Today we’d like to introduce you to Rikki Burke.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rikki. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a teenager, God blessed me with the gift of styling hair and creating the latest looks at that time with no professional training. My family, friends, and pretty much anyone who would allow me to explore my creativity were my canvases. Early on, I established a name for myself as well as a nice clientele, enough to keep me busy and make decent money as a teenager girl.
At the age of 17, I enrolled in Aladdin Beauty College, which would be the first of the 3 cosmetology schools that I later attended. That’s when my adventure began. It was truly a struggle for me trying to complete cosmetology school due to trying to balance life, school and the clientele that I had built. I dropped out of Aladdin Beauty College early on and later enrolled in M.J’s Beauty college. That’s where I obtained a majority of my hours.
During my journey, I encountered my first beauty salon experience where I was leasing a booth for $75 a week at “Bobbie’s Unisex” at the age of 19. Looking back, I consider that to be my prime years. Oh, those were the days of grooming and learning some true life and business lessons. Through it all, my clientele GREW much BIGGER. I withdrew from M.J Beauty College with a little shy over 1100 hrs. to basically service my clients. Knowing that I couldn’t continue operating as an unlicensed stylist, I had to make a sacrifice to stop working and get what was for me “My cosmetology license”! Finally, I obtained 1500 hours of completion at I.T.S Academy and took no time to take the State test and I passed with flying colors!
I leased a rental space in Oak Cliff and opened my first salon, Rikki’s Elegant Looks at 22 years young. It was a huge success for four years. Being an entrepreneur has its twist and turns. At 26, I relocated my business into my house by literally converting the carport into a full salon. I became a mother of two wonderful boys and never stopped working through it all. My only break was a week before delivery and a month after having both Trayton & Bryce. Then, back to business.
By 31, I was feeling the need to separate my home from business, a former Cosmo school mate introduced me to who I now consider a Big Sister to me and her upcoming project. Her project involved putting together some of the best stylists out of our neighborhood, South Dallas, to work together in her salon “Pampering Palace.” The goal was to bring a touch of class to our area and we executed it. A
sisterhood and bond were truly formed!
Shortly after, at 33, I ventured out and sub-leased a space for 2 yrs, from another sister, I rebranded myself and introduced the “Rikki Burke Salon.”
Throughout my career, I’ve got the privilege of working on some elite projects and collaboration with some amazing stylists & Mua’s, models, photographers, fashion shows and well as public servants. Runway Dallas, Macy’s, Hope Women’s Shelter, just to name a few. Our latest project was styling chosen officers from the Dallas Police Department for the BPA calendar. It’s always honored to be apart of greatness.
Rikki Burke Salon relocated in 2014, to its current home in East Dallas, Which is a great location. We’re 3-5 minutes from Downtown Dallas & Uptown Dallas, 20 minutes from any other subdivision.
Rikki Burke Salon offers a variety of services and caters to a diverse clientele.
Our services include haircuts for both men and women, hair coloring, healthy hair care for both processed and natural hair clients, braids, different weaving techniques, extensions, custom wig making, as well as eyelash extensions, We also have an amazing fragrance bar full of candles, air freshener, fragrance oil, and body lotion. I host annual events for clients and children. We have a Sip-N- Sew extension Glam party, RBS Fresh Look Good Feel Good back to school give back, Halloween Party, and our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.
Rikki Burke Salon is such a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone becomes family. Our goal is to NOT ONLY enhance our client’s beauty BUT to create an experience where ever visit is greater than the last visit!
My current venture outside the salon, which has stolen my heart is being a Co-Owner of Global Beauty Institute! The Beauty Institute industry game changer! The courses that we offer are cosmetology, manicurist, eyelash extension tech, esthetics, barber cross-over, and the instructor’s program.
Lastly, my baby, the “I AM EPIC” brand is growing fast (Entrepreneurs with Purpose to Inspire and Conquer)! Which includes #EpicRealities, interviewing other entrepreneurs shedding light on and exposing the grind before the glory. #EpicYouth training our youth ages 9-16, to become amazing entrepreneurs. June 2019 will be my 2nd year of #EpicYouth BeautyCamp. Last year, I had the pleasure of grooming up nine young, yet, driven future cosmetologist. The youngest was nine and the oldest was 15. What a joy it is to deposit and recreate my story through our youth!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, not at all. I think being an entrepreneur is not always a smooth ride. My main obstacle was merely staying forced and understanding my timing.
My teen and twenty’s, I was an established stylist. I worked non-stop, (hard and long hours) and felt as though I was missing out on some play time. So, I became distracted and unfocused for a time period, And making premature moving at a time caused a few obstacles or should I say learning lessons.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rikki Burke Salon – what should we know?
Rikki Burke Salon Rikki Burke Salon offers a variety of services and caters to a diverse clientele. Our services include haircuts for both men and women, hair coloring, healthy hair care for both processed and natural hair clients, braids, different weaving techniques, extensions, custom wig making, as well as eyelash extensions.
I host annual events for clients and children. We have a Sip-N-Sew extension Glam party, RBS Fresh Look Good Feel Good back to school give back, Halloween Party, and our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.
Rikki Burke Salon is such a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone becomes family.
Our goal is to NOT ONLY enhance our client’s beauty BUT to create an experience where ever visit is greater than the last visit!
I would like to say I specialize in all things hair, but if I had to single anything out I would say my advance haircut techniques and different weaving techniques and installments. I’m most proud of the company representation and respect that has been built. After all, it’s named after me “Rikki Burke Salon” which is a reflection of Me! And I stand on hard work, pride, and respect.
What sets me aside from the rest is that RBS is a salon where you can grow and advance in your skills as a stylist because I’m always educating my self and pouring into them. The atmosphere is welcoming and our goal is to meet and greet you with love and glam. You wouldn’t feel like a stranger. You can get relaxed with a cocktail and great service. Plus, we offered a wide variety of beauty services.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
God First! Relying on God for guidance and understanding.
Having faith when in doubt. Replacing fear with strong faith.
My heart and humbleness are my best qualities.
My hustle and grind to never give up, even when it things gets rocky.
Being a Facilitator and Leader.
Pricing:
- Shampoo Style $50 and up
- Weaving Installs $175 and up
- Custom Wigs $200 and up
- Eyelash extension $75 and up
- Braids $75 and up
- Men Hair Cuts $20 and up
- Candles $8 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: Rikki Burke Salon
919 North Peak St.
Dallas, TX 75204 - Website: Rikki BurkeSalon
- Phone: 214-699-6976
- Email: rikkiburke.salon@gmail.com
- Instagram: Rikki BurkeSalon
- Facebook: Rikki BurkeSalon
- Other: styleseat.com/rikkiburke
Image Credit:
Krystal Hill, D. Lacy
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