Life & Work with Nicole Wheeler of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Wheeler.

Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started in the salon industry at 17, working the front desk while balancing school, sports, and life. I originally planned to pursue biomedical engineering, but everything shifted after attending a hair show in Dallas—I fell in love with the industry. That experience pushed me to take the leap into beauty school, and from there, I never looked back. I continued my college education alongside it because I’ve always had a strong drive to keep learning and growing.

I worked in top salons, surrounding myself with talented artists and mentors, and built my foundation through education, experience, and a lot of real-world hustle. I’ve always been independent and authentic in how I approach both life and business, and becoming a certified image consultant added another layer to how I serve my clients—it’s something I naturally use every day behind the chair.

The idea to open a salon came together unexpectedly—on a run with my former business partner. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked, and we decided to take the leap together. Like many journeys, it came with challenges. We experienced a team walkout, and eventually went our separate ways, which forced me to step back, rebuild, and redefine everything.

That season shaped what Studio 6a is today. I rebranded with intention, focusing on culture, leadership, and creating a space that feels elevated, welcoming, and grounded in trust. Today, Studio 6a Salon & Spa is a thriving full-service salon and spa and has been recognized as a Salon Today Top 200 salon. More than anything, I’m proud that it’s a place where both our guests and team feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it hasn’t been a smooth road.

There have been defining moments that really tested me, from a team walkout early on to eventually navigating a split with my business partner. Both forced me to step back and rebuild—not just the business, but the culture, leadership, and overall vision.

There’s also been the weight of carrying everything at times—the responsibility of the team, the business, and making the right decisions, even when you’re not sure what the right answer is. That part of ownership can feel heavy.

One of the biggest lessons for me has been around leadership and communication. I’ve had to rethink how I say things, how people receive them, and how my presence impacts the team. I’ve learned that how I show up when I walk into the salon sets the tone—my energy, my attention, and how I make people feel truly matters.

There have been quieter challenges too—periods of slow growth and uncertainty—but those are the moments that push you to grow the most.

What’s helped me through is staying committed to learning and surrounding myself with people who have more experience. I’ve always believed growth comes from being willing to evolve, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Looking back, those challenges shaped everything. They pushed me to become a more intentional leader and to build something stronger, more aligned, and sustainable.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A big part of what we do is bring in stylists, estheticians, and nail techs at the very beginning of their careers—when everything feels unknown, overwhelming, and honestly a little scary. They’re not just learning technical skills, they’re learning how to show up, how to communicate, and how to navigate people.

We shape that.

We teach them how to approach situations, how to connect with guests, and how to build confidence in themselves. It’s about helping them find their voice—learning to speak with clarity, to stand behind their work, and to grow into someone who feels strong, capable, and seen.

What’s important to me is that they don’t stay small. We push them to think bigger than just being a hairstylist, nail tech, or esthetician. This industry gives us the opportunity to impact people in a real way—how someone feels when they leave our chair can change their entire day, their confidence, even how they show up in their own life.

That’s what we build here. Not just service providers, but confident professionals who understand the value of what they do and the impact they have.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is people—and creating a space where they can show up authentically.

I want our team to feel confident in who they are, not trying to fit into a mold, but bringing their own voice, personality, and energy into their work. When someone feels that, it changes everything—how they communicate, how they connect, and the experience they create.

The experience in the salon should feel real. Not scripted or forced—just genuine. Guests can feel when they’re truly being seen, heard, and taken care of.

At the same time, what we do goes deeper than the service. We have the ability to build confidence in others and impact how they show up in their everyday lives. That’s something I don’t take lightly.

For me, it’s about building a culture where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow into something bigger—and knowing that the work we do has a lasting impact beyond the salon.

Pricing:

• Consultation-Based Pricing: All services begin with a thorough consultation to create a customized plan. Pricing is tailored based on hair type, goals, and maintenance.
• Hair Services: * Haircuts: starting at $45+ * Color services (including dimensional color and blonding): starting at $95+ and vary based on technique, length, and product usage * Toners, treatments, and add-ons are customized and priced accordingly
• Nail Services: * Structured gel manicures and Gel-X extensions: starting at $55+ * Spa pedicures: starting at $60+
• Skin & Spa Services: * Facials (including HydroGlow and advanced treatments): starting at $95+ * Brows & lashes (lamination, lifts, tinting): starting at $25+
• Retail & Home Care: We carry professional, results-driven brands including Davines and Eminence Organic Skin Care, with products selected to support your long-term results at home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studio6a.com
• Instagram: @studio6a
• Facebook: Studio6asalonandspa