Meet Nika J. | Mother, Cosmetologist, Herbalist, Author, Designer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nika J. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nika, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
You know what’s crazy, if I’m referring to my first and original business, I didn’t think about it much. Hair is something that always came natural to me and was pretty much a hobby until people started to ask me how much I charged. I loved it so much, I didn’t think about the money. That was also probably because at the time, I didn’t need anything. However, once I became a mother, I had a bigger need for money. So, I was lucky, I loved hair, and it provided money. I went to beauty school and found a booth to rent. So that was my thought process with business number 1, there wasn’t one.

Now Business number 2 was also an accident. Everything I created came from me trying to solve a problem with people I care about. My youngest daughter was about 5 and a dermatologist told us she had eczema followed by a prescription for a topical steroid. It really pissed me off because he never looked at any family history, diet or asked us anything. I thought, so my daughter supposed use the cream for how long? Then what? I went home and did my own research. I implemented some diet changes and then I mixed up my own cream, but all of my ingredients were natural. It worked! I took her back for the follow up just to show what I did without steroids. He asked repeatedly what I did. I knew I was on to something. I experimented with a few more things for personal use but Pampure Products didn’t become a brand until I got tired of my clients using products with ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. I fixed a problem. Then it continued. I began to make sea moss tea for my family; it became a top seller. Family members, clients, strangers and friends started to ask me did I have products for their particular issues. I wanted to fix it, and did, creating product after product. Pampure Products became a problem solver.

I told a few people a story. A story about something that happened to me, that was hard for me to get through. Everyone told me, that I needed to write a book. so, I did. All I thought about was, I had to get it out of me, for me! This story deserved to be documented for so many reasons, and I had dragged this process out about ten years, it was time. I finally wrote It. My book made people laugh, cry, it even changed some lives. I was just trying to tell my story.

Proudly from the East side of Charlotte, I have repeatedly organized and promoted the reunion parties for my classmates and friends. I wanted us to have our own custom T-shirts and hats etc. There are so many Charlotte brands, I needed to stand out. I found a great artist. We created something amazing together. A brand that originally catered to my neighborhood friends, became CLT Apparel!

In conclusion, businesses do take a lot of thought when it comes down to setup, making a profit, marketing, employees, etc. H0wever, sometimes there’s a love in your heart, a skill in your hands, or a story in the back of your mind that fits so well into business…. you don’t even have to think about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Touched by Nika experience can’t be duplicated, because there is only one me. This experience can apply to all of my businesses. I love people. What sets me apart from others is that I actually give a damn about people more than money. I am most proud to say that everything I have, I created. I have been and entrepreneur since I was 20 years old. 23 years later and I’m still pushing, and a lot of people can’t say that. I got here because my life got hard, and I dealt with challenges that showed me that; No one is really going to hand you anything without expecting something in return even when you have nothing to give. People come and go and sometimes all you have is you! I needed someone I could depend on, so I became that for me and mine. No, it wasn’t easy. I’ve actually been through more than a few hardships, but I learned something. I learned from my wins and failures, like who grabs you when you fall and who cheers for you even when they aren’t a part of the win.

I’d like the world to know that there’s one tough, black, smart, female powerhouse behind Touched by Nika, Pampure Products, CLT Apparel, Nika J.xyz and Melanated Majority and that when they sow into any of my businesses, they are sowing into good soil!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start off at breakfast at First Watch, then maybe get massages at Zen with Chiropractic adjustments with Dr. Mike on East Blvd. Definitely would swing by Heads up barber and Salon on the plaza to spruce up our looks. During the week I’d take her to try some sushi and New Zealand or Koishi. Lay on a blanket at freedom park. Have a few drinks at Thomas street tavern. Hit up the Marquee for some grown and sexy fun. Fumee for brunch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be who I am today without my supportive parents, my beautiful children, faithful clients and long-term friends. Special shout out To Neese Harrison who made me sign up for beauty school. Shout out My Artist, Stray and All of my East side Family!

Website: https://linktr.ee/NikaJones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikaj.xyz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nika.jones22/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Wmrgj56O5ryCPrQ4WI6qQ