This week, we caught up with the lovely Nikari of Brows by Nikari (located in one of our favorite downtown buildings - the pretty blue one on Warren Street!). She shares what brought her back to the area after living in Buffalo and Long Island, the one Glens Falls building that puts a smile on her face every time she drives by, and of course, a bit more about her passion for good brows ;)
Tell us about yourself!
Hi there! Nikari Carota is my name & brows are my game ;) I own Brows by Nikari located in downtown Glens Falls just around Centennial Circle on Warren Street. Brows by Nikari is a brow only studio catering from waxing & tinting all the way to semi-permanent makeup & brow lamination. Any service you can think of for your eyebrows I’m more than sure I offer it. Brows are my expertise. I love getting to know each and every one of my clients on a personal level. I love that I can become friends with them and that they keep returning and recommending me. My clients are truly amazing people & for that I cannot give them enough thanks in the world.
I’m a little quiet & introverted unless I feel comfortable around you or get to know—so don’t let my faces scare you away! When I get to know you, I won’t stop talking. I’m a Jesus loving, laid back, laughing & adventurous spirit. Right now, I live my with mom, little brother & little sister.
On Life in Glens Falls
I grew up in Queensbury. My great grandparents live in the 518, my grandparents live in the 518 and my mom lives in the 518. I’ve lived in Queensbury my whole life. After graduation I went away to college in Buffalo. When I graduated from Buffalo, I moved to Long Island for a little bit. I decided I missed home and returned to open my brow studio in Glens Falls. I’ve always loved and have had a passion for eyebrows. I’ve had my eyebrows botched a few times (I mean who hasn’t) so opening up this studio was something that was near and dear to my heart. The small town keeps me grounded. The air, the trees, mountains, scenery and surroundings. I’ve moved a few times and always end up back where I started…truly home.
As far as housing goes: SURPRISE- My boyfriend and I are in the process of closing on a fixer upper (we haven’t told many people except for close friends/family)! Family friends of ours buy houses, fix them up and sell them. We were lucky to enough to snag one before it went on the market! It’s a cute little house on the border of Queensbury & Lake George with a nice amount of land in the backyard. After we’re married we plan to live in it for a few years with our puppy Neko and then potentially turn it into an Airbnb since it’s a perfect location close to everything. OR we might add on and keep it. We’re not sure, but we’ll see!
I absolutely love the ambiance of downtown Glens Falls at night. I love the string lights and walking the strip of downtown. I wish more people knew the core of Glens Falls. The community is business-based, meaning community owned. There aren’t a lot of franchise stores which means every self-owned business is the core and heart of the community. So, I truly believe that by exploring the community you will find hidden gems that are important to each person.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
Oooh, perfect day? Hmm, there are so many scenarios that would be ideal. I think it’s hard to pinpoint, but just spending intentional time with mom/family or a few friends is my perfect day. As for favorite spots, a few that I like to visit (in no particular order) are: Siam Thai, Kelly’s Roots, Minky Mink, Studio Bari, Ketty Nails, Elixir + Facial Lounge, Spektor Coffee, Spot Coffee (also I don’t drink coffee but pick other things on the menu), Mikado, Zou, and Downtown Social. I’m sure there are a few more but these are just the ones that popped into my head!
On the Past
I loved going to the YMCA as a kid. My mom would always take me there while she did her classes. I grew up loving to be there. I took so many classes, did so many camps and was so involved with the YMCA. As the years went on and I was old enough to work out in the workout room I would go with my mom. My school friends and I would all get dropped off there to “workout” but all we did was hang out in the racquetball courts. Every time I drive by that place, it puts a little smile on my face because I had so many fond memories from my childhood there.
On the Future
Okay, I would definitely love a Plum Dandy situation like in Saratoga. I love frozen yogurt and think something like that would do so well in the heart of downtown Glens Falls & would especially compliment all the restaurants. Also, a Chick-fil-A would be wonderful.
This week’s My Glens Falls was made possible by Morgan & Co. Restaurant.
Nothing says summer in Glens Falls like an evening enjoying a cocktail and a delicious meal on the porch or patio at Morgan and Company! Indoor and outdoor seating is now available, along with takeout options (and did you know they offer catering, too?!). Live music on the patio starts back up this week as well, with Max McDonnell on Tuesdays and Mark Tolstrup on Thursdays. Make your reservation by clicking here - cheers!
Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!