Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Sharaf.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi there! I’m Nikki Sharaf, the proud owner of XOXO Artistry. My journey with beauty started at a young age. I couldn’t resist playing with makeup and styling hair whenever I could. As I grew older, I knew that cosmetology was my true calling, so I dove headfirst into the world of beauty.
I grew up in Upstate New York in a small town called Gloversville. My career started in New York, where I worked behind the chair and in various locations for weddings, productions, and events. I’ve enjoyed working on film projects for the Lifetime Movie Network and a James Franco film. However, the decision that truly shaped my career and personal life was when I moved to Orlando, Florida, in 2017.
I started here in Orlando as an Entertainment Cosmetologist at Walt Disney World and an artist at MAC Cosmetics. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and found my niche in on-location bridal beauty services. There’s something truly magical about being a part of someone’s special day, and I’ve had the privilege of glamming up countless brides, including lots of Disney Weddings!
At XOXO Artistry, I’m surrounded by an incredible team of talented licensed artists who share my passion for making every client feel like royalty. Whether it’s creating Hollywood waves or perfecting winged liners, I’m dedicated to ensuring a luxury experience for each client we have. I’ve always believed in the power of ongoing education and sharing my knowledge with each of my clients. I love inspiring our clients while helping them look and feel their best.
One of the most cherished aspects of my company is something deeply personal to me—it’s called “The Gift of a Grandmother.” It allows our XOXO brides to include their grandmother(s) in their wedding morning beauty services. I’ve always dreamed of having my grandmothers by my side- getting all glammed up on my wedding morning. Unfortunately, they passed away before that magical day arrived, and it’s a bittersweet memory that has stayed with me. I decided to turn that into something meaningful for our brides. I gift each of our XOXO brides with hair and makeup services for their grandmother(s) on their big day—for free. It’s my tribute to my two beautiful grandmothers, Joan and Marlene. Just having them there is the greatest gift, and I’m so honored to share the experience with them, too.
When I’m not busy transforming brides on location, I love enjoying quality time with my husband, Hatim, and our adorable fur baby, Tinkerbelle. I also have a massive passion for iced coffee and false lashes! Anything beauty has always been a part of who I am, and that’s why I’m incredibly thankful to have a business that I’ve built – on a passion I love.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy for me. Moving from a small town in Upstate New York to Orlando was a huge transition for me – one I did completely alone. My entire family still lives there, and I’m the only one here. I’ve been here 8 years, and leaving my family was the most challenging part, but their support and belief in me have helped me through it all. Building my business here in Orlando has been a dream come true for me, one I know wouldn’t have been possible back home. The distance from my family will always weigh on me, but I’m so grateful for my opportunities here.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Let me introduce you to XOXO Artistry, a company specializing in on-site luxury bridal beauty services. Our mission is to provide reliable and professional hair and makeup services that cater to our client’s convenience, ensuring they look and feel their best on their special day. Our signature look? The glamorous Hollywood waves! We ensure a time-efficient, stress-free morning, and our team is dedicated to making each bride’s hair and makeup vision a reality. We are a completely on-location company, so we travel to our clients! We bring all the necessary equipment, including our makeup chairs and professional lighting. We love to get to know each bride individually and learn about their vision for their wedding day look. We work closely with our clients and want to ensure they feel like the most beautiful bride ever!
One of the most cherished aspects of my company is something deeply personal to me—it’s called “The Gift of a Grandmother.” It allows our XOXO brides to include their grandmother(s) in their wedding morning beauty services. I’ve always dreamed of having my grandmothers by my side- getting all glammed up on my wedding morning. Unfortunately, they passed away before that magical day arrived, and it’s a bittersweet memory that has stayed with me. I decided to turn that into something meaningful for our brides. I gift each of our XOXO brides with hair and makeup services for their grandmother(s) on their big day—for free. It’s my tribute to my two beautiful grandmothers, Joan and Marlene. Having them there is the greatest gift, and I’m honored to share the experience with them, too.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
There’s so much to love about Orlando! From the endless sunshine to the amount of activities around, it truly has everything I’ve ever wanted in a place to call home. Also, being relatively close to numerous beaches is a bonus. Having the theme parks so close is great for my business, as many of our weddings come from Disney and Universal! The traffic is the only disadvantage I see in Orlando – coming from no traffic in my small town, it was an adjustment!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.xoxo-artistry.com
- Instagram: @xoxoartistryinc
