really felt like any situation you put me in with hair, like, even if I didn't have what I needed, I could make it happen and no one would ever know, like, what I was lacking. So that's why I called myself that self proclaimed.
- [15:39]
Jen Sullivan
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- [16:13]
Co-Host
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- [16:40]
Jen Sullivan
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- [17:03]
Podcast Host
You can trust podcasts to deliver results for your business. 80% of podcast listeners say they'll consider a brand recommendation by their favorite host. Even more impressive, 88% have taken action because of a podcast ad. If you're looking to connect with highly engaged audiences, now's the time to dive in. Download podcast Pulse 2024 for all the latest insights and see how podcast ads can drive real results for you.
- [17:38]
Co-Host
So once you know you work with Lil Wayne, you're saying you're trying to get out of that, you know, that kind of box, that or that client that people are associating you with. You've moved on to do so many incredible hair looks with so many beautiful women and incredible clients. What, which, which client or which look do you really put you on the map in that broader way?
- [17:59]
Nikki Nelms
I don't know, because I've never been like, a personality, you know, so my work has always stood in front of me. Like, there's people that. They may have just found out about me, but they've always or at some point in time have loved something that I've done. So I don't know. You know, I don't. I wouldn't say that I was put on the map. Like, I found that I met people that loved a seat at the table. What, you know, the work that I did with Solange on that. But at the same time, like, that's what they associate me with. But they loved Kanye West's Gold Digger video. They loved it so much. They didn't know that I did that. So it's like, you know, so you.
- [18:45]
Co-Host
Feel like your work. You didn't get notoriety for your work, but your work is. Your work is so recognizable.
- [18:51]
Nikki Nelms
Yeah, I'm never trying to get notoriety from it. Like, that's not the goal. You know, I want my styles and my art to stand in front of me. I'll stand behind it, you know, because that's just me.
- [19:05]
Co-Host
Is there a look that you are personally the most proud of or one that's the most personal to you? Maybe it's because of the artistry or some other reason that makes. That feels very.
- [19:16]
Nikki Nelms
Sometimes the story behind the style makes me love it more or like, the chance that I took with it. Like, how maybe I didn't have everything I needed to pull it off, and it still worked. And then the world went crazy for it. And it's like, if you only knew That I only had three minutes to do that. You know what I mean?
- [19:36]
Co-Host
What's a moment like that?
- [19:37]
Nikki Nelms
They all have a story. It's like they're like, my kids. It's like none of them will be my favorite, you know, but they all have this thing. So maybe you can pick one, and then I can tell you something about it that was special.
- [19:49]
Jen Sullivan
Oh, can I pick one?
- [19:50]
Nikki Nelms
Surely.
- [19:51]
Jen Sullivan
Because I was. I. I have loved this look forever. You put googly eyes on Janelle Monae, and I was like, this woman has balls. This is the greatest look. And you didn't even realize they were googly eyes. And it was like this just. It was so cool. Like, it just looked, it moved, it had movement, but it was sculptural.
