We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadia Vassell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nadia, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I would say that my work ethic came from my surroundings growing up in rural Montego Bay Jamaica. I saw this work ethic played out in my family, from my grandmother, who used to sell fresh fruits and vegetables from our own farm that my grandfather had. To, seeing my father owning his small grocery store, to my mother who works very hard here in America, making it possible for me to be where I am today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Nadia Vassell’s journey into entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a deep-seated passion for beauty. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Nadia’s upbringing was steeped in the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture and community spirit.
From a young age, Nadia was captivated by the artistry of hairstyling, finding joy and fulfillment in the transformative power of a well-crafted hairstyle. At a young age, on Sundays were my wash days and I used to spend a few hours shampooing, creating my own deep conditioner with things found in the home. A stale beer, egg white, and aloe. I really cannot remember how I came up with this, but I must have seen an adult do this.
I am a passionate hairstylist, who most importantly enjoys building relationships with my clients, then I love to enhance the clients beauty, by creating the perfect haircut, hair color, weave installation, braids, and more. You don’t have to be the best hair stylist, but what people remember is how you made them feel. I have built such an amazing connection with my clients, and this is what keeps me motivated. What’s most exciting is when customers believe in me more than I believe in myself.
For 22 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of hairdressing, a journey sparked by a chance encounter in a gym. Meeting a hairstylist, I shared my braiding skills, which led to an apprenticeship under her wing. From prepping clients to working in various salons, I’ve always embraced learning from others in the industry.
From a young age, I have always been captivated by the artistry of hairstyling, finding joy and fulfillment in the transformative power of a well-crafted hairstyle. And as I honed in on my skills and nurtured my passion, my talent caught the attention of industry insiders, paving the way for me to embark on a career as a celebrity hairstylist.
Throughout my journey in the entertainment industry, I have had the privilege of working with esteemed artists on music videos, magazine shoots, and television appearances. My artistry and attention to detail earned me the reputation for excellence, solidifying my status as a trusted stylist among celebrities and clients alike.
Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of the spotlight, I yearned for something more—a space where women like herself could feel truly seen, heard, and celebrated. Inspired by her own experiences and fueled by a desire to challenge beauty norms, Nadia set out to create her own salon—one that would not only offer exceptional hairstyling services but also serve as a sanctuary of empowerment and inclusivity.
In 2010, Nadia’s vision became a reality as she opened the doors to Nadia Vassell Salon. With her unwavering determination and a spirit of innovation, Nadia transformed her dream into a thriving business, using her savings to fund the venture and drawing on her extensive industry experience to attract clients.
Yet, Nadia’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of securing a commercial lease to overcoming financial hurdles, she faced obstacles head-on with courage and tenacity. Through it all, Nadia remained steadfast in her commitment to her vision, determined to create a space where women of all backgrounds could feel welcomed and embraced.
Today, Nadia Vassell Salon stands as a testament to Nadia’s resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her craft. It is a place where beauty knows no bounds, where diversity is celebrated, and where every client is treated with the utmost care and respect.
I’m never stopping and I’m never not growing. Recently I launched my very own haircare brand, which can be found in the salon and on the salon website. Our products are for all, its vegan formula, paragon free, sulfate free and free from alcohol. My clients have been raving about it. In the line I have something for those who may have dry or itchy scalp, a moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, a hair masque, a leave-in conditioner, a heat protector and a hydrating hair and skin oil. I also sell my very own hair extensions, I visited India in 2013 to source the hair for my hair extensions line. I also have an amazing detangling brush under the brand as well.
We are growing the brand and have been bringing on some of the industry’s best hairstylists to work here in the salon. Recently, I had the honor of hosting the Real Housewives of NYC at the salon. one of our clients Brynn Whitfield is one of the housewives and she bravely shared her experience as a child in the salon and how that brought her a sense of belonging. Her story highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry, and we are proud to provide a welcoming space for clients of all backgrounds.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that were impactful in my journey resiliency, adaptability, and always learning.
The advice I can give to new hairstylist are:
- Practice Patience, building a strong clientele takes time, so be patient and focus on delivering quality service.
- Develop Strong CommunicationSkillsby listening carefully to clients needs and provide clear and honest advice to achieve the desired look.
- Invest in yourself, never stop learning, staying up to date on new trends, techniques, and products to continuously improve your skill
- Build Relationsips with other hairstylist and whenever you leave a salon, do so on good terms.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Currently, one of the main challenges Im facing is finding quality hairstylist who align with our salon’s standards and values. It’s essential to ensure that each hairstylist we bring on board not only possesses the necessary skills but also shares our commitment of providing exceptional service and maintaining a positive salon environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nadiavassell.com
- Instagram: @nadiavassellsalon
- Facebook: @nadia.vassell
- Twitter: @nadiavsalon
Image Credits
Photographer: Keith Major
