The Foundational Faith That Built Her – Dallas Frisco Photographer – Me Ra Koh

Meet Nikole and Shaggy! Nikole is the owner of Blondie’s Salon, voted Best Of 2024 in Plano, Texas! Her rock-solid faith has sustained her through multiple hardships through her life and continues to inspire everyone around her today. We had a blast with her and her therapy dog, Shaggy, in our studio!

FOUNDATIONAL FAITH

Her family describes Nikole as being the most faith-filled person they know. She inspires everyone around her to strive for excellence while remaining humble and hard-working. Her excellence and faith are woven throughout her life, both personally and professionally.

Nikole’s story isn’t one of ease. That is why she is so inspirational to anyone with a dream. She spent her early life facing obstacles like alcoholism in the family and becoming a very young single mother. She sometimes worked THREE jobs to provide for her boys, before most would even consider Nikole an adult. But somehow, her faith only grew stronger through each hardship and today she is thriving on a foundational faith that she built.. or she might say, that built her.

WHAT’S RISING WITHIN NIKOLE

Nikole has seen so much growth in her self-confidence, especially recently. Much of it she attributes to finally giving herself permission to set firm boundaries. She is unapologetic in turning away from things that are not good for her or serving her in this season. So inspiring, Nikole has given herself permission to feel “okay” exactly where she is. She will no longer apologize for the direction she is heading in. Within her, there is a phoenix rising and it is bold and firm in the path it is set on!

Nikole started her career as a hairdresser. Twelve years ago she took a leap of faith and decided to expand her business. Thanks to her faith and hard work, her business has seen immense success over the past few years! Finally hitting her stride, Nikole feels content with where she is professionally and has started really taking care of herself personally as well. She started therapy. She has a therapy dog named, Shaggy, who (to our immense joy) joined her for her photoshoot! Nikole does not apologize for hard decisions and stands by who she is in this season. It is a beautiful transition! So much freedom and beauty in this new stage of life.

Along with her new found self-confidence, Nikole’s business is soaring! For the last 3 years, she’s won “Plano’s Best Salon”! She is a shining example of how faith and hard work lead to amazing dreams coming true. Sometimes success needs to be redefined but through a steadfast passion and commitment, you will find it. Nikole is a thriving example of this spirit!

WHAT NIKOLE LOVES ABOUT SHAGGY

Cue tears! Nikole actually has two dogs, Shaggy and Scrappy. But one is her companion in all things, especially the difficult. Shaggy is her calm. This therapy dog was originally for Nikole’s oldest son, but somehow, Shaggy and Nikole chose each other and now walk faithfully side-by-side through life. They are the SWEETEST! Nikole got Shaggy after her father passed away and after she went through a heartbreaking miscarriage. Shaggy was also in Nikole’s wedding. He’s a best friend.. like an old man who sometimes gets a little hyper. Whether smiling or leaning on her, Shaggy brings so much joy to Nikole’s life!

WHAT HER HUSBAND LOVES ABOUT NIKOLE

Nikole’s husband is so proud of his wife. Keith loves how she has stepped into a leadership role with work – so naturally! He also loves her faith. He says it’s unfathomable how well she’s shared her boys with him, who are now in their 20’s. It’s like he’s somehow always been a part of their little family. So powerful.

He describes Nikole as incredibly patient and a hard, graceful worker. “No one works harder and with such grace than her. She’s selfless. I love spoiling her and giving gifts! It brings me joy to take care of her.”

When Nikole first started becoming a platform artist, she was scared to death to do public speaking. “Seeing her grow from stylist behind the chair to a consultant for salons and speaking to hundreds of people, is such an honor. She is thriving! When working with her oldest son, Noah, who has high functioning autism, she’s incredibly patient and lets him vent. She’s made me a better person our entire relationship. She’s coming into her womanhood and finally confident in her own skin. I love it!”

Keith says as a business owner you have to try different business models and that always comes with growing pains. When COVID hit, it forced her to wear a mask for 12 hours a day, yet her business continued to grow. “No matter what she’s hit with, she’s an overcomer!” He loves seeing her confidence grow. “She’s started her own product line. Her passion continues to be visible to all around her. She has a fire, glow and amazing smile! I want her to take pride in her family heritage and how hard she’s worked to grow her business. I’m so proud of her.”

WHAT KYLIE LOVES ABOUT NIKOLE

First, Nikole is a hustler! Whether it’s professional or personal matters, she always figures it out. ALWAYS. She’s so inspiring to her friend, Kylie in all ways. And she’s STRONG. Kylie says she perseveres through everything and just keeps going. She doesn’t allow anything to knock her down.

“No matter what’s happening, Nikole will stop and say, ‘The devil is trying to work against us, but I’m not going to allow that to happen!’ She’s unapologetic about her faith. We don’t share the same faith, but I have so much respect for her and hers! Her superpower is her relatability. When people approach her for guidance, there’s nothing that she doesn’t have an answer for. She’ll have a story to share from her own life. I just want these portraits to remind Nikole that SHE’S GOT THIS! It makes me cry. I want her to have a reminder of how far she’s come and how absolutely strong she is. Look at what all you’ve done! The sky is the limit!!!”

WHAT NOAH LOVES ABOUT HIS MOM

When we asked Nikole’s son, Noah, what his top 3 favorite qualities are of his mom, he said she’s determined! “She’s determined to see her passions come about as a business owner. Growing up, even if something went wrong, she made sure to be able to provide for me. She’s self-sufficient. She was a single mom of 2 boys for about 10 years and always managed to keep everything going.” Noah also describes Nikole as being wise. “She has an entrepreneurial spirit! She takes the pros and cons and learns from other’s mistakes.”