- [20:09]
Nikki Nelms
I love when things just come together and it makes sense. I love doing hairstyles that, like, you love it so much. The client loves it so much. The world, whatever, loves it so much that you really can't imagine another style working for the full look, you know? Like, I love the perfect look. So the googly eyes, to me, just worked so well because it was on the right client. I mean, Janelle is like. To me, she's, like the owner of black, of wearing black and white. You know, they're black and white. You know, she's, like, theatrical and just, you know, out of the box, a forward thinker. And wearing googly eyes in your hair just kind of embodies that. And I didn't have an idea that. Well, I didn't have a clue that I even wanted to do that. Like, I bought those, like, 20 minutes before I used them. Like, I stopped. I had. We had a late call time. We had a shoot. We had a late call time. And I'm always, like, right on time for work. I'm never, like, the early one, you know? Like, I always miss the bagels or whatever. So I had my driver. I was like, let's stop by, you know, art supply store. And I'm just take a whiz around and see what I see and see how I feel. So I was on the phone with another client, and she was telling me something. I don't know. We talking about her boyfriend or whatever, And I was just going up and down the aisles, and I was like, these googly eyes are speaking to me. And I was like, I think I'm gonna get them for Janelle because I can use them today. And she's like, you're gonna put eyes in somebody's hair? I'm like, yeah, why not? I mean, what's gonna happen? Who's gonna die? And so I was like, I think I'm gonna get them. And then. So I got them. I took a chance. She could have said, like, no, Hell no. Yeah, whatever. But I showed her. She loved it. And it was like a thing. Like, I had my friends that were in. In Paris calling me. Like, you did that? I love that you're. Everybody's talking about you in the office or whatever. You know, they work in fashion. And I was like, that's crazy how, like, things can travel or leave an impact. So I liked how it was something random for me, but it made such an impact, or people always reference it. They love it.
- [22:25]
Jen Sullivan
I fought for Shuri for weeks in advance. You had it planned. You had tested all different googly eyes.
- [22:30]
Nikki Nelms
I don't plan anything.
- [22:31]
Jen Sullivan
And then, of course, 20 minutes before.
- [22:33]
Co-Host
It'S very, like, pop art. It feels very like, remember the murakami? Like, the little eyes everywhere? It really feels like something. I'm not surprised. You're like, Paris fashion friends loved it. It was very, very cool.
- [22:46]
Nikki Nelms
And that's the other thing. I don't do a lot of research because I try to, like, tap into whatever is inside of me. And I feel like sometimes artists is so easy to be influenced. So I don't even want. I want to just do whatever is inside before I allow an outside influence or something to affect where I was gonna go with it anyway. So, like. Like, when I do these little things, it's not like I had a mood board and I'm trying to follow this thing that I envisioned. It's like, all from inside. Just so it's. To me, it's more pure.
- [23:24]
Co-Host
So you're not somebody that works with. You know, we talked to artists all the time in the show, and very often they're like, they have, you know, their reference images and all that. You don't work from that space.
- [23:32]
Nikki Nelms
If I do, if I'm like in a zone and I trying to figure something out, I'll look at, like, old family photos or like, really old artists, and, you know, I'll just kind of put myself in that. That mental space. But I never look to the side or something kind of current because it feels like cheating to me. Or it just feels so lame to. To be influenced by someone that's working to the side of you. You know what I mean?
- [24:04]
Jen Sullivan
Spoken like a true artist.
- [24:05]
Co-Host
I love that.
- [24:06]
Jen Sullivan
So you said you're a really good problem solver. You didn't say it explicitly, but we could tell you are has there ever been, like, a look that stumped you? Like, you knew you wanted to achieve it, but you weren't sure how? Or a problem that you had to, like, you didn't know how to unlock with hair?
- [24:21]
Nikki Nelms
It's gonna sound really crazy, but actually, no. And I get this from my mother. I don't know what it is about her, but I just recognize it in me because I've paid attention to her all my life. But anytime an issue pops up, she instantly gets, like, all of these ideas and answers that could, like, solve it. Like, I've literally watched my mother watch movers try to, like, put a house full of furniture on a truck. And it would be, like, one piece that a. One chair that just wouldn't make it on. And she would just, like, tilt her head and look, and she could tell them, like some Tetris solver or whatever. She would say, take. Take that out. Turn that around. Okay, now lift that out. Push that back, and then that will fit. And I used to be so amazed. Like, how did you do that? You know what I mean? Like, that's how she is. And I feel like that's how I am. When there's a problem, I work from behind. Like, okay, this could work. Like, everything's a possibility, you know? I don't know. I just. I just think if you can think it, like, it can happen. So. And that's the simple part. Like, thinking of it. Once you get the picture in your mind, all you have to do is, like, build it and figure out the resources to get the picture out of your mind and into real life. So, I mean, anything you. That requires you thinking out of the box, if you are limiting yourself to, like, a certain set of tools or you only work with this, then, yeah, you. You aren't going to be as resourceful as you could be. But I will use anything. Like, anything can. Can work. Like, I've used the craziest things ever. Like, I actually love not having everything I need because it. It makes me get warm inside. It's like, it's a. It's a game to me. It's like, let me see how I can get us out of this. Like, I love it.
