Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Bauman.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been a right-brainer. My mom and I would make all of our own Halloween and Christmas decorations out of cardboard and paint. We were always finding ways to get crafty. I’d receive art kits for birthdays and holidays, it was always my favorite gift ever. As I got older, I decided to take my passion for art to the next level. I began cosmetology school and attended Milan Institute in Merced, CA. After graduating cosmetology school, I was referred by one of my instructors to work at Great Clips, where I honed in on my cutting skills. My mentor Paulette Busbea and assistant manager, Paige Fisk showed me the ropes and taught me a lot of cutting techniques that I still utilize today.
After working as a hairstylist in California for a couple years, my boyfriend and I got the opportunity to re-locate to South Florida in 2017. Here is where I started working at ULTA Beauty Salon and dove headfirst into the color world. During this time, I also began to fall in love with body art and SFX makeup. I’d spend my free time watching Face-Off and studied what people were creating. I thought, “I want to do that!” Which led me to being the self-taught makeup artist I am today. When I’m not doing makeup for clients, I will paint myself for hours on end into different characters. Some of my fav looks so far are Edward Scissorhands and Regan from The Exorcist. It’s therapeutic for me for sure. I now work at an amazing hair salon in Davie, FL called Salon Mixx, where I do both hair and makeup. With a life-size Beetlejuice and Frankenstein animatronics, art-filled walls, it truly is a place for everyone. It’s not your typical salon but in the best way! We have fun and always try to make you feel at home. While we’ve dubbed it “the barbershop for chicks,” everyone of all ages, gender, race or orientation is welcome. For me, doing hair and makeup is much like painting on a canvas but better… it’s a walking canvas! It brings me so much joy to be able to create unique works and help clients feel confident.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There has definitely been trials and tribulations along the way. The beauty industry is tough with competition and is ever-growing. I wouldn’t change anything from where I have come, it has all been a really good learning experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would do friend’s makeup, wedding freelance and hair but on my free time, I really go into the makeup SFX and body art as well, I love turning myself and others into spooky, fun characters. I am a self-taught makeup artist. I am most proud of hair transformations that I do, seeing reactions from clients when they have beautiful, fun hair to express themselves. I specialize in corrective color, vivids, blonding, men’s cuts, and SFX makeup. I am also certified in hair extensions. I do a little bit of everything! And I’m always up for a challenge. I think what sets me apart from others is being a good listener and really communicate with my clients. I’m very detail oriented.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to go after what you want, don’t be intimidated or scared.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Thenickoeffect
