Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanelle (Nelly) Smith Hubbard.
Chanelle (Nelly), we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a certified wig maker, educator, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. My journey began back in 2010 when I made my very first wig using a glue gun and a dome cap. I had no idea that moment would spark a passion that would later become my purpose. From there, I dove deep into learning everything I could about wig-making, from hand-sewing different textures and styles to mastering a sewing machine to create wigs that were both beautiful and built to last.
As my skills grew, so did the requests. Women began reaching out, asking me to create custom wigs that helped them feel confident, restored, and seen. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a hobby, it was a calling. In 2019, I earned my first professional wig-making certification and officially launched Nelly’s Wig Beautique, specializing in custom wigs that reflect each client’s unique personality and needs. I went on to receive additional certifications, including one in Cranial Prosthetics, which deepened my ability to support clients experiencing hair loss.
Over time, my love for the craft evolved into a passion for teaching. I founded Nelly’s Wig Making Academy, where I now serve as an instructor, training aspiring stylists and beauty professionals to turn their passion into profit. My mission is to empower women through creativity, education, and confidence. Helping women to not only master wig-making techniques but also build sustainable beauty businesses.
At the heart of everything I do is compassion and purpose. I believe my gift is meant to serve others. To help women feel beautiful, confident, and empowered from the inside out. Whether I’m creating a custom unit or leading a hands-on workshop, I’m reminded every day that beauty is more than appearance; it’s a form of healing, confidence, and self-expression.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has played a part in shaping who I am today. When I first started, I was completely self-taught. I didn’t have a mentor or a roadmap; I learned through trial and error, late nights, and a lot of persistence. Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and a full-time corporate career wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and discipline.
One of the biggest challenges early on was believing in myself enough to treat my craft as a real business, not just a side passion. Like many creatives, I struggled to price my worth, set boundaries, and build systems that could sustain growth. There were times I faced financial uncertainty, creative burnout, and moments of doubt, but I never lost sight of my purpose.
Over time, those challenges became my greatest teachers. They pushed me to get certified, build my business the right way, and create structure around my passion. Now, as an instructor, I pour those lessons into others, especially women starting who may feel the same fears I once did. I remind them that success doesn’t come from a smooth road, but from staying the course even when things get rough.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nelly’s Wig Beautique is built on empowerment, creativity, and confidence. I specialize in designing and constructing custom wigs that reflect each woman’s unique beauty and personality. Every wig I create is handcrafted with care, precision, and intention, because I believe a woman’s hair is not just about style, it’s about identity and self-expression.
What sets my brand apart is the experience behind the product. I don’t just make wigs, I create confidence. Whether a woman is experiencing hair loss, wanting to change her look, or simply exploring her creativity, I make sure each piece is customized to fit her needs, lifestyle, and personality. My clients know they’re not just getting a wig; they’re getting something made with heart, purpose, and excellence.
Beyond the Beautique, I also founded Nelly’s Wig Making Academy, where I teach aspiring stylists and beauty professionals how to turn their passion into profit. As an instructor, I focus on both the art and business of wig making, from mastering technical skills to building sustainable, client-centered beauty brands. I’m passionate about sharing the knowledge and lessons I’ve learned over the years so others can create their own paths to success.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the transformation in both my clients and my students. The moment they look in the mirror or complete their first custom unit and realize, “I did that.” That’s the magic that fuels everything I do.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that Nelly’s Wig Beautique is more than a brand; it’s a movement of empowerment through beauty, education, and self-confidence. Whether I’m creating a custom unit or teaching the next generation of wig makers, my goal remains the same: to help women feel bold, beautiful, and unstoppable.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality that’s been most essential to my success is consistency. Showing up even when it’s hard, even when the progress feels slow. Working a full-time 9–5, raising a family, and building a business at the same time has taught me that success isn’t about having more time; it’s about being intentional with the time you have.
Alongside consistency, I’d say faith and compassion have guided everything I do. Faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that what’s meant for me will align in due time. Compassion helps me connect; whether I’m creating a wig for a client or teaching a student, I lead with heart first. I believe when you truly care about people and operate with integrity, it always comes back around.
Those qualities, faith, consistency, and compassion, are the foundation of who I am and the reason I’m still standing, still growing, and still serving others through my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nellyswigbeautique.com and https://nellys-wig-making-academy.b12sites.com/index
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nellyswig_beautique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nellyswigbeautique/
