Meet SalleyNycole Crews
SalleyNycole Crews is a mom, wife, and dedicated skincare and beauty industry professional who owns and operates SalleyNycole's Skin & Beauty Boutique in Buffalo, NY. Specializing in sugaring, facials, and vajacials, she has been her own boss for over a decade and has been in the beauty industry for 14 years. Alongside her entrepreneurial endeavors, SalleyNycole is actively involved in various communities, such as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Black Girls Hike Buffalo, Mommy Wine Down, and the Millionaire Mob University & CoWorkers Community. Notably, she is a mentor, empowering women to prioritize self-care through her services and providing financial guidance to fellow business owners, inspiring them to succeed.
Personal Milestones
Where are you from?
Born in San Diego, CA | Resides in Buffalo, NY
What was your first job?
In high school: Look Great Fashion
Out of College: Case Manager for Pregnant and Parenting Teens at BFNC
One thing most people don't know about you:
I love watching old movies, especially those from the ‘60s.
What is your favorite book or podcast?
Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
What motivates you to pursue current and new passions?
This is hard because I’ve always been a person who was pretty motivated my entire life, and I would say the ability to continue to live how I want to, keeps me going every day. Currently, a new passion of mine is wanting to swim competitively. I never thought I would be interested, but now that swimming has become a massive part of my life, I want to take it further, and I am also motivated by the physique that comes with being a serious swimmer.
What is your biggest accomplishment at this point in your life?
I really can't choose one. I have had so many, from graduating college, joining my sorority, getting married, starting a business, and achieving a strong mental health state. I have so many, but if I could really choose, it would be the birth of my son Syer. Everything about motherhood scared me, from pregnancy to birth to raising a child, but here I am two years later, and it's amazing. It’s hard for sure, but I love it, and I would do it all over again.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew at 18 years old?
I wish I had known how to budget my money and invest. I wish I had started saving for retirement back then, even if it was $20 a week. Money management would have put me so much further in life financially.
Professional Milestones
Is what you do now what you always wanted to do as a child?
As a child, I wanted to be a hairdresser, so yes and no, I am in the beauty industry. This is the closest I will get to being a hairdresser, which is fine. I love esthetics more.
What inspired you to go into your industry?
Growing up, I always suffered from acne. I started getting facials at The Salon Professional Academy, and my skin started to clear up so much, and I loved going there. One day, I asked one of the girls about the program, and she encouraged me to come to the school. I quit my job, and one week later, I was enrolled in the school. I will forever be grateful for Marilyn's encouragement. May she rest in peace.
Describe in one word what it's like to be a woman of color in your industry.
Fabulous.
Was there ever a time you faced challenges in your professional life? How did you overcome them?
Yes, when I first opened my spa in 2017, I was going through severe mental health challenges. The biggest one was depression. I went from working in a busy hair salon where there were people to talk to and engage with to working in a solo space where it was just me. As an extrovert, that was my worst nightmare. I hated it. I loved my clients, but it was hell when I was alone, on breaks, or between clients. I never spent so much time alone. I pushed past it with prayer, re-engaged with my sorority, joined a Christian Women's Group called Lioness Leaders, joined Black Girls Hike Buffalo, and started hiking. I showed up daily at my spa with my lipstick on and took my clients. Eventually, I got used to being alone, and now, baby, I LOVE it. I enjoy the quiet so much.
What's next for you in your career?
Next, I am excited to begin helping other women and women entrepreneurs manage their money with my budgeting program.
What advice would you give a young woman of color trying to enter or advance in your industry?
Learn as much as possible, attend Esthetics Conferences and Spa Shows, read industry magazines, and attend training. Keep up with the latest trends and only add what you love to your menu. Do not offer services just for the money. Your clients will see right through that. Be professional as well and provide outstanding customer service.
Who/what do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my support system, which consists of my parents, my husband Jamil, and my close friends.
Are you involved in any organizations, associations, clubs, or groups?
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc
Black Girls Hike Buffalo
Mommy Wine Down
Millionaire Mob University/ Co-Workers Community
My Swim Pro Swimming Academy
Connect with SalleyNycole
Instagram: @salleynycolesskinandbeautybtq
Facebook: SalleyNycole's Skin & Beauty Boutique
716-226-8450
