This is Me.

This Is My Story

Nicole Saavedra is the founder of Nicole Christine Styling LLC, where she helps unlock inner potential with outer transformations. Focusing on makeup artistry, hairstyling, and skincare, Nicole uses quality products to style her clients for special occasions such as weddings, work functions, anniversary parties, and professional photo sessions. Operating since 2012, Nicole Christine Styling has won several awards and accolades, including the Couples’ Choice Award from Wedding Wire, the Editor’s Choice Award from Wedding Rule, and a recent “Best of” Award for makeup artistry from the City of Milwaukee. Recently, the company has added a high-quality, proprietary skincare and cosmetic
line. NCS Skin Care

Nicole is passionate about her work and aims to infuse her clients with the confidence to let their inner beauty shine.

Tell me a little about your personal journey.

I worked in an office for 5+ years and lost my job due to the economic downturn in 2008. I went to interview after interview with no luck. While searching for a job, I was also 4-6 months pregnant. After a dozen interviews, my
husband and I talked about me having the opportunity to stay home with our three-year-old and newborn. To me, it was something I never thought possible. I’d been working since I was thirteen years old. After a year of staying home, my husband lost his job right after we had our third child. With three kids and no income, we were flat broke. The economy was in such a bad place that my husband had a hard time finding work. Three months without a job, he finally started working. But at this point, we
had a family of five living on one income, and it just wasn’t cutting it. After staying home with my babies for over a year, there was nothing that was going to take me away from being there 100% of the time. And on top of that, I would be working simply to pay for daycare.
While being so broke, I went to get a prescription at Walgreens and didn’t have
the dollar to pay for it—not a dollar! I began brainstorming every day of things I could do that would allow me to still be there for my kids and bring in some money. One day, I thought about helping brides get ready for their
big day. I went with my idea and put an ad on Craigslist (lol, yes, Craigslist!). Now almost 10 years later, after putting everything in God’s hands and following his lead, I am now a six-figure artist with a team of seven amazing women.

What are some of the biggest obstacles or challenges you’ve faced as you’ve grown and developed your business?

Disappointment. Worry. All the “What ifs.” Wanting to give up when I felt things were not going the way they should. In 2012, my brother was in a horrible motorcycle accident, leaving him in a vegetative state. Long story short, I became his guardian. I would go and check
on him, talk to him, give him a shower, etc., all while having a family and running two businesses (I had a cleaning business I ran for five years). During this time, while trying to juggle everything without losing my mind, my car was usually packed full of hair and makeup products, and cleaning supplies (carpet cleaner, a Dyson vacuum, etc.). While filled to the brim (including supplies for my daughter’s birthday party), the car was stolen from me. When I finally got it back, it was empty. I had nothing left—all the supplies that had taken
so much hard work and time to accumulate were gone. At that point, I had a choice: give up or keep going. I kept going and started all over from the bottom. God says anything taken from you will be replaced sevenfold, and God did not disappoint. And my husband was not going to let me give up on my dream, regardless of the struggle.

How do external traits relate to a person’s inner world? 

When someone feels and looks their best, it brings out their inner confidence. It helps them with self-love and inner peace. We all know how
good you feel when you look your best.

How can hair and makeup styling make a difference in a person’s life?

I like to think that it’s not so much the hair and makeup, but the connection between the artist/stylist that gives our clients an uplifting, positive experience. That goes beyond hair and makeup.  My favorite part of my job is letting someone truly see their outer potential.

What is the main purpose or mission of Nicole Christine Styling? How
do you keep “purpose” at the center of your day-to-day work?

My main purpose is making others feel and look their best, to help people see themselves with love. Too often, we point out all our faults or flaws, when we are truly the only ones who see them. We are so hard on ourselves. I keep
purpose at the center of my day by truly putting myself into my business, not following the expectations of the world to influence my choices and my path. I let God lead, and I follow. For so long, I tried to do it on my own and would run five blocks ahead, and when it didn’t work, God would call me back and say, “Now, let’s do it my way!” And his way is what has gotten me this far, trusting the process and knowing that when I’m ready for the next step, it will come and bring me peace. Protecting my peace is my goal for every day!