Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Banks.
Hi Nicole , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my business in 2020 after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of my first daughter due to a medical condition called pre-eclampsia during my pregnancy. That moment changed my life forever. I realized how short life truly is, and it pushed me to follow my passion for helping others and building something meaningful.
I have always loved beauty, self-care, and switching up my hairstyles, as so many women do. So, I decided to start an e-commerce business dedicated to helping women look and feel their best. I named my business Nia’s Beauty Hair Collection to honor my daughter’s memory and make her part of my journey.
My vision goes beyond beauty products. One day, I want to start a foundation to educate women on the importance of advocating for themselves when it comes to their health — speaking up if something feels wrong, choosing the right doctors, and understanding conditions like pre-eclampsia. I had no symptoms, which is why awareness is so important.
I funded my business completely from the ground up, investing $25,000 of my own money, which I raised by selling the stock options I earned while working at a well-known tech company. Over the past five years, I have gained extensive knowledge about entrepreneurship, time management, and the importance of networking.
Being a business owner, a mom, and also working a 9-to-5 job has not been easy — but it is absolutely possible with the right mindset and a strong support system. Running a business has taught me the importance of using time wisely, surrounding myself with the right people, and staying committed to my goals.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to run a business without having a formal business degree. I had to teach myself so many things through trial and error, and it was not always easy.
In the beginning, I was very trusting — sometimes too trusting. I hired a graphic designer, who was referred to me by a mutual friend, to create my website, business cards, and rack cards. Most of the time, she was hard to reach, and she did not complete the work she promised. This was very hard for me because I had put time and money into it, and I was left with a half-finished website and no clear direction.
That situation made me move fast. I had to figure out how to fix my website on my own, so I learned how to design and build it myself. It was frustrating at the time, but it taught me an important lesson about doing research and really checking the people I hire before trusting them with my business.
Looking back, I feel like if I would have had a business degree, it probably would have made things easier, but those struggles shaped me into who I am today. They made me stronger, more hands-on, and not afraid to learn new skills when I have to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Founder and CEO of Nia’s Beauty Hair Collection, an e-commerce beauty supply store dedicated to helping women feel confident and beautiful. We specialize in luxury hair extensions, high-quality eyelashes, and hair accessories, offering products that cater to a variety of styles and preferences. Nia’s Beauty Hair Collection is known for exceptional customer service and consistently providing premium, luxury products that our customers love.
We pride ourselves on creating a shopping experience that is personal, seamless, and empowering. I am most proud of having the courage to follow my dreams and start a business while being a dedicated single mom and working a full-time job. Balancing entrepreneurship, parenting, and a career has taught me perseverance, time management, and the value of resilience.
What sets me apart is my commitment to excellence and my ability to balance multiple roles successfully without compromising quality. My journey demonstrates that women can build successful businesses, nurture their families, and thrive professionally — all at the same time.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I have big goals both personally and professionally. One of my dreams is to write a book about my life — sharing my journey, challenges, and triumphs to inspire other women to keep pushing toward their goals no matter what life throws at them. I also plan to create a foundation focused on educating women about pre-eclampsia, bringing awareness to this important health issue and empowering women with knowledge and resources. Right now, I’m most excited about launching my Vendor Ebook, a resource to help others navigate entrepreneurship successfully. I’m also working hard to complete the rebranding of my business, which will allow Nia’s Beauty Hair Collection to offer an even more elevated experience for customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.niasbeautyhaircollection.com
- Instagram: My personal ig page @iamnikkilashay, business ig page @niasbeautyhaircollection
