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

Hi Krista, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve wanted to own my own business since I started working at 13. I had the opportunity to help build a company at a young age and knew early on that I wanted to build something of my own one day even though it took me into my 30s to figure out what. When I had my son, I was motivated to inspire him to be his own boss one day, and my mentor made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. 5 years ago I sold my house in OKC and left my corporate job of 10 years for a dream to live in big city full of opportunity and build a business of my own. With a background in business development, I started my consulting company, The Big Deal Group, and built a solid clientele through networking. I was happy being a business owner, but something was missing. After many talks with friends and family, I was inspired to start a side business doing something else I was good at that I was passionate about so I started and finished 8 months of full-time cosmetology school during the start of the Covid pandemic, and started my beauty business Krista Nicole Beauty before graduating. I knew if I was going to make it freelancing out of a studio I built in my house, I’d have to give up my consulting business and hustle for a while to build a name for myself in the beauty industry. Thanks to my quality of work, word of mouth advertising and my amazing business partner @flawlessbycaro, I’ve been able to build a couple of beauty businesses doing what I love and making people feel and look more beautiful every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my passion for what I do. I’ve been on the other side of the chair and had traumatic experiences that have inspired me to make a difference for other women going through similiar beauty challenges. I treat every client the way I would want to be treated, treat every head of hair and face as though it were mine-with love. I care more, that’s what I’m most proud of. My quality of work and business reputation is everything to me and that’s what I believe my clients get from me. I want every interaction to mean something, both to the other person and to me, I’m not a go-through-the-motions-kind-of-person.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I love to dance, and eat, so those two things would definitely make the list. I also love being outside, but also love being warm, lol, so we’d visit some live music places, maybe a concert, go out to some great restaurants and dancing. Also at least one spa day- I love King Castle! I love rooftop latin spots for dancing but only if it’s warm 😉 In the summer, day pool parties are a must and trips to turner falls for hiking and swimming. Favorite places to eat for brunch and girls nights- Whiskey Cake and Ida Claire.

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?
When I started cosmetology school, I was praying a lot, and I prayed for someone to come into my life that would take me under their wing the way I had for other people. Then I met Carolina and we immediately became great friends. She is spiritual, radiates love and compassion, and makes everyone believe they can do anything. She had been doing bridal makeup for over 15 years and had more work than she could take on sometimes so she offered to teach me everything she knew about makeup and the industry and help me build my business- she was everything I prayed for. She has referred so many hair and makeup clients and events to me, and we also started a business together doing glam team parties called Beauty Queen Glam Team. She has become a great mentor and friend and I would not be where I am today without her.

Website: kritanicolebeauty.com

Instagram: kristanicolebeauty

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.