Growing up in Orange County, CA, Nicci Hardeman initially had aspirations of entering into the field of science, but along her path discovered an affinity for hair styling. She says “I started cutting hair for extra money, and just found a comfort zone. My mom was really supportive of my choice and encouraged me to pursue that path.” Fast-forward 20 years later, Hardeman moved to Shreveport in 2010 and brought with her a wealth of experience and knowledge as a former celebrity hair stylist in Los Angles. With a background including movie star clients and a stint as the lead hair stylist for America’s Next Top Model, Hardeman knows how to give clients the star treatment. In 2012 Hardeman opened the aptly named “Salon 90210 – LA to La”, a nod to Hardeman’s Los Angeles roots and to the glamorous experience Hardeman and her team offer their clientele.

Her vision for Salon 90210 was to capture the multicultural atmosphere she loved about Los Angeles and create a similar diverse community here in Shreveport-Bossier. When clients visit Salon 90210, they are treated to an experience unlike any other offered in the local beauty scene. The salon features both local stylists and stylists from California, including Hardeman, Meka Bennett-Reliford and Meredith Miller. Open to all clients, Salon 90210 caters to any hair need – cuts, color, relaxing treatments, extensions and more. They also offer full make-up services for events. Each stylist has her own suite, giving clients a private, relaxing visit every time.

Hardeman specializes in hair extensions, short cuts, color treatments and natural hair, and prides herself on giving every client “the royal treatment”. She recently worked on a local film as their head hair stylist and regularly coifs local news anchors. She is also active in her local church, Christ Center Church in Shreveport, and is very involved in a new project called Sisters, a shelter sponsored by the church and local community to provide a place for battered women and children. Hardeman also travels with 16-yearold son Jakarri Kent, an accomplished competitive fencer. “Jakarri is the reason I do what I do – he is my motivation” she says.

Meka Bennett-Reliford remembers where her fascination with beauty began; “I remember hiding behind the door in my mom’s room to watch her doing her hair and make-up – I loved to watch her transform. She was my inspiration.” While searching for her career path, Bennett-Reliford worked in a restaurant and got a wake-up call when she was offered a management position. “I knew I didn’t want to work at that restaurant forever, and my mom said ‘Well, you spend so much time looking in the mirror – you might as well get paid for it!’” Bennett-Reliford attended cosmetology school in Atlanta and found her way to Los Angeles after graduating to work for MAC make-up company. She first met Nicci Hardeman while working on a set in Los Angeles, and the two continued to work together on different jobs. After both eventually relocated to Shreveport, Bennett- Reliford joined Salon 90210 in 2012 as a hairstylist and make-up artist. While Bennett-Reliford has worked with many celebrities, she considers every person who sits in her chair to be a star. “It’s a dream career - I love watching women transform and feel beautiful.” Bennett- Reliford married husband Julius in 2012, and she attends River Park Church and sings on the worship team. “Its what keeps me grounded and happy”, she said. She also offers workshops locally and across the country for other professionals and the everyday woman on make-up and beauty techniques. She offers freelance services for events and has been featured in many local and regional publications. Bennett-Reliford specializes in color treatments and make-up artistry.

Meredith Miller was born and raised in Bossier City, and after graduating high school early she completed a Christian internship in Texas. While she originally planned to pursue a graphic design degree, Miller discovered a talent for styling and cutting hair during her internship and returned to Shreveport to pursue cosmetology school. She graduated from Guy’s Academy and subsequently studied under an Italian color specialist before launching her own styling services.

Miller is especially skilled in resistant gray coverage and corrective color, giving clients beautiful, natural looking color. She also specializes in creating red and blonde locks, as well as texturizing techniques and special occasion hair styling. Each patron receives an in-depth consultation; Miller says “I believe every client deserves to be listened to, and I have a thorough discussion with each person to determine a style individualized to his or her needs.”

Miller joined the Salon 90210 team in 2012, and loves the unique place it holds among salons in the area. “It is one of the only multicultural salons in Bossier City – the beauty of Salon 90210 is that we can service anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of race, age or hair type.”

She calls husband Dominique her “best friend and biggest support”, and says, “In my entire career as a hair stylist he has participated in my success.” Miller is very involved at Overcoming Faith Church in Bossier City, and has participated in cut-a-thons to raise money for various charities.

Salon 90210 will continue to grow in the next year, with a new location in Minden and the addition of a Brow Bar at their current location in Bossier City. Hardeman, Bennett-Reliford and Miller look forward to expanding their unique combination of outstanding service, diverse abilities and, of course, their signature star treatment.