Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Yokom.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town where dreams were often shaped by practicality—not possibility. I didn’t grow up knowing all the career paths that existed. I just knew I was supposed to “go to college and figure it out.” So, I did…Reluctantly.
It didn’t take long to realize that the traditional path wasn’t for me. I craved something different—something hands-on, heart-led, and real. I packed up and moved across the country to Alaska; guitar, carry on and $100 in my pocket. That adventure eventually led me even farther, to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
I lived out of a van on New Zealand’s North Island, toured dynamic landscapes, and camped under the stars in a Fijian coconut grove. Somewhere between the red dirt roads and remote coastlines, something clicked. With each and every personal story shared by other global, visiting van-dwellers, I realized how rare and valuable authentic connection had become—and how deeply I craved a life built around meaningful human interaction.
That realization eventually led me to curiosity in the beauty industry—one of the last true “touch” industries…where connection is not only possible, it’s essential. I wanted to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. I wanted to help others feel like the best version of themselves.
When my traveling adventures were over, I was fortunate to be accepted into the Aveda Institute Minneapolis, where I fell in love with the craft of hairstyling. I thrived behind the chair, and while I had always dreamed of owning a salon, that dream quietly waited.
After graduation, I started working at a commission-based salon, where I was asked to change my name from Nikki to avoid confusion with another stylist. After some searching, I landed on Cybele—a name that, according to BabyNames.com, meant “lady of the hair.” At the time, it seemed like a small ask, but looking back, it was a defining moment—one that reminded me how much I valued individuality, authenticity, and ownership over my identity.
Over the next three years, I poured myself into learning, connecting, and growing from behind the chair. But it wasn’t until I became a foster mom that my understanding of connection deepened even more. For seven years, I opened my home—and my heart—to children who needed stability, safety, and someone to believe in them. It was one of the most raw and transformative experiences of my life…a constant reminder of just how deeply people thrive when they feel seen and supported.
That same desire to support and encourage others showed up again when I was asked to create an educational program for new stylists at the commission salon I was working at. In building that program, I realized I had more to offer—not just behind the chair, but to other professionals who were craving structure, mentorship, and direction. That realization pulled me toward independence—a space where I could make my own rules, honor meaningful connection, and share what I’d learned.
I left the commission model and stepped into my first independent chair rental. While freeing, I quickly realized that renting a chair still didn’t allow me to fully create the elevated, intentional client experience I envisioned. I craved something even more intimate and curated. That led me to a franchise studio salon just down the road from my home. And it was there, in that cozy space, that everything shifted.
With everything I had learned—the good, the hard, and the in-between—I finally knew I could own a salon. More than that, I believed I could do it better.
Armed with years of experience, a clear vision, and a husband that had my back no matter what, I built The Hygge House (pronounced hoo-gah)—a salon, spa, and wellness center created to help women build the businesses of their dreams. I didn’t create it just to offer services—I created it to offer solutions. My goal? To help women achieve the kind of wealth that really matters to them—whether that’s time wealth, money wealth, love wealth, or health wealth.
But that was just the beginning.
As a salon owner, I saw firsthand how many beauty pros were struggling—not because they lacked talent or drive, but because no one had ever taught them how to run a business. They weren’t thinking like CEOs, and honestly, they’d never been shown how. That’s what inspired me to launch The Big Ohhh—a coaching program that helps beautypreneurs step into their power, create sustainable success, and build the wealth and freedom they came into this industry to find.
At the core of everything I do is a commitment to elevating the beauty industry as a whole—to dismantle the outdated narratives that this work isn’t “real” or “serious,” and replace them with confidence, strategy, and systems that help providers own their worth and run wildly successful businesses with backbone.
Because when one of us rises, we all rise.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The journey has been full of challenges, from navigating burnout to learning how to balance marriage, motherhood, business ownership, and personal growth all at once. In the early years, I wrestled with self-doubt, like so many beauty professionals do. From the start, I faced challenges that so many in this industry can relate to: burnout, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to hustle endlessly just to “make it.”
When I transitioned from commission to independent rental, I had to learn fast—how to manage my books, track my expenses, stock my shelves, and fill my books… all without sacrificing the soul of why I started. For a while, I fell into the trap of trying to fill my schedule with anyone just to feel “busy.” But I quickly realized that being fully booked isn’t the goal if you’re not attracting the right clients. I had to learn how to market for alignment—not just volume.
