Nikki (nikkinoonoo): The One I Forced Myself On

Meet Nikki, the one who I technically recruited by sheer nerve and luck.

The First Time I Noticed Her

It was the beginning of summer 2025, and Nikki was going viral on TikTok. I was obsessed with watching her. She had started something huge in the nail industry. A genuine movement. Smaller, newer nail techs were finally getting noticed by brands. Brands were waking up to the fact that enthusiasm and passion matter more than follower counts. PR packages were landing in the hands of the people who actually cared, not just the ones with the biggest numbers. And it was epic.

It still has an impact now. She probably won't say it herself, but her viral video and everything that followed genuinely shaped how this industry works. The way brands engage with nail techs today. Nikki had a hand in that!

The Saturday Morning I Cried and Called a Stranger

At the time, TCC existed only on an A4 piece of paper. I had the idea, I had the passion, but I didn't have the confidence. So one day, I dropped Nikki a message. I didn't know her. I had no idea how she'd react. I just asked if she'd please talk to me, because I had an idea I'd love her opinion on.

That Saturday morning, I sat down with my notes, cried, and rang her. I told her the whole business idea, fully expecting her to say: Laurie, I don't think this will work. I told her to be completely honest. And she was, she did tell me some parts wouldn't work, gave me some brilliant pointers that have since steered me in exactly the right direction. But I left that call absolutely hyped up, crying again (happy tears this time), and I got straight onto making TCC a real thing.

I just hoped she'd keep in touch. Because I already loved her.

Why I Chose Her

Except, technically, I didn't choose her at first. I chose four BAs, went through the whole process, and then mentioned to Nikki that I was gutted she hadn't applied. She told me she didn't think she could, it didn't feel right to take an opportunity from someone else.

So I asked her if she'd like to be one.

And here she is.

Our Journey So Far

From that very first phone call, Nikki has been there for all of it. She saw the logo first. She saw the mock-up PDFs. She was there when I was figuring out who the BAs should be, quietly offering her thoughts on who she thought would be amazing. She listened to everything, kept every single secret, and never told a soul about the plans. Her trustworthiness is genuinely unreal.

We got to know each other so well through all of that. And when TCC became real, she was already part of it in every way that mattered.

She did a takeover in December, the one Emily helped me pack.

We met in person for the first time in November at Wowbao. She was doing a live that Sunday, and I was collecting products from Mark. I am so awkward. She was exactly as I'd imagined. Confident, warm, everything. It was busy, so we didn't get long together, but I loved every second of it.

Then came Niche. Her, Emily, Rena, and Kelly all came. And watching them all together, so different, yet so completely the same, I was so proud. We just work. All of us.

Things I'm Lowkey Obsessed With About Her

• The way she started a movement and will quietly downplay the whole thing. She changed how this industry works. Full stop!
• Her honesty. She told me the parts of my business idea wouldn't work on our very first call. That's the kind of person you want in your corner.
• The fact that she didn't apply to be a BA because she didn't want to take a spot from someone else. That tells you everything about who she is.
• Her videos sat straight to camera. She is made for it. Natural, engaging, completely herself. Her best content is her just being her.
• She is our mother. Genuinely. If she hasn't seen something new we're working on, we wait. We look to her. We want her approval. And she gives it with such care.
• Hey Nail Bestie. Her new adventure, and I am rooting for it so hard. I meant it when I said I'll help in any way I can. Watch this space!
• Her confidence in person. I was awkward. She was not. I aspire.

A Memory (Or Two)

Wowbao will always be a funny one. I was so nervous to meet her in person after everything we'd been through together behind the scenes. It was hectic, and I was hovering awkwardly waiting to collect products. I knew no ones names other than hers, I didn't even know who Mark was until someone said his name. (I was new to this OK, don't judge, I find out who people are before I go anywhere now haha). But even in that chaos, it felt completely natural. Like we'd always known each other.

And Niche. Seeing her walk in with Emily, Rena, and Kelly, all of them together for the first time, was one of those moments I'll keep forever. I was so proud of all of them. So proud of what we'd built.

Why She's The Curated Club Through and Through

Nikki was there before TCC was anything. She heard the idea when it was just words on a page and told me the truth (the good and the not-so-good) and that truth helped build something real. She's been in the logo reveal, the mock-up PDFs, the BA decisions, the group chats, the takeovers, and the moments where I've needed someone steady.

She didn't apply to be a BA. I had to ask her. And somehow, that makes it even more special.

She is our mother, our sounding board, and one of the most important people in this whole thing. TCC wouldn't look the way it does without her. And I mean that with everything.

We love you, Nikki. Now please go and build Hey Nail Bestie. 🩷

A short word from Emily...

I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today without Nikki. She helped me from the very beginning with my kit, gave me the confidence to connect with other nail techs, and has supported me every step of the way. She was also a huge encouragement in me becoming a Curated Club Brand Ambassador, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

A short word from Rena...

I love Nikki because she’s funny, friendly, knowledgeable and little fittie. She’s supported me throughout my nail tech venture and I adore her passion plus we both like leopard print 🐆