Today we’d like to introduce you to Hudaa Hadiyah
Hi Hudaa , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been one of growth, resilience, and deep purpose. I have always believed in the transformative power of beauty and wellness, not just to enhance appearances, but to heal, nurture, and empower from within.
It all started in 2008 when I graduated from GTCC with an Associate in Applied Science and Cosmetology. I was so eager to build a career that combined creativity and care, helping people look and feel their best. In 2012, I began my Business Administration degree from Capella University, gaining the tools I would need to navigate the world of entrepreneurship.
But 2012 also brought one of the most painful moments of my life: the loss of my child. That heartbreak changed me forever. It forced me to find ways to rebuild myself and begin the healing process. I turned to holistic healing, herbs, and energy work, which gave me a deeper understanding of how interconnected beauty and wellness are. It also helped me realize that healing could be a gift I offered to others through my work.
Out of that pain and transformation, ‘The Nerdy Colorist’ was born in 2015. It was more than just a rebrand, it was a fresh start and a celebration of my identity as a licensed cosmetologist, color specialist, and educator. I opened my first salon suite that year, which became a safe and creative space where I could begin again, one client at a time.
My passion for helping others did not stop with beauty services. I launched my first nonprofit, Closing the Gaps, to focus on community outreach and youth mentorship. Giving back has always been important to me, and this was my way of ensuring that others in my community felt supported and valued.
By 2016, I had become a Board-Certified Hair Loss Specialist, expanding my ability to help clients navigate deeply personal struggles with confidence and self-image. In 2017, life brought another chapter of rebuilding after divorce. Still, I pressed forward, opening Salon 122, which eventually grew into Salon 1224 Beauty and Holistic Wellness Center in 2019, a space that blends beauty services with holistic care.
Then came the pandemic, a time of uncertainty for so many of us. During that time, I started a product line called N(y)ōō by Nerdish, offering hair care and skincare products designed to heal and nurture. That line did not just help my clients it helped sustain my business and became a beacon of hope during an exceedingly challenging time.
In 2024, I took another leap of faith and opened N(y)ōō Beauty Academy, a nonprofit school dedicated to making beauty education accessible, inclusive, and empowering. And in 2025, I am excited to bring my vision full circle with the opening of N(y)ōō Natural Collective, a holistic healing store and community hub where people can explore natural products and wellness resources.
Through all the twists and turns, I have learned that life is about showing up, even when it is hard. Every challenge has taught me something valuable and given me the strength to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. I am so grateful for how far I have come and excited for what is ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth, but every challenge along the way has shaped me into the person I am today. Life has a way of throwing obstacles at you when you least expect them, but I have learned that those moments are often where growth begins.
In 2012, I faced the unimaginable loss of my child. That heartbreak was a turning point in my life. It pushed me to seek healing, and that is when I discovered the world of holistic wellness. Exploring herbs, energy work, and natural healing not only helped me process my pain but also deepened my connection to the idea of beauty as a form of wellness.
In 2017, I found myself rebuilding again after a divorce. Starting over was not easy, but it gave me the opportunity to reimagine my path. That is when I created ‘The Nerdy Colorist’ and opened my first salon suite. It was not just about creating a business—it was about creating a space where I could rebuild my confidence and help others find theirs too.
The pandemic brought a new set of challenges. Like so many, I faced uncertainty about the future of my business. But instead of letting fear take over, I pivoted and launched my product line, N(y)ōō by Nerdish. That line became a lifeline, both for my business and for my clients, providing them with hair and skincare solutions during a time when self-care was so needed.
There have been so many moments when I could have given up—balancing motherhood, my businesses, and my passion for community has not always been easy. But every struggle has reminded me of why I am on this path. It is about more than just beauty; it is about creating spaces for healing, empowerment, and connection.
Looking back, I can see that the rough patches were never meant to stop me—they were meant to strengthen me. They have taught me to lean into my faith, trust the process, and show up for others even when things get hard. Those lessons are what make the journey so meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My businesses and organizations are deeply rooted in a mission to empower, uplift, and create spaces where beauty, wellness, and community intersect.
At the heart of what I do is N(y)ōō Beauty Academy, a nonprofit beauty school I founded to provide accessible, inclusive education for aspiring beauty professionals. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we do not just teach technical skills; we focus on building confidence, fostering entrepreneurship, and emphasizing the importance of wellness in the beauty industry. Every dollar earned from our ventures goes toward tuition assistance, making education possible for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
I am also proud of Salon 1224 Beauty and Holistic Wellness Center, where we specialize in blending traditional beauty services with holistic care. Whether it is hair coloring, natural hair care, or addressing hair loss as a Board-Certified Hair Loss Specialist, we offer personalized services that focus on the client’s overall well-being.
During the pandemic, I launched N(y)ōō by Nerdish, a product line of hair care and skincare products designed to heal and nurture. This brand grew out of my desire to provide high-quality, natural solutions that reflect my commitment to wellness and self-care. It is a line I am incredibly proud of because it not only sustained my business during challenging times but also brought real value to my clients’ lives.
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to be opening N(y)ōō Natural Collective in 2025, a holistic healing store and community hub where people can explore all-natural products, from body oils and herbs to household items. This space will embody everything I stand for—wellness, inclusivity, and empowering others to live their healthiest lives.
What sets my brands apart is the care and intention behind everything we do. It is not just about providing services or selling products—it is about creating meaningful experiences, fostering connections, and making a difference in people’s lives.
What I am most proud of is the growth I have experienced as a woman, mother, wife, mentor, leader, and friend. I am so grateful for my family—my incredible children and my husband, who are my greatest supporters and inspirations. They remind me every day of why I work so hard to create opportunities and build something meaningful.
I want readers to know that everything I do is built on passion and purpose. My offerings are for anyone looking to feel cared for, supported, and valued—whether it is through beauty services, education, or wellness products. It is about helping people look and feel their best while fostering a sense of belonging, confidence, and community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing growth in myself, in others, and in the communities I serve. Whether it is watching a student at N(y)ōō Beauty Academy master a new skill, seeing a client regain confidence through one of our services, or hearing feedback about how one of our products has made someone’s life better, those moments bring me so much joy.
My family also fills my heart with happiness. My children’s laughter, the love and support of my husband, and the simple moments we share as a family remind me of what truly matters. They are my biggest inspiration and the reason I strive to be the best version of myself.
I also find happiness in helping others. Whether it is mentoring a new entrepreneur, volunteering in the community, or supporting someone through a challenge, knowing that I have made a positive impact on someone’s life is incredibly fulfilling.
Lastly, I find joy in personal growth and self-discovery. Every chapter of my life no matter how challenging has brought new opportunities to learn, heal, and evolve. The process of striving to be a better woman, mother, wife, mentor, and leader is a journey that fills me with purpose and happiness.
Ultimately, what makes me happy is connection whether it is to my family, my clients, my community, or even myself. It is those connections that make life meaningful and worth celebrating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nerdishbrands.com
- Instagram: Nerdish_brands
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8zotTrxN/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: TikTok @ Nerdish_brands
