Our Story
Headliners NOLA Salon is rooted in celebrating and empowering the Black community, with a focus on locs and natural hair care. Founded by Erica Williams-Parks and her wife, Anisa Parks, the salon is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity reflecting the values of its co-founders, a married lesbian couple.
The salon has grown into a vibrant space where clients not only receive expert styling and hair care but also feel a sense of belonging and pride in being authentically themselves. Their commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels welcome and celebrated.
The commitment to family and community extends to their team as well. Two years ago, the salon hired their daughter, Victoria Williams, who has been thriving as a stylist. Victoria specializes in microlocs installation and loc styling, and the sky’s the limit for her as she continues to grow both as a stylist and a person.
Headliners NOLA Salon gained significant recognition when one of their clients, styled by master stylist Erica Williams-Parks, was featured in Essence Magazine. This milestone highlights the salon’s dedication to excellence and its ability to make a significant impact in the beauty industry.
With a focus on growth and excellence, Headliners NOLA Salon is continually looking for passionate licensed cosmetologists to join their team and benefit from their training and support to become six-figure stylists.
Headliners NOLA Salon’s story is one of passion, empowerment, inclusivity, and excellence, striving to uplift and celebrate the natural beauty and diversity of our community.
And our story is still being written. We got more to do.
Redefining the Loc Experience
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Free Coffee
You will always be offered a cup of coffee, bottled water, or even some wine depending on the time of day.
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Great Customer Service Guaranteed
At Headliners NOLA, you’re not just getting a service, you’re getting an experience.
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Fresh Towels & Aprons
We never reuse towels or aprons. We want our clients to know their health and safety are our priority.
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Your Loc Home
As unique and authentic as a New Orleans shotgun house, we build relationships with our clients. We want our clients to let your hair down figuratively and literally and become your loc home.
Meet your team
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Erica Williams-Parks
Co-Owner, Master Stylist + Colorist
Over 20 years ago, Erica Williams-Parks discovered her passion: LOCS. Embracing the philosophy that “there are riches in niches,” she became NOLALOCSTAR, a renowned loctician specializing in loc color, loc extensions and reattachments, and comprehensive loc care. Driven by a desire to master her own locs, Erica’s jorney began as a kitchen beautician, honing her skills in the comfort of her home.
Transitioning from her kitchen to a professional salon, Erica learned invaluable lessons from seasoned owners but realized she couldn’t fulfill her dreams within someone else’s vision. With the unwavering support of her wife, Anisa, Erica embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey. She successfully grew her clientele and established her brand, becoming well-respected in the industry.
A few years ago, Erica took a significant step by hiring her daughter, imparting her extensive knowledge about locs to the next generation. Today, Erica's mission extends beyond creating beautiful locs; she is dedicated to teaching others to become not just locticians, but also homeowners and entrepreneurs. At Headliners NOLA Salon, Erica's commitment to world-class customer service and empowering her community continues to inspire and elevate all those she touches.
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Anisa Parks
Co-Owner, The Problem Solver
From a young age, Anisa Parks has always been a visionary. At just five years old, she was already coding, prompting her mother to purchase a Commodore 64 computer. Her innate curiosity and forward-thinking nature have consistently driven her both personally and professionally, ultimately leading her to co-found Headliners NOLA Salon.
Anisa's vision and determination were instrumental in transforming her then-girlfriend, Erica Williams', talent for loc styling into a thriving business rather than just a hustle. Her foresight and innovative spirit continue to propel Headliners NOLA forward, with plans to expand from a two-stylist salon suite to a full-service salon.
Anisa's contributions to the salon are numerous and invaluable. She created the Headliners NOLA logo, designed the official website, and developed efficient systems to streamline operations. Always looking ahead, Anisa's dedication and strategic planning ensure that Headliners NOLA remains at the forefront of the industry, poised for growth and success.
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Victoria Williams
Stylist + Make Up Artist
What began as a hobby has blossomed into a full-fledged passion for hairstyling and makeup artistry for Victoria Williams. A certified cosmetologist from Aveda Schools in Baton Rouge, LA, Victoria brings over three years of experience in loc styling, coloring, and makeup artistry. Known for her precision in creating crispy straight partings and intricate loc styles, she has been a valued member of Headliners NOLA since earning her cosmetology license in 2021. When she’s not maintaining locs, Victoria enjoys traveling and spending time with her twins, Riley and Royce.
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Kandice White
Stylist, New Orleans Transplant
Kandice, a North Carolina native, discovered her talent for hairstyling as a child, practicing on mannequins and Barbie dolls her family gifted her. What began as a hobby blossomed into a passion, and in 2017, she earned her cosmetology license from Cape Fear Community College.
After starting her own loc journey in 2018, Kandice knew she wanted to be a loctician but found few opportunities in her area. For five years, she worked in various salons offering haircuts, styling, and waxing. In 2023, she moved to New Orleans, hoping to pursue her passion for natural hair care and locs.
In 2024, Kandice found her place at Headliners NOLA Salon, training under master stylist Erica Williams-Parks. Eager to grow, she dreams of becoming a master stylist and colorist, thriving in the supportive, natural hair-focused environment at Headliners NOLA.
Customer Testimonials