We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Salander recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Confidence and self-esteem are attributes many of us strive to possess, yet they can often seem elusive. I, too, grappled with these insecurities for the longest time. It wasn’t until I embarked on a journey of self-discovery that I realized gaining confidence and self-esteem was more about faking it initially and eventually making it through the power of self-validation. From a young age, I felt the weight of societal expectations pressing down on my shoulders. I constantly compared myself to others, leading to a barrage of self-doubt and a lack of self-esteem. Fearing judgment from others, I masked my insecurities behind a facade of confidence. The charade worked to some extent, but deep down, I knew it was not sustainable. The anxiety can be crippling worrying about appealing to everyones expectations!
However, the turning point in my journey came when I realized that seeking validation from others was akin to building my castle on shifting sands. I decided to shift my focus inward and began to appreciate my accomplishments, no matter how small. Through introspection, I identified my strengths and embraced my imperfections. This newfound self-validation acted as a steady anchor, keeping me grounded in the face of external pressures.
No one can traverse the path of self-discovery alone. I sought out a supportive network that celebrated my wins and offered a helping hand during setbacks. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who encouraged my growth, I found the strength to confront challenges head-on. Their unwavering belief in me fueled my determination to reach for the stars.
Along the way, I encountered failures and setbacks, as does everyone on their journey. Instead of letting them diminish my newfound confidence, I chose to view them as stepping stones to success. Each failure taught me valuable lessons, making me more resilient and reinforcing my belief in my abilities. Yet, as my self-confidence blossomed, so did my authenticity. I learned to celebrate my uniqueness and embraced the freedom of being myself. By shedding the need to conform to society’s expectations, I felt an incredible weight lifted off my shoulders. I realized that embracing my true self was not only liberating but also the key to genuine self-esteem.
The path to confidence and self-esteem was neither linear nor easy, but it was undeniably worth it. I learned that faking confidence initially was not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step in my growth journey. As I embraced self-validation and surrounded myself with a supportive community, I discovered the power of authenticity. Today, I stand tall, knowing that I am worthy of success and happiness on my own terms. I encourage you to start your journey towards self-confidence by acknowledging your worth and embracing your uniqueness. Remember that seeking validation from within and building a strong support group will be your allies in this process. Never forget that you have the strength to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. You have the power to soar high and be successful in all your endeavors. Believe in yourself, and the world will follow suit.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Nicole Salander, and I am a hairstylist in Mid-Michigan, specializing in Lived-in Color and Blondes! For over 5 years, I’ve been living my passion behind the chair. The beauty industry has always fascinated me, and I’ve embraced it by expressing myself through fun and stylish hairdos. My inspiration traces back to the days of watching Lizzie Mcguire, where the y2k girls and their fascinating styles captivated me. Fortunately, the trend of exciting hairstyles is making a comeback, and I am thriving once again! My true calling lies in helping and empowering others. As a hairstylist, I have the perfect platform to do just that and so much more. This career exceeds my wildest dreams, and I find myself not just working but enjoying every moment in the salon with my clients, who have become like a second family to me. I cherish getting involved in their lives and supporting them through their challenges. It’s the people that make my job incredibly fulfilling, and my ultimate goal is to continue uplifting others in every way possible.
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?
In my career, three essential qualities have had a significant impact on my journey. The first is passion, as I am incredibly grateful to have turned my passion into a career. It serves as a constant source of motivation for personal growth and professional development as a hairstylist. This quality is particularly crucial when starting out because building a clientele can be challenging and demotivating at times. The second valuable quality is compassion. I believe in empowering others, and as a hairstylist, I encounter individuals from all walks of life. Being compassionate allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level and create a safe and supportive space for them. Meeting new clients and working with different hair types excites me and keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling.
Lastly, I have found authenticity to be my third top quality, even though it remains a work in progress. Embracing authenticity has had the most significant impact on my business. It aligns with confidence and helps me stay true to myself in an industry that can be ruthless. Social media plays a significant role in marketing, and it’s easy to compare oneself to others. However, staying true to who I am and recognizing my unique qualities, such as my personality and connection with clients, has been a powerful asset.
To those starting out in the beauty industry, my advice is to embrace authenticity wholeheartedly. Stay true to yourself, pursue the aspects of the industry that ignite your passion, and never lose sight of what sets you apart. Embrace each step of the journey, even the challenges, as they contribute to your growth and development as a professional. Remember, your authenticity is your superpower, and it will resonate with the right clients who appreciate your unique offerings. Be confident in your abilities, continue to learn, and let your passion lead the way to a fulfilling and successful career in the beauty industry.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
My best advice for overcoming times of a rut is to take pictures constantly, even if you feel it’s not your best work. Trust me, one day when you’re feeling down and doubting your progress, looking back at those photos will reveal just how far you’ve come. It will ignite a new wave of motivation and rekindle the passion you once had. When overwhelmed, take a step back, get creative, and go on an adventure. The beauty industry thrives on creativity, and keeping that spark alive is essential. Embrace burnout if it comes, but what truly matters is how you handle it. Pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes, and move forward with newfound wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salandernicole.wixsite.com/wildmane
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikswildmane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildmanebynik
- Other: https://www.barriosalonsuites.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nikswildmane
Image Credits
@Nikswildmane