Opening The Hygge House was another level of growth. Building a beautiful space was the easy part—creating and maintaining a healthy culture was the real work. There were moments where I filled studios out of urgency or allowed misalignment because I was focused on keeping the space full instead of protecting its energy. Those moments taught me that leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about upholding the vision and curating a space where the right people thrive.
Every struggle sharpened my clarity. Now, I run my business—and teach others to run theirs—with intention, strategy, and soul. Because success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, with people who align, in a space that feels like home.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At the heart of everything I do is one mission: to elevate the beauty industry by helping women gain clarity and confidence in their beauty and wellness businesses—so they can impact others and become catalysts for transformation in their own communities.
As a blonding, extension, and custom hairpiece specialist with nearly two decades of experience, what sets me apart behind the chair isn’t just the services I offer—it’s the journey I create for every client who sits in it.
I’m a client experience architect at heart. From the moment someone books to the moment they walk out the door, every detail is intentional. I don’t just deliver great hair—I curate a full sensory experience that leaves my clients feeling seen, understood, and appreciated.
Blonding and extensions are high-impact, high-trust services, and I specialize in customizing each appointment to match my clients’ lifestyles, goals, and desired maintenance levels. Whether it’s a dimensional blonde refresh, seamless volume through extensions, or a bespoke hairpiece that restores confidence, I approach every transformation with a strategic eye and a service-first mindset.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to blend advanced technique with deep emotional connection. I’m not just creating looks—I’m building confidence, clarity, and trust in every appointment. Clients don’t just come to me for results—they come to feel taken care of in a way that’s rare in this industry.
Because at the end of the day, great hair grows from a great experience.
The Hygge House salon, spa, and wellness studios are designed to be more than just beautiful and cozy. It’s a place where both clients and providers feel cared for, connected, and inspired. We don’t just offer services—we offer a curated experience. From custom hair services to wellness treatments, every detail is designed with intention. What we really specialize in is helping people feel seen, heard, and supported—whether they’re clients or on the team.
What sets us apart is our culture. We’re not just a group of independent service providers working under the same roof—we’re a collaborative. The Hygge House was built on a foundation of genuine connection, shared growth, and the belief that business can be both profitable and peaceful.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the vibe we’ve created. Our space feels elevated yet approachable. Luxurious yet grounded. Every detail—from the music to the lighting to the way we communicate—supports our core belief that beauty and wellness should never be rushed, and that every provider deserves to build a career that supports the life they truly want.
Outside of the salon, as the founder of The Big Ohhh, I teach systems, strategy, and success through a lens of confidence and clarity—helping independent providers understand their numbers, streamline their operations, and attract aligned clients without burning out.
Whether someone connects with me as a client, a provider, or a coaching student, I want them to know this:
You can build a business that gives you time freedom, financial security, and deep fulfillment. And you don’t have to do it alone.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe that the beauty industry is on the cusp of a transformation that’s as much about purpose as it is about product. Over the next decade, I predict we’ll see a powerful shift toward personalization, sustainability, and leadership—especially among independent providers.
Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are quickly shifting how consumers engage with beauty. From virtual try-ons to DNA-based skincare recommendations, clients are seeking hyper-personalized experiences that cater to their unique needs.
Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a baseline expectation. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly products and practices, with a significant percentage willing to pay more for sustainable options.
Independent beauty professionals are stepping into their power as business owners. There’s a growing emphasis on developing leadership skills, financial literacy, and strategic planning to build sustainable, profitable businesses.
Beauty and wellness are becoming increasingly intertwined. Clients are seeking services that not only enhance their appearance but also contribute to their overall well-being. This holistic approach is reshaping service offerings and client expectations.
As someone deeply invested in the growth and evolution of the beauty industry, I’m excited to be part of this transformative era. Through initiatives like The Hygge House and The Big Ohhh, I aim to empower beauty professionals to embrace these changes, step into their roles as CEOs, and build businesses that are not only successful but also aligned with their personal values and aspirations.
Because after all, pretty businesses don’t pay the bills-smart ones do!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehyggehouse.com and www.cybelestyles.com
- Instagram: @thehyggehousemn, @cybelestyles @thebigohhh