LOSING EVERYTHING

We asked for an example of how his mom is determined. “When we had just moved to Texas, I got ran over by a car and broke my legs. We lost our house and everything. I watched her as a single mother work 2 or 3 jobs while taking care of me. She had to pick me up out of my wheelchair and actually ‘manhandle’ me to take care of me.”

I love this portrait of Nikole because you see the incredible strength but also the beautiful grace that Keith talks about! Imagine this woman lifting her son for everything!

We also asked Noah what qualities has his mom cultivated in him. Noah said, “Stubbornness! To keep going and never give up. I hold Christian values dear to my hear that we suffer to learn and work hard to grow. Her superpower is her empathy. She has the ability to connect with all types of people, which is amazing, especially with everything she has gone through in her life. She says that her salon is her ministry.”

WHAT KEATON LOVES ABOUT HIS MOM

“My mom is my best friend.” Ok, give us a moment to be emotional over this one. Grab some Kleenex. Keaton describes his mother as being fearless. She is a God-fearing woman and will always respond with, “Let’s pray about it!” He also says she is the least judgmental person he knows. His mom’s superpower is making people feel pretty. “She does it every day. She makes everyone feel beautiful in their own skin.”

“I want my mom to remember that she is very powerful just the way she is. That the stuff she’s been through has been worth it. She has a bunch of people surrounding her and we’ll help her get to where she wants to go. She’s never alone.”

We also asked Keaton what he thinks are his top qualities he got from Nikole. He says he got his tenderheartedness from his mom. “If we can light up someone’s day, we will.” He said, “She’s the most hardworking person I know. We work pretty hard as a family. I’m an entrepreneur as well. I’m 100% my mom’s kid. and I also got my athletic ability from her!”

WHAT EMMA LOVES ABOUT NIKOLE

We spoke with Emma who is dating Noah. It was such a sweet conversation and we wanted to include her words. “I just love his mom.. so much! She’s been such a sweetheart and a good supporter of me while I was dating Noah. She was always so open to me coming into their family. I love her leadership, her mindset, the qualities that she carries. She’s a strong, wonderful woman and a great role model for anybody. I just love having her in my life. I hope she sees this portrait and is reminded of the light she brings to everyone around her.”

NIKOLE’S RISING PHOENIX

Wow. Just wow. Working with Nikole and her entire family has been such a sweet experience. She is strong and fierce and a beautiful Rising Phoenix. She is also so wise, calm and beautiful inside and out. What an honor it was to do her portraits and experience her faith and love for others first hand!

We asked Nikole what it would mean to her to see these portraits every day, and the emotion in the response was palpable. “It would remind me of my inner strength. Most people wouldn’t think I’m insecure because I exude confidence. These are a reminder of “War Cry”, which I listened to every day when I was depressed. It’s a reminder to take back ownership of my life, through my inner strength.”

Nikole, we hope you love your Rising Phoenix portraits as much as we loved capturing them. You are all these wonderful things your family and friends say AND MORE. You are a POWERFUL inspiration to every single mom, every entrepreneur, every woman, as well as all the men who celebrate you wholeheartedly! We hope you never forget how incredibly STRONG you are and that God created you to be exactly who you are. Never hesitate to step into your power and own who you are because the world needs you!

ONE IRRESISTIBLE BTS MOMENT

Do you have a furry ball of LOVE who has helped you rise from the ashes? Did you know we do Rising Phoenix Experiences with your sweetie? But be warned…we can’t guarantee you’ll go home with them because Shaggy was almost kidnapped by our whole team! LOL THE SWEETEST DOG EVER!!!!

CLICK HERE for more details on our Rising Phoenix Experience with your fur baby!

We have ONE opening left for October! We can’t wait to serve you both!!

And if you are all looking for a new hair dresser, LET’S GO!!! Check out Nikole’s award winning salon, Blondie’s in Plano!

YOUR RISING PHOENIX EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Signature Phone Calls with You and Loved Ones (collection of words that give you life)
• Professional Hair & Makeup
• Wardrobe Consultation & Vision
• Rising Phoenix Photo Shoot with Me Ra Koh (Sony Artisan, Disney Host, and Live with Kelly & Ryan Guest Expert—You’re in good hands. I will pose you, and Brian will drop shadows and light on you in the most flattering way that radiates your Rising Phoenix.)
• Same Day Cinematic Reveal & Custom Design Session with our In-House Design Specialist
• Beautiful Artwork of Your Rising Phoenix, Custom Designed for the Best Place where it will Speak Truth to You Every Day.

CLICK HERE to fill out the inquiry and begin your Rising Phoenix Experience!

I can’t wait to speak soon! Still we rise!
Me Ra

GEAR USED

(Amazon affiliate links included)

Camera: Sony Alpha1: https://amzn.to/3ncGe57
Lens: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: https://amzn.to/2VvyexL
Sony High Speed SD Card: https://amzn.to/2SV8Aky
One Light: Profoto B1X: https://amzn.to/2LSuAvL
Profoto Sony Air Remote TTL-C: https://amzn.to/2LUHWI2
Modifier: Profoto Octa 254712 RFi 5ft Softbox: https://amzn.to/331w38v
HP Spectre Laptop: https://amzn.to/2SSvtp0
Sandbags: https://amzn.to/326QjVl
Tether Cable: https://amzn.to/2GGcNUm