Business of the Week: Nakkio Hair and Boutique

aims to sell wigs, hair extensions and fashion apparel at affordable prices. It's located at McCoy Creek Way, and has been since October of last year, but owner Lawanna Collins said that she has always been interested in hair and fashion and had been contemplating her business for some time now.

“Hair was always my passion,” said Collins “I would always go the wig store and local beauty supply and wanted to know how I could own my own beauty supply store."

Collins said she was even more determined to learn how to start her own store after a negative experience at a beauty supply store she often went to. Afterward, she told her husband about it and he encouraged her to start the business that she had been talking about for some time.

“I always thought about it but I didn’t think I could really do it,” said Collins.

Collins began working to put her dream together. A full time manager at a grocery store in the Bay Area, she used what little spare time she had to get her license and the products she planned to sell. She didn’t immediately have a store front, however. For the first couple of months she was operating out of her home. As her inventory and clientele increased, her husband encouraged her to start looking for a space to move her store into. She finally came to find her current location in Suisun City.

After moving, Collins began to bring new elements of clothing and accessories to her store. She said she understands how tough a time some people are having economically, so she enjoys being able to offer low-priced items.

“A lot of people are getting laid off and they come in here and get a shirt and you never know, that might lift them up,” she said.

Collins said her clothing starts as low as $5 and she is always on the look for items to add to her clearance racks. Additionally, her synthetic hair wigs are buy one, get one half off. Human hair and lacefront wigs are also available.

Her wig styles are popular with customers of many different ethnicities and if someone is looking for a style she does not carry, she will order for them. Whether it be hair or clothing, she always looks for ways to keep her customers happy.

“Someone can come here and get an outfit for $15 and I always throw in an accessory,” said Collins.

Currently Nakkio is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. She also attends and participates in fashion shows as much as possible to get the word out about her business. Collins still works full time, as well. She hopes to soon be able to increase her business hours at the boutique.

“That’s my job and this is my hobby, so I kind of juggle both places,” said Collins.