Inspiring Conversations with Nichole Hines of Bella Bar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Hines.

Hi Nichole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician with two Wax + Skin locations (Kansas City, MO and Leawood, KS). I have been licensed for 27 years; an entrepreneur for 24 years. I opened my first salon, Mane on Main in 1999, in the freight house light district that later became Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, MO. I sold this business in 2007 and bought a 30 years old insurance agency.

The call of the beauty industry had me back behind the chair in 2008; I opened Niki’s Niche Salon in Overland Park, KS. I sold my agency in 2009. In 2011, I began the transition aware from hair care and my life as a hairstylist. In 2012, I opened a second business, Niki’s Wax Bar.

In 2013, I earned my Yoga Instructor license and combined all of my businesses into one. In 2014, I rebranded and opened BELLA BAR Wax + Yoga. I offered hairstyling, hair removal, skincare, private yoga and group yoga classes. Within two years, my wax and skin business grew to the point that I completely eliminated hairstyling services and yoga classes.

In 2017, I opened my second location in Missouri with the goal to apprentice my daughter, Cuyler Hines, she is a registered nurse. (Kansas does not offer Esthetic Apprenticeships.) Cuyler began her Esthetic studies in January 2020. She completed her apprenticeship in April 2021.

I launched my first skincare products on April 11, 2020 (my birthday) during the COVID-19 quarantine and pandemic. It had been an endeavor in the works since 2018 and I did not let the world shutting down thwart my dream to have our own product brand.

Since last year, I have continued to launch more organic and vegan skincare and haircare products.

I am currently apprenticing to become a brow tattoo artist because I love to learn and I am always looking at new and innovative ways to expand our business and provide for our clients.

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?
Yes, it has always been a smooth road. I think this is because I have trusted my business instincts and I have always ONLY provided services that I love to render. The day I don’t wake up happy about what I have to do that day is always the day that I make changes. I do this by keeping my finger on the pulse to provide a solution for the pain points of our clients.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
BELLA BAR is a mother-daughter wax and skincare spa. We specialize in waxing and sugaring hair removal and simple corrective skincare. We are known for being welcoming, efficient, and knowledgeable at the services we provide.

I believe the consistency and passion set up apart from other businesses like ours.

I am most proud of the success of our new product line. This past year, we have only marketed to our up-close current clients. I am excited to begin expanding our market with national and global marketing in 2021.

I would like your readers to know that BELLA BAR is a waxing/sugaring and simple skincare spa that takes the time to teach our clients about their skin and skincare. We take the intimidation out of the process so they feel confident with their skincare maintenance and taking on at-home treatment regimens.

Our BELLA BAR brand products are organic and vegan. Our bestsellers are for skin inflammation and skin brightening:
Lavender Derm Elixer for normal-dry skin
Sage Derm Elixer for normal to oily/acneic, inflamed, irritated skin
Face + Space Sage Spritz W/ Colloidal Silver for a sage smudge, room infuser, skin toner for all skin types

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes. I have taken a risk each time that I have rebranded my business. Each business name represents a change in the direction that I have chosen to go over the last 27 years: Mane on Main Hair Salon.

Crossroads Salon and Day Spa
Niki’s Niche Hair Salon
Niki’s Wax Bar
Bella Bar Wax + Yoga
BELLA BAR HOLISTIC AESTHETICS

Each of these businesses represents my need to be happy and do what I want to do every day. It was risky to change every time, but I did it smoothly and with a plan in place, only to succeed. I never contemplated failure. I think that is one of the reasons it has always worked for me.

Pricing:

• Lavender Derm Elixer $22
• Sage Derm Elixer $22
• Face + Space Sage Spritz $13
• The Holy Grail Hair Serum $28
• Vitamin C Toner $15

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: BELLABAR365.COM
• Instagram: BELLABAR365
• Facebook: BELLABAR365
• Youtube: BELLABAR365
• Yelp: BellaBar365