We recently had the chance to connect with Nikita Rusk and have shared our conversation below.
Nikita, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being a mother brings me so much joy. The flexibility in my schedule allows me to attend their games. I’m not always able to attend but when I can I’m there, cheering them on!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Nikita Rusk, and I am the proud owner of CBN Beauty Salon and founder of Crowned Essentials, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women experiencing hair loss due to medical reasons.
For me, hair is more than just beauty—it’s confidence, identity, and healing. Through my salon, I specialize in restoring natural hair health and helping women feel confident in their crown again. Through my nonprofit, I extend that mission by providing resources, wigs, and support for women on their journey of recovery and self-love.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my brand with new membership experiences, digital resources, and community-focused programs designed to empower women inside and out. My goal is to create spaces where beauty meets confidence, and where every woman feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Since I was a little girl, every challenge I’ve faced has fueled my passion to serve women who are also on their journey of restoration. Whether it’s through healthy hair care, protective styling, or providing wigs for those experiencing medical hair loss. My life experiences pushed me to build a brand that’s more than just a salon—it’s a safe space where women can restore their hair, their confidence, and their self-worth.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be patient with yourself. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re how you grow. Celebrate the small wins, even if they seem insignificant. And remember, the people who truly matter will love you for who you are, not who you’re trying to be.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
While many in the industry say you have to niche down to succeed, that’s not always the case. Take CBN Beauty Salon as an example—we focus on repairing natural hair, restoring confidence, mentoring stylists, and even supporting women experiencing medical hair loss through our nonprofit, Crowned Essentials. By serving multiple areas that align with our mission, we’ve been able to create a brand that’s both diverse and cohesive. Niching down can be helpful, but it’s not the only path to building a strong, impactful brand.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Doing hair is more than just a job for me—it’s my passion. From a young age, I was drawn to the creativity, the transformation, and the confidence it can bring to someone’s life. This wasn’t something I was told to pursue or pressured into; it’s a path I chose because it excites me, challenges me, and allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives. Every client I work with is a reminder that this is what I’m meant to do, not what someone else expected me to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crownedbynikita.com
- Instagram: @CBN.beautysalon
- Facebook: Crowned by Nikita Beauty Salon
- Yelp: Crowned by Nikita Beauty Salon
- Youtube: CBN Beauty Salon
- Other: TikTok @crownedbynikita
Image Credits
Nick Combs
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