We’re excited to introduce you to Nigella Miller in our newest editorial series, Business is Booming. Nigella is an accomplished hair salon owner, celebrity hairstylist, barber, and artist who shared more about what inspires her and the brands she dreams about working with.
Tell us about your morning routine.
It usually consists of me waking up at 5:00 a.m., deciding which of my jobs needs me the most at the moment: whether I'm working on projects or if it's a busy week like Fashion Week, or the Met Gala. Then I jump in the shower. I try to get super cute, as best as I can for any situation, I'm in.
What was your first big break?
The moment Tiffany reached out to me I was like, what?! That was like 16 years into my career. I think everything else I’ve done in my career is amazing, too. All the covers I've done, all the celebrities I've done—those are moments I cherish. But I think I screamed when Tiffany reached out to me. It's an iconic brand that I grew up knowing. So having them call me was, like, wow.
What was your favorite shoot that you've ever done?
Back in March, I was sent to Iceland to do this crazy snow spread for Vogue. We did every nature experience. I think it was 12 locations. I went from walking on glaciers to being on cliffs. Super mind-blowing.
What's your favorite way to celebrate success?
A bottle of champagne.
Who do you admire the most in the industry?
All the Black men and women in the industry. I admire all the creativity, It inspires me and keeps me on my toes. I hope I do the same for them.
What is a dream brand you hope to work with?
I would love to work with all the high fashion houses. Gucci, Chanel…
Dream shoot Location?
Brazil. They’re killing the game when it comes to Afro-fashion and hair looks and really diving into it from a very traditional and creative standpoint.
Who do you call for a pep talk?
All my guy friends. I think guys sometimes just give you a real honest perspective. Or maybe it would be my cousins. We have a group chat and I can trust that they will keep it 100 with, when it comes to me needing that female advice.
Do you have a pump-up song?
I love Afrobeat and reggae.
Are you reading anything right now?
Beauty Shop Politics. A lot of people don’t understand how beauty is tied to politics. This book is about an African American woman’s activism in the beauty industry. I'm kind of leaning towards that. I want to speak my mind on social media and tell a story; tell my point of view as a brown, dark-skinned woman in the beauty industry.
Watching anything on T.V.?
I just started watching the Kanye documentary. It took me back to when I was a teenager.
Favorite Instagram account?
I like TikTok. I feel like Instagram is getting a little dull.
What would your theme song be?
I don’t have a particular song in mind, I like Rihanna or I’ll go for a Bob Marley vibe. Anything Upbeat, happy, or tropical.
What do you feel most confident wearing?
The pandemic made me dive into athleisure which I never wore before. I used to wear dresses and skirts and jeans... Now I'm into athleisure, but making it very fashionable. I’m very athleisure-chic.
Where do you get your news?
I honestly do not like to watch the news because it's so depressing. I get anxiety watching it.
Who is the last person you texted?
My twin sister.
What's an organization that you’re interested in or recently have donated to?
Lauren B. Junior Boot Camp. It’s so cute — A salon bootcamp that teaches all these young kids, ages 8-17 how to do hair from a salon perspective.
You can follow Nigella on Instagram @hairbynigella.