Meet Nikki Lee Favata

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikki Lee Favata. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nikki Lee , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Hello, my name is Nikki Lee and this is my story–

I found my purpose 10 years ago. I was pregnant with my son, Kai Anthony and it quickly came to my realization that I would not only be a single parent, but the only provider for my son fully in every aspect of his life. I got pregnant with him at the age of 25 and was not successful at the time and quickly had to make ends meet for my son and I to thrive. I did not want to be labeled or looked at as a “normal single mother struggling”. I wanted to beat the odds and become extremely successful with the ability to also be there for him through everything and not be constantly hustling and working. As the years grew– I went from working 5 weddings a year (I own Ink & Ivy inc. The Bohemian Bridal hair Company of Long Island) to 175 weddings a year and I also own a beautiful bohemian inspired studio salon with 6 employees that work for the company on any and all events we are scheduled on. All the women that work for the company are mothers that provide that income for their families & children at home which also brings me so much joy and purpose in my life. Now as a single mother to 2 beautiful children (Kai Anthony, 9 years old and my daughter Lunella Rae, 1 years old) It is important to me that they see their mother successful, happy and thriving as a single parent. This is my purpose in my life and my career.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Ink & Ivy (My company) is a Bohemian + Natural Bridal Hair Company that provides on-site natural hairstyles for all Long Island Brides. I am the owner of this creative brand | business and I have been running the company for the past 10 years, with a studio salon located in Port Jefferson, NY.
My full team of assistants specialize in all size bridal parties as well as elopement style weddings.
In the past, I have worked alongside many well-known companies & venues to create styles for their special celebrations. In 2020, I had the honor of working with Pnina Tornai for her stunning Kleinfeld runaway show titled, REAL.
I also worked with MTV & Us Weekly alongside many well know reality TV Stars.
Before your wedding day, Ink & Ivy offers hair trials | engagement shoot styles and photo shoot styling so you can have your dream look achieved. By using quality products and modern techniques, we can produce a look that flawlessly showcases your natural beauty. When it comes to the day of your wedding, my assistants and I will come to your location and re-produce your hairstyle.

My love for natural hair styling started when I was working within the theatre industry back in 2005. I then tied my passion for bohemian | natural styling hair into a thriving -on site- bridal hair business on Long Island, NY. I have owned and have grown my bridal hair business for the past 10 years right here on Long Island.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Consistency. Hands down. without consistency there is no slow progession. The slow progression leads to the big wins.

2. Connections. Who you connect with and thrive with when it comes to the true authenticity of your brand. If you make the connections that are pure and not forced—it’s a beautiful recipe for success,

3. True Creative Drive. My industry and company willl thrive on constantly new creative themes and styles. You need to WANT to participate in that wave and thrive in it.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

I believe that every true entrepreneur faces extreme highs and lows in their growing business.
One of the hardest obstacles I have had to overcome and still overcome in the waves of life, are for me, dealing with personal issues that end up being extreme at the time and having to put them aside mentally so your company can thrive through the devastating times and the wonderful times as well–no matter what. It takes an unbelievably strong individual to put on a fake smile and get through the day within your company when your just not truly feeling it that day due to whatever is going on. Fighting through the pain and forcing yourself through it, actually builds the most character and shows your true colors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inkandivyhair.com
• Instagram: @ink.and.ivy__
• Other: [email protected]

  email for inquiries

Image Credits

First 2 photos of me : Thalia Nino Photography

Middle Photo of salon : Britt Lee Photography

Last photo of the chair only and flowers: Midnightstillsphotography – Nicole Angelone