Meet Adam Zuñiga-Blain | Hair Color Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Zuñiga-Blain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I became an independent Hair Color Specialist in August 2020. I was initially inspired to become self employed after attending Serious Business in January 2020, a business conference for hairdressers in New Orleans. There I heard Lorean Cairns’ approach to single booking and how if you have the time to give your clients a quality one-on-one experience then you should. My previous experience as a Hair Color Specialist in DFW over the past almost decade was about servicing as many guests a day as I possibly could.

Flash forward to May 2020 and I’m back in the salon after being closed for two months due to the pandemic. My schedule was just as crammed as before, only I had what felt like more procedures and less time. It was then that inspiration turned to action. I was determined to do what it took to give my clients the best one-on-one experience in the best environment. I now strictly book one client at a time at my new salon home Nikki Lay Atelier in Frisco. It affords me the opportunity to assure a quality experience from bringing to end.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is the accessory you never take off, it’s the crown upon your head. As a Hair Color Specialist I get to connect with people on a very personal level and manifest their vision of themselves into our reality. My industry is the intersection of creativity and service and as such, it is important to pay equal attention to both. I don’t feel I always did that. As a young hairdresser I was less focused on service and felt that my purpose was to create beautiful hair. These days I understand that I am not only creating beautiful hair, I am also a care taker. We are in a time of high stress and I am in a unique position to be able to truly connect with people. My chair is a safe place of relaxation and self care, leaving with beautiful hair is just a by product of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visit I would first take them to see where I work, Nikki Lay Atelier. I am proud of where I work and it is beautifully designed. My favorite place to get a drink by the salon is Tupy’s. They make a mean margarita. As for food there is absolutely no question that we would be going to Soju101 in Dallas. I have recently fallen head over heels in love with this place and their Kimchi pancake will change your life. As for hanging out I really enjoy the walkable areas like Legacy West and Grandscape. I also really enjoy a day of wine, lunch and shopping on Main St. in Grapevine. A day in Grapevine always starts with a spaghetti pizza at Farina’s.

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?
Professionally I have been inspired, encouraged, and enlightened by my attendance to the hair dressing conference Serious Business. More specifically hearing the words of Lorean Cairns, Winn Claybaugh, Patrick McIver, and Seth Mattison. Creatively I’ve been inspired by Michael Baker, Tatum Neill, Lupe Voss, and Elevate Hair. Personally I get my strength and grounding from my Husband, Zeke Zuñiga-Blain.

Website: https://www.nikkilayatelier.com/about-us/staff-adam-blain/

Instagram: @adamthehair

Facebook: @adamthehair