- [26:31]
Podcast Host
You can trust podcasts to deliver results for your business. 80% of podcast listeners say they'll consider a brand recommendation by their favorite host. Even more impressive, 88% have taken action because of a podcast ad. If you're looking to connect with highly engaged audiences, now's the time to dive in. Download podcast Pulse 2024 for all the latest insights and see how podcast ads can drive real results for you.
- [27:06]
Co-Host
So I've got to jump in and ask you then, what are some of the most surprising items that are in your toolkit? Or what are some of the most.
- [27:12]
Jen Sullivan
Surprised or weren't in your toolkit but ended up in someone's hair?
- [27:17]
Nikki Nelms
I've had in my kit, you know, like this, though, the sponges, or they're like these, like, roller things that you can roll your hair with. They're like little mini things, and you can bend them. Flexi rods. Okay. So, you know, flexi rods are cool, but I never knew that they made them, like, in super long sizes or lengths for, like, the garden. In the garden section of, like, Home Depot. They're, like, so long. They're just super long flexi rods. And you. They. They're meant to be used to, like, wrap cords.
- [27:54]
Jen Sullivan
Are they green?
- [27:54]
Nikki Nelms
They're green. I have green, blue, yellow.
- [27:57]
Jen Sullivan
I know exactly what you're talking about. It's, like, foamy on the outside.
- [27:59]
Nikki Nelms
It's like a flexi rod, but it's stronger. The wire is stronger on the inside. So just imagine, like, the shapes you can get if you wrap some hair around that. And I've had that. I bought them. They had some black ones, and I had it in my kit, and I was able to use one day and just create this crazy shape. And everyone was like, what. What are those? Those look like super long, you know, flexi rods. And I was like, it kind of is. You know, it kind of is. And it was, like, a really cool look, so.
- [28:31]
Co-Host
That's so cool.
- [28:31]
Jen Sullivan
She's like, this is from my plant nursery, right? So you make all these amazing, beautiful artistry, and it's what you're known for, like, truly. I feel like every time you get on set, everybody's like, okay, what's Nikki gonna do? How she's gonna push the envelope? Do you ever feel trapped by your success or your work? Like, people are expecting something from you based on the reputation you've built?
- [28:51]
Nikki Nelms
Well, I have definitely felt that in the past. It's kind of funny to me to watch, like, you know, you get a new client, and, yeah, they could be, like, a fan of your work, but sometimes they reach out to you because of, like, what you represent or the other clients that you work with, or they see what you've done with and for other people, and they just want to feel the way. They want to feel that way themselves. Like, whatever way they think that you've made your other clients feel because they look at them in a certain light so you can see them in the chair. They're sitting there, like, with this, like, little face of anticipation, like, it's about to happen. What is she gonna do? And it's so funny, because that's not how I move. The moment will tell me what to do. And sometimes it's the relationship and the time spent with each other that organically creates, like, awesome hair moments. It may not be like you sit down in the chair and get this crazy style that's going to give you this new career path or something like that. Sometimes it's just the vibe or the moment. Or it could be something like the shirt you wore could change the course of. Of where we were gonna go. So, you know, like, that's why it's so cool to work with people that are open to your openness, and they don't place that sometimes burden of expectation on you.
- [30:31]
Co-Host
Nikki, when you're talking about this burden of expectations, is this, like, a new celebrity or, like, a new client that will come in who wants to work with you, and then it just kind of, like, fall flat?
