Taylor enjoys first year owning Hair Works

by Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

For 22-year-old Nicole (Cravey) Taylor, originally from Imperial, helping people is what she loves. 

“It was either a career in nursing or as a beautician,” Taylor said about her career options after graduating from high school in Imperial in 2020. 

The nursing choice was something she considered because of her sister, who is an ER nurse. Taylor herself worked as a CNA in Imperial in high school, and really enjoyed the job. But, nursing wasn’t meant to be. 

Taylor ended up going to the Beauty Academy in McCook and never looked back. 

“I found out that I really love helping people feel beautiful,” Taylor said, “and help them feel good about themselves.”

Graduating in a year-and-a-half, she heard from a friend that Kris Jaques, former owner of the Hair Works in Grant, was hiring. She contacted Kris, came and interviewed, and was hired. 

Jaques, who had owned the Hair Works in Grant for 39 years, was near retirement. After about a year working for Jaques, Nicole showed interest in purchasing the business, and Jaques said she decided to take advantage of the opportunity. 

On June 15, 2021, Nicole purchsed the Hair Works, becoming the owner of her first business at the age of 21. 

“I was pretty nervous, but I felt good about it too,” she said.

Nicole decided to keep the name that Kris gave to the business. 

“I like it,” she said. “And so many people know it by that name.” 

Since that time, Nicole has continued to serve Kris’ clients, and has added her own. 

Serving a town with no barber and only two hair salons, Taylor styles hair for both men and women, and stays busy.

A Happy Family

Taylor is married to Clifton, who is also from Imperial and is an operator at the Cambridge Ethanol plant. The two make their home in Palisade, meaning that Taylor drives an hour one way to get to work each day. 

“I don’t mind the drive,” she said. “It is actually a nice time to unwind and have some down time.”

On April 19 of this year, Nicole and Clifton welcomed their first child into the world, a girl named Harley Ann. 

Taylor’s life changed somewhat, with her adjusting her hours around when her mom, Melissa Cravey, could watch her little girl while she was at work. 

However, she still is able to make it to Grant most days of the week, with hair appointments usually starting at 10 a.m. and ending somewhere past 5 p.m., she said.  

“I really try to accommodate my customers’ needs,” Taylor said. 

Taylor offers a full-salon experience at the Hair Works. From perms, cuts, colors, shampoo sets, styling, waxing, manicures, pedicures, detoxes, ear candling, ear piercing, deep conditioning treatments, facials, nails with acrylics and gels, and a variety of products, Taylor said she has a little bit of something for everyone. 

She said she is open to taking new customers, and she goes to Westview Retirement Community every other Friday to accommodate their residents. Those who are interested in Taylor’s services can call and make an appointment at 308-414-1699.