Bio:

Nakia has been passionate about hair for as long as she can remember. One of her earliest memories is teaching herself to braid on her My Little Pony's tail (Blue Belle, the one with purple hair and stars on her backside). As a child, she loved pampering her friends with pink foam roller sets at slumber parties. By high school, her mom’s bathtub was always dyed with the latest shades of Manic Panic, as Nakia ensured her cool skater friends had vibrant, fresh hair. Beauty school was the natural next step after high school, and then Nakia became a professional hairstylist. She worked as a stylist in the Portland area from 1997 to 2025.

Nakia is now Head Stylist for the Ginger & Maude Hair Salon in Tigard, where she shares her deep love for learning and trains the hairstylists in the salon. She helps the stylists keep up with the latest advancements in hair industry technology and style trends, while also ensuring the classics stay fresh.

Nakia believes that a great hair appointment is more than just a haircut—it's about tuning into your needs and creating an environment where you feel heard and valued. 

When she’s not in the salon, Nakia is an avid reader and maker, enjoying knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, and tackling house projects. Now that her daughter has grown and flown, she lives in Tigard with her husband, teenage son, and two very silly cats.

Favorite Drink: Mint tea