By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Sunday, January 5, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET
Meet Nikki, a dynamic force in the beauty industry, celebrated as a Licensed Manicurist, Esthetics Instructor, beauty school director and co-owner at NC Skincare Academy.
who has built an empire from the ground up. With her unwavering dedication to artistry, education, and innovation, she has transformed her passion into a flourishing career, inspiring countless professionals to follow in her footsteps. From establishing successful salons to mentoring aspiring beauty specialists, she combines creativity with business acumen, proving that dreams in the beauty world can turn into impactful legacies. Her story is a testament to resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to empowering others to shine.
In a world where creativity meets business savvy, few individuals stand out like Nikki Tran. As a trailblazer in the beauty industry, she’s redefined what it means to turn passion into purpose. It’s an honor to discuss the journey behind her success, the challenges she’s overcome, and her advice for aspiring professionals. Let’s dive into the heart of her story and uncover the secrets to building an empire in the beauty world.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: For you personally, what does "influence" mean? Over your career and life, how has your perspective of it changed?
Nikki Tran: To me, "influence" in the beauty industry means being able to shape opinions, trends, and behaviors in a positive way, through creativity. Initially, I viewed influence as a way to dictate what products or styles were considered desirable. Over time, however, I’ve come to see it as something simpler — it’s about inspiring confidence, empowering others to embrace their individuality, and creating a more inclusive environment. Back then, influence was primarily seen as coming from celebrities or major brands. But today, with social media, anyone can be an influencer, and power has shifted more towards displaying a genuine character and relatability. I now believe influence is less about pushing products and more about promoting self-expression, confidence, and diversity, with a stronger focus on social responsibility and sustainability. It’s about creating lasting, positive changes in how we view beauty.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: Being a woman of power, how have you managed to strike the mix between honesty and social expectations? Has that balance ever seemed like a "mask" you needed to wear?
Nikki Tran: As a woman in the beauty industry, balancing honesty with social expectations has often been a challenge. I strive to stay true to my values, like promoting confidence and inclusivity, while also navigating the expectations placed on women in the beauty industry. There have certainly been moments when it felt like I needed to wear a "mask" to meet expectations. For instance, certain beauty standards or ideas of success are often pushed onto women in ways that don’t always align with my personal vision; certain ways you have to dress or present yourself, or act “bossy”. However, I’ve learned that true power comes from authenticity. I’ve gradually become more comfortable with standing firm in my beliefs, even when they challenge the standards. Over time, I’ve realized that honesty doesn’t always have to be loud. It can also be subtle and quiet, expressed through the choices I make and the conversations I foster. In the end, staying true to myself, while respecting the expectations around me, is what allows me to lead in a way that feels both powerful and real.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: In your path, what part do mentoring and teamwork play? How do you utilize your position to empower and magnify others—especially women or underprivileged groups?
Nikki Tran: Mentoring and teamwork have been really important in my career. I believe that success is not just about personal achievements, but about lifting others up along the way. Mentoring gives me the chance to share what I’ve learned and support others, especially women and people from underrepresented groups, so they can feel confident in themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide others, especially women and underprivileged groups, helping them find their voice and build confidence in a competitive industry. In my position, I try to create opportunities for those who may not have access to them, whether it's through partnerships, collaborations, or offering a platform for diverse voices. Highlighting diverse talent and stories is a big part of how I try to make a difference. Teamwork helps to create a ripple effect—empowering one individual can have a broader impact on their community. I also prioritize creating a culture where collaboration and mutual support are valued over competition. By focusing on collaboration instead of competition, I hope to build a more inclusive and supportive beauty industry.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: Could you describe a time when you thought your impact was questioned or misinterpreted? How did you handle or reinterpret that event?
Nikki Tran: Early in my career, I launched a campaign aimed at promoting body positivity and inclusivity in beauty. While I believed in it, some people thought I was just following a trend instead of being genuine. It was a challenging moment because the feedback felt personal, and it made me doubt if I truly connected with the people I was trying to support. Rather than retreating, I took a step back to reflect on the criticism and used it as an opportunity to listen and learn. I engaged in deeper conversations with individuals who felt misunderstood, asking them what they felt was missing or what could make the campaign more meaningful. Through those conversations, I realized that true impact isn’t just about a message being well-received; it’s about constantly evolving and understanding the diverse needs of those you're trying to represent. I adjusted my approach to make sure future efforts weren’t just inclusive in words but also in actions. Always aiming to never over promise and under deliver. That experience taught me that influence isn’t about getting instant praise, it’s about staying genuine and honest, while being open to change.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: How do you make sure your impact stems from content rather than appearance in a society that is too often focused on image and surface-level achievement?
Nikki Tran: In the beauty industry, it’s easy to get caught up in appearance and surface-level achievements, especially with the pressure of social media and trends. However, I try to focus on things that truly matter. I prioritize authenticity and depth in my messaging, aiming to encourage discussions about beauty that include topics like self-esteem, empowerment, and inclusivity. Whether through campaigns, partnerships, or my personal platform, I focus on the stories and experience that shape the beauty industry, rather than just promoting products or trends. For example, I often use my platform to highlight the voices of underrepresented individuals in the industry, share educational content about skincare and wellness, and engage in discussions about the responsibility of beauty brands to be more ethical and inclusive. I’ll discuss ethical beauty practices or share tips that help people feel comfortable about themselves, beyond how they look.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: One of the most unexpected or surprising sources of influence in your life has been what? How have your actions or perspective been shaped?
Nikki Tran: One of the most unexpected sources of influence in my life has been the growing movement for sustainability and ethical practices within the beauty industry. Early in my career, I was primarily focused on aesthetics and trends, but as I became more involved around environmental impact and social responsibility, I realized the profound influence that conscious consumerism and sustainable practices could have on the industry. This shift in perspective completely changed the way I approach both my work and personal choices. I began to prioritize collaborating with brands that shared my values of sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical sourcing. It’s not just about the beauty of the product anymore, it’s about the story behind it and how it affects both people and the planet. The influence of this movement has reshaped my actions by driving me to speak out on these issues, push for transparency, and use my platform to educate others about the importance of mindful consumption. It’s also made me more introspective about how my role in the beauty industry can contribute to positive change, not just in terms of what’s being sold but also in shaping attitudes toward sustainability and responsibility. This unexpected source of influence has deepened my understanding of true beauty—one that goes beyond the surface and creates lasting, meaningful impact. I have been able to participate on all perspective of the industry, from working with clients to teaching others, to creating programs as well as work with state members from all over the US to Upgrade our standards.
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As our conversation with Nikki Tran ends, it’s clear that her journey as an North Carolina Licensed Manicurist, Esthetics Instructor, and co-owner at NC Skincare Academy is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to empowering others, her passion for beauty, and her commitment to excellence have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring professional looking for guidance or someone seeking top-tier beauty services, Nikki Tran is a shining example of what it means to turn dreams into reality.
To connect with her, learn more about her services, or explore opportunities to collaborate, you can reach her at nikkitranedu@gmail.com.
Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board. Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015.
Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.
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