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Nick Merola of University Park on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Nick Merola shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Nick, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently starting taking tennis lessons. It’s been a super rewarding and enjoyable way to get my body moving and clear my head.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a hairstylist for over ten years. What started as a passion for creativity and connection has grown into a career where I get to transform not only how people look, but how they feel about themselves. My work is about more than hair — it’s about trust, artistry, and creating an experience where clients feel valued and seen. Over the years, I’ve built a loyal clientele in Dallas and now I’m focused on expanding that vision by developing my dream salon. I specialize in advanced color formulation, extensions, and modern techniques that allow me to customize every look, and I’m passionate about blending technical skill with personal connection. For me, hair isn’t just a service — it’s a way to empower people, build community, and create beauty that reflects who they are.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband saw me clearly before I could see myself. He reminded me that my talent and vision were bigger than I gave myself credit for, and he encouraged me to dream bigger. Sometimes it takes someone else’s perspective to help you realize your own worth.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were definitely moments I almost gave up. The pressure of building a business, balancing finances, and trying to live authentically in a world that doesn’t always make that easy felt like too much at times. But every time I got close to breaking, someone reminded me why I started — a loyal client, a kind word, or even just the joy of seeing someone light up when they looked in the mirror. Those little reminders pulled me through.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is a genuine slice of who I am, but it’s not the whole me. The part people see — the stylist, the creative, the business owner — is absolutely real. What they don’t always see is the vulnerable side, the person who’s still figuring things out, who has bad days and self-doubt. Both are true, but the public version is the one I choose to share.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I made them feel seen and valued. Not just that I was good at hair, but that I created moments where they felt beautiful, confident, and cared for. If my story is that I left people feeling better than when they arrived, that would mean the world to me.

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