- [30:42]
Nikki Nelms
Well, not fall flat, but I mean, sometimes. And I mean, in any relationship, I think what could ruin any potential great part of a relationship could be, like, entering it with expectation instead of just letting it be, you know? Like, you know, you could have met the man of your dreams, and he could really be your husband. But if you went on your first date with your list and your this is what I want, and you, you know, put that pressure on them, like, I want to be married in, like, 32 months or whatever, like, now they're looking at you in a different way, and they're not free to be. So it kind of affects, like, the course, you know? So I just like things to be, you know, I get it. People want what they want, and I'm gonna. I'm gonna give it to them. But I feel like the best of me comes when you just, like, chill out. And keep in mind, when I say I like freedom. I'm never, like, just this magician giving out a hairstyle. I'm not welcome to collaborating because I love to collaborate with my clients. That's the best way to customize and give them what's best for them. I have to know them, and I have to know what they don't like, what they're comfortable with. And so then I create my own lane and boundaries with them.
- [31:58]
Jen Sullivan
So what are these tools, though? I feel like you need a good toolkit to have that freedom to be creative. So what do you like to bring on set? Always?
- [32:05]
Nikki Nelms
Well, there's two sets. There's that prep set, then there's the, the we're about to get going on this shoot set, you know, so prep set. I love to try and keep the hair, like, healthy and hydrated and just do all of the, like, necessary groundwork so that I can get the best hair when it's time to shoot, you know, because, you know, you need, you need something healthy and happy to work with, you know, it lightens my load.
- [32:37]
Jen Sullivan
So that's like the TLC kit. What's in there?
- [32:41]
Nikki Nelms
Some great shampoos. You know, I love my Maui moisture. Right now I'm on the Awapui, you know, it's waking up a lot of hair.
- [32:50]
Jen Sullivan
Oh, that smells good.
- [32:51]
Nikki Nelms
It's keeping it hydrated with that aloe and coconut water. You know, I keep, like, a lot of good, like, styling products. I like hairsprays that I can build with. And it doesn't work against me, you know, Like, I like Sebastian Shaper plus, but that will be in my, in my onset kit. But the healthier the hair, the better. The on style kit works, you know, but not to say that I can't do your hair if it's unhealthy, because I'm gonna tell you, I've gotten some really good styles out of some unhealthy hair. You know what I mean? It's just, it's moldable.
- [33:31]
Jen Sullivan
You're like, I have to work around this. Then you get real creative.
- [33:34]
Nikki Nelms
But in, in the on set kit, it's everything. It just. It depends on the client. It depends on the type of shoot we're gonna do. The more creative control I have or the more freedom they're giving me, I tend to just throw everything in there. Like, I throw things in the kit up until the point that I'm leaving out the door. I just never know, like, oh, what if I need that? What if I need that? Because a lot of times you don't have time to. Or you can't send in the system because you need the shot in, like, minutes or whatever. So I, I have everything. I've had hangers, wire, hot glue guns. Like, not just your average blow dryer. I mean, I'll have anything in there. Nails.
- [34:15]
Jen Sullivan
How big is this kit?
- [34:16]
Nikki Nelms
You know, the, the double decker ski boarding kit? I mean, they're, they're bags for the ski board. So I have two of those. No, I have three of those. So it just depends on how crazy the job is. But for the most part, I'm a minimalist. I know that sounds like pretty opposite of what I just said, but I bring things for the. Just in case. But I really could, like, go with a little something and then figure it out on site, you know. But sometimes it depends on the client or how if the client knows you and how well they know what you can do. Like, some clients like to see a lot of stuff. It makes them comfortable. So there's been situations where I just. I bring everything just to make them comfortable. But I still use the same for four things that I like to use. But they just like to know that, you know, you have things. Because I've arrived at a shoot with like the smallest little purse, and it had everything in it that I needed because I like travel size cans and all of that. And they're like, where's your kit? And I'm like, I have it. It's right here. It's good. They just, they were so miserable because they just didn't feel comfortable that I could do it. So I was like, okay, moving forward, I'll just bring the bells and whistles for you. But I don't need it, you know.
