Conversations with Nicolle Talley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolle Talley.

Hi Nicolle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After a failed two years in college, I decided to go to cosmetology school, with the suggestion from my Dad and little sister. From the day I started, I knew this was the industry for me. I started out in a local chain salon in the Metro Grand Rapids, Michigan area and I have always been hungry for education. I worked for several corporate salons most of my career. I did open a small 3 hair station and 2 nail table salon in the mid 1990s, but I needed more education to keep it going and shut down after 7 years.

I then went back to a corporate salon environment and also went back to school. I received my M.B.A. in 2015, which helped me understand how to market myself and organize business to continue to grow. Now I am a solo hairstylist and I am the proud owner of De’Von Emages LLC. I have been in business since the end of 2020 and I have grown even more in my own skills and talents. I also, have been a National educator and platform artist with Keratin Complex since 2021.

As I continue to grow in the beauty industry, I am looking forward to giving back my knowledge to the upcoming beauty professionals in the beauty industry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the journey of life, there are never any smooth roads. I’ve learned that the struggles I’ve had prepared me for what was next. When I tried to do everything myself, instead of following the path the Lord had already made for me, I struggled more.

Those struggles included partnering with another stylist to open my first salon. We could not agree on how to run the business together. Also though my experiences, I hadn’t understood the importance of keeping my education and training up to date in the industry and was falling behind. I needed to be able to service a diverse clientele that wanted the latest and greatest trends.

I was once told by a very talented beauty instructor (God rest her soul), you can have a cosmetology license for 10 years, but only have 5 years of experience.
The beauty industry is always changing. You have to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques to remain relevant.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a profound love for the entire beauty industry, but my expertise lies in keeping hair healthy, strong, and shiny. I’m proud to call myself a smoothing expert and I am a certified Keratin Complex Salon, and these roles have allowed me to set industry trends, design cutting-edge looks, and keep the natural integrity of the hair intact.

I love Keratin Complex because this brand has everything I need to create gorgeous results without compromising the quality of my clients’ hair. Whether my clients prefer bold hues or subtle tones, I can make it happen using this brand. This high quality is reflected in my ability to create vibrant reds, gorgeous brunettes, and stunning blondes while still maintaining the integrity of the hair and rebuilding and restoring its structure from the inside out.

I offer 3 different smoothing treatments to lock in all my color treatments, 1 treatment for maximum sleekness and straightness, and 3 treatments powered by 6 botanical blends for those that want a more organic option. All my smoothing treatments are powered by Keratin Complex’s signature keratin, which is bio-identical to the human head.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
In 2025, I am giving back to my community by creating several events that include all suite owners and local businesses to participate, in my area. I also, give in-person salon classes to train salon professionals to learn how to use Keratin Complex’s keratin enhanced products.

As for collaboration, I would love to work with other salon professionals to create complete looks for promotional content, theater, and film.

To support me and me support others following me on social media. Facebook: De’Von Emages;
Instagram: @devon_emages

Pricing:

• Smoothing Treatments start at: $150
• Color Treatments start at: $90
• Highlight Treatments start at: $225
• Haircuts: $65
• Free Consultations

Contact Info:

• Website: https://devonemages.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devon_emages
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devonemagesllc