Nikki Reece has at all times cared about people.

Growing up, the self-professed tomboy would come to assistance from her family and friends when in need. So, years later it got here as no surprise that she selected nursing as a profession.

“Like most ladies, I’m a nurturer by heart, so my passion for healthcare made sense,” she shared with Essence.

Conversely, Reece said she had a love for beauty as well—an interest that also stemmed from childhood.

“The funny thing is I used to be at all times running around with the boys outside as a bit girl, but I still tapped into my femininity by putting on red lipstick even after I wore my play clothes.”

This interest in cosmetics only grew as she got older, and eventually led her to launch her cosmetology brand Allure Faces by Nikki.

For years she juggled her profession as a clinical liaison and a preferred makeup artist, however it wasn’t until 2019 did she determine to completely step into her passion for beauty. And it was a smart move.

It’s reported the U.S. cosmetic industry brought in about 49 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 to this point. Even though it’s a booming industry and Black women are leading the buyer group in droves, they are sometimes lagging behind within the ownership stake.

“I used to be definitely concerned in regards to the lack of representation within the cosmetics industry because truthfully, the sweetness world could be a bit catty and it’s really vital to have a community that supports you.”

Despite the concerns, she forged ahead and began her line with just lipsticks initially, then steadily expanded to eye products that include a signature brow pencil, lashes, lash adhesive liner pen and eyeshadow pigments. This was a call born out of her work as a nurse in the course of the pandemic.

“After all, while we’re working and wearing masks all day, that may result in deep bruising on the face,” Reece explained. “That’s the final thing someone desires to experience after coping with the entire trauma that working in healthcare in the course of the pandemic may cause.”

Since her fellow colleagues’ mouths were covered, she launched the road of eye products to function a beauty pick-me-up, even while in full PPE gear. “I actually care about doing my part to make people like their most beautiful selves. Anything I can do, with either of my careers, is enough for me.”