- [35:27]
Co-Host
Did they actually say something or was it just like, did.
- [35:31]
Nikki Nelms
It was a photographer and their face fell. They said something. It was the whole thing. I actually went to the store and bought a bunch of stuff just so they felt better. I didn't use any of it.
- [35:43]
Jen Sullivan
It makes me think of that post where some. I forget who posted this. It was like, you're not paying me for the amount of time it took me to do the work. You're paying me for the years of experience that went into, you know, like, it's not the bells and whistle. So what about you personally? Okay, we know you have all your stuff for when you're doing a client. What do you like? What's your skin regimen? This is like a beauty podcast. We want to know what makes Nikki tick.
- [36:05]
Nikki Nelms
What makes Nikki tick? Well, lately I haven't been doing anything well, I've been trying to maintain my skin. I've been using. I started using Kate Somerville, this face wash. Shani Darden. She has this serum that I like. I talked to Kelly Rowland a lot and she has the best skin ever and she knows all of the, like, best products. So whatever her fave is of the month is, like, what I'll do. So I'm like, using everything. I really try to maintain, like, my hair not in. In terms of like, a style, but just keeping it, like, healthy. I'm making a lot of masks at home, like, for conditioners. I'm mixing. Well, that sounds like a reach. Actually. I'm just mixing in different oils into conditioners that I like. Like I told you, I like the. The Awapui conditioner and shampoo with Maui. So I'll mix in a little, you know, grapeseed oil or. Or some olive oil, whatever, you know, I have. And I'll just sit under the dryer with it with, like, a shower cap and just get, you know, like, extra. Extra conditioning. So I've been just. Just focusing on the health of my hair. I like to do that. And then I work down to my face because I feel like if my hair is, like, dirty and unkept, then it's like, I feel like it's sliding down into my face. I don't know, mentally. That's just how I feel. And then, you know, I'm doing a lot of, like, scrubs and on my body.
- [37:40]
Jen Sullivan
Do you make your own scrub, or is that something that you buy?
- [37:43]
Nikki Nelms
I buy them because I don't know how. I mean, I was gonna make one. One of my friends sent me this, like, little recipe, but I'm like, I have so many in there. Like, I'll just use those, you know, like the brown sugar.
- [37:59]
Jen Sullivan
Do people send you beauty products? I'm sure they send you hair products.
- [38:01]
Nikki Nelms
But they send a lot. A lot.
- [38:04]
Jen Sullivan
It's a nice perk.
- [38:05]
Nikki Nelms
It is, but it's like, where am I gonna put all of this stuff? You know? And then you have so much. You have to give yourself time to try them, to know if you even like them. And then by the time you finish trying it, like, the other new one that you didn't try, expired. So you have to, you know, I try to share with my friends and then get their opinion. Like, did you like it? Then maybe I'll go out and buy it. But it's a lot.
- [38:29]
Jen Sullivan
Spoken like a beauty editor, Nikki.
- [38:31]
Nikki Nelms
Oh, really?
- [38:32]
Jen Sullivan
A true beauty editor. Yeah.
- [38:34]
Nikki Nelms
What I wish they would send me more of. It's like, candles.
- [38:39]
Co-Host
Oh, we can't get enough candles here.
- [38:40]
Jen Sullivan
What's your favorite candle diptyque?
- [38:42]
Nikki Nelms
I love.
- [38:43]
Jen Sullivan
I like the Baze one.
- [38:44]
Nikki Nelms
And I, like 34 is the next runner up.
- [38:47]
Co-Host
So before we let you leave, we have to ask you the Fat Mascara 5, which is just a lightning round of questions so you don't have to think about them too hard. Ready? What is the first beauty product you fell in love with?
