Rising Stars: Meet Nicki Willis of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicki Willis.

Hi Nicki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the beauty industry started over a decade ago in Nashville, where I attended makeup school and fell in love with the art of transformation. I started freelancing right away, which opened the door to some incredible opportunities—from working with local artists to touring and doing red carpet makeup for celebrity clients. I spent years honing my craft, building relationships, and learning how to bring out confidence in every person who sat in my chair.

But as much as I love makeup, I started to feel a deeper pull toward skincare. I wanted to help people feel beautiful not just with makeup on, but in their bare skin, too. In 2020, I took a leap and enrolled in the aesthetics program at Rend Lake College. That experience deepened my knowledge and gave me the tools to create a space where clients could feel safe, relaxed, and truly cared for.

Now, as a dual-licensed aesthetician in both Illinois and Tennessee, I’ve found the perfect balance between artistry and skin health. Every step of the journey—freelancing, touring, studying, and now working hands-on in treatment rooms—has shaped the way I serve my clients today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every twist and turn has played a part in shaping who I am today. After makeup school, there were several years where I stepped away from doing makeup full-time. During that time, I focused on expanding my knowledge and preparing myself for the next chapter in my career. I knew I wanted to come back stronger, more grounded, and fully equipped to make a real impact in this industry.

Returning to Nashville has been such a blessing. Being surrounded by an incredible community of talented makeup artists and estheticians has made all the difference. Word of mouth has been powerful, and I’m so grateful to have built a reputation around making people feel truly beautiful—inside and out.

My faith has been a huge part of this journey. It’s helped me stay centered and reminded me not to compare my path to anyone else’s. Everyone’s timing is different, and trusting in that has brought me peace and clarity in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m deeply passionate about all aspects of makeup—whether it’s red carpet glam, soft natural looks, or special effects. I’ve always had a niche for it all, and I love the creative freedom that comes with being able to shift between styles and tailor each look to the individual. With my background in skincare, makeup has become even more meaningful to me. The two go hand in hand—when clients trust me with their skin, it naturally leads to them trusting me with their glam. I always say, makeup is only as good as the skin underneath. I’m not a magician, but I do love helping people feel their best by creating customized treatment plans at Reflection Aesthetics and educating them on the importance of a consistent at-home skincare routine.

What truly sets me apart is my genuine love for beauty in all its forms—not just the outer transformation, but the confidence and joy it brings from within. I believe beauty is how God created us to be, and I see my work as a way to reflect that truth in others.

One of the things I’m most proud of is never giving up. I remember being 14 years old, saying out loud that I was going to be a celebrity makeup artist one day. It may have taken me longer than others, but now I’m living out that dream. The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was mine—and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is filming and creating YouTube videos in my bedroom back in high school. I’d spend hours setting up my little camera, doing makeup tutorials, and editing videos—just pouring my heart into it. It was such a creative outlet for me and honestly kept me inspired and focused on my goals, even at a young age. Looking back, those moments really laid the foundation for the career I have now.

Pricing:

• Glam & Go $250
• Concierge Facial $300
• Glo2 Facial $250

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybynicki?igsh=MXZ6dnVmcm1ldmJubw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr