Meet Nicole Esquen | Make-up Artist and Mental Health Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Esquen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how do you think about risk?
Risk is one of those things in life that can be intimidating but unavoidable. Without risk there is limited opportunity for gain, especially as a business owner. Sometimes you give something a chance, invest your time and money it, and it doesn’t work out but sometimes it does and those are the moments that make it all worth it. I have spent most of my life in school preparing to become a professional in my field to one day realize something was missing and I wanted more. I decided to take risk and follow my love for make-up, an art I always admired but never gave a chance. I took classes, invested in supplies and branded myself as Nikki Glam, a Miami/Broward Make-up Artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am both a therapist and a make up artist and I love that. By day, I work as a counselor in a Miami high school serving the mental health needs of its students. In the evenings and on the weekends I get to let my creative side out and be a make up artist. This is a new adventure for me but I am excited about it and loving every step of the way. I am slowly building my brand within the make up world and expanding into hairstyling. It really has been a blessing to be able to take this risk and follow my creative passion while also being able to advocate for mental health.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
some of my favorite spots in the city are: Wynwood love all the food options and the street art. I especially love the pizza at Pizza and Beer. Also really like black point marina and the frost museum. Favorite food places: Samurai, Planta or Planta Queen, La Bodega Restaurant, Chifa Du Kang, Moon Thai & Japanese, and Vegan Cuban Cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today without the support of my best friends, family, and my sorority Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I also would like to thank my mentor and teacher Laura Gomez for supporting and guiding me as I enter the make up world.

Instagram: @nikkiglam_

Image Credits
Taken by Laura Gomez