Hi, I’m Nicole!

I’m a single mama to two incredible boys—Rowan (7) and Hendrix (5)—and a hairstylist based in Huntington Beach. Most days, you’ll find me behind the chair, connecting with amazing people and helping them feel confident, seen, and a little lighter. But one phone call shifted everything.

It was Hendrix’s preschool teacher.
“I’ve been noticing how much water he’s been drinking,” she said. “It’s constant—like he just can’t quench his thirst.”
I brushed it off at first—“Well, he’s a super active kid,” I replied. But deep down, something stirred. The preschool teacher expressed that she had some exposure to Type 1 diabetes through a family member… and that mixed with my mama gut? It kicked in hard.

So I trusted it. I picked Hendrix up and went straight to urgent care. Within minutes, we were told to head immediately to CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange. We were admitted right away, and the next few days were a blur of tests, needles, machines, and terms I couldn’t fully process. There was this constant ringing in my ears—a knowing that something wasn’t right. But I also knew I had to stay grounded. I had to be his anchor.

It was overwhelming. It was heartbreaking. But I was never alone—because God is in this story. In every scary moment, in every small victory, and in every act of courage I didn’t know I had. That whisper you feel deep in your spirit? That’s not doubt. That’s divine. Don’t ignore it, mamas.

That’s where Salty Strides was born. From fear—but also from fierce love and relentless hope. It’s more than a brand; it’s our family’s reminder that storms come, but we ride the waves together.

There are a few ways you can support Hendrix and our journey:

• Shop our Salty Strides merch – Designed with heart to reflect our story, raise awareness, and bring visibility to families navigating T1D.

• Book a hair appointment with me – If you’re local to Huntington Beach, I’d love to have you in my chair. It’s more than just hair—it’s connection.

• Purchase Monat through my website – Every product I share is one I truly use and trust. All commissions go into a savings account for Hendrix’s medical care, helping me be more present with my boys.

We're also saving for something really special—a T1D service dog for Hendrix. It’s a big dream, but one that would bring him safety, freedom, and a little more peace for both of us.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you. For being here. For showing up. For helping me stay by Hendrix’s side while we figure this all out. You’re part of this story now too, and your support means the world to us.