- [38:58]
Nikki Nelms
Avon had this face wash that I love so much when I was in high school, I used to love it. My mom would buy it for me. It was from Avon.
- [39:08]
Co-Host
Did she get it from, like, an Avon lady?
- [39:09]
Nikki Nelms
Probably. Someone, like, at her job sold Avon. You know, like, everyone sold Avon.
- [39:14]
Co-Host
Who is a celebrity who you have not met, but you know you'd be best friends with?
- [39:19]
Nikki Nelms
Erykah Badu. I met her a couple times.
- [39:22]
Jen Sullivan
I feel like I want Erykah Badu's phone number.
- [39:24]
Nikki Nelms
I feel like it's so many situations I'm in that I'm like, I want to call her and just ask her, what should I do? Yeah, that's all. Like, I love my friends to be, like, knowledgeable, and I can ask them things.
- [39:36]
Co-Host
What's your favorite indulgent snack? And be specific.
- [39:40]
Nikki Nelms
There's this banana pudding that I love from this restaurant in Brooklyn called Doc D's Bakery. So good. Like, everyone's always like, magnolia this, magnolia that. Mm, mm. And for a. Like, a more accessible snack, I like the. You know those Nutter Butter, like, wafers. The peanut butter? Yes, yes.
- [40:05]
Co-Host
The little sandwich cookies.
- [40:06]
Nikki Nelms
No, not the sandwich cookies. I like the wafer version of those.
- [40:09]
Jen Sullivan
Oh, I wanna mix them into the banana pudding.
- [40:11]
Nikki Nelms
Oh, that sounds good. Okay. Okay, now we're friends. Now we are friends. Now we're living.
- [40:19]
Co-Host
Now we're living.
- [40:19]
Nikki Nelms
Okay, now I'm gonna be thinking about that. And they're kind of hard to find in New York for some reason. Like, I never really see them. So my mom sends them to me sometimes.
- [40:30]
Jen Sullivan
Thanks, Mom.
- [40:31]
Co-Host
Oh, that's really sweet. She's a good mom. Okay, what song pumps you up?
- [40:35]
Nikki Nelms
My first song by Jay Z.
- [40:37]
Co-Host
And then, you know, we always raise a wand to a product at the end of the show. Or it could be basically anything. Anything that we're really feeling right now. So what do you want to raise a wand to? What are you obsessed with right now?
- [40:49]
Nikki Nelms
I have to raise a wand to Maui Moisture's weightless oil mist.
- [40:55]
Co-Host
Ooh, that sounds good.
- [40:56]
Nikki Nelms
It's good. It's saved me in a lot of situations. It gives that nice little finishing touch. Like, sometimes a client will run out the door and head to red carpet, and you just don't really get the right amount of time for last looks. So it's so super fine and, you know, effective. I'll just do, like, a quick little mist once over, and it gives the right amount of shine for the carpet. So I'll raise a wand to that.
- [41:26]
Jen Sullivan
I feel like you do not need saving ever. I feel like you got it under control. If I, you know, If I ever go out into the wild and need like someone on my survival kit, it's gonna be Nicky Nelms. That's what I dec.
- [41:36]
Nikki Nelms
Thank you, thank you.
- [41:37]
Jen Sullivan
Thank you so much.
- [41:38]
Co-Host
Nikki. Thank you so much. This is great. We hope you enjoyed the show.
- [41:45]
Jen Sullivan
It's your reviews and feedback that help us make the podcast even better. Head over to itunes to rate and review us or email your thoughts to infofatmascara.com we also want to answer your.
- [41:55]
Co-Host
Beauty questions and hear what products you love. To share a Raizy one product review or to ask a beauty question, email us at Info Fat Mascara.
- [42:03]
Jen Sullivan
If you send it as a voice memo file, we can even share your voice on the podcast. You can also do that by leaving us a voice message. Our phone number in the United States is 646-481-8182.
- [42:14]
Co-Host
Thanks so much for listening.