XEX MAGAZINE – MEN’S EDITION PRESENTS: RYAN NICKULAS

XEX MAGApril 2, 2013

Owner of the thriving Ryan Darius Salon, Celebrity Hair Stylist Ryan Nickulas invites XEX into his Chelsea Penthouse to discuss Family, Life, Career, Reality Television, and why he is truly A-Listed!

Interview: Michael Nelson

Photography: Sailey Williams

Styling: Engie Hassan Groomer: Charles Douglas

Styling Assistant(s): Daphney Augustin, Michael Rosenberg

As a Massachusetts native, what was your journey to making it to New York City and working in the beauty industry?

I moved to NYC in 2006 to seek my fame and fortune. The Cosmetology state board was not making it easy to transfer my license and without it, I could not work in a salon. It ended up taking nine months to get reciprocity. But I learned very quickly that I could work on set without it! This led to working with designers, magazines, socialites, and ad campaigns! I’m so thankful the state was difficult!

Your successful career as a hairstylist has allowed you to become owner of Ryan Darius, one of the most popular salons in Chelsea known for its elite clientele. What was the actual turning point in your career when you felt satisfied and content with your accomplishments?

I am not there yet. . .I still want to do MUCH MORE! Last year I was asked to speak to students at FIT. It was a “moment”. I talked about connecting all my dots. I worked at the GAP, slung sizzling fajitas at Chili’s and washed heads and mopped floors at my first salon job. Each experience lead to my small goals being met. However I do not miss smelling like Chili’s at the end of my day.

Over the past few years your work has been acknowledged & endorsed by Aol, Pantene, ConAir, and you have been deemed a beauty expert and teacher. How does it feel to share your skill and wisdom with the masses? Do you see a future in ongoing hair and beauty education?

This is the overall goal for me. I want to be the Rachel Ray of the hair industry! Instead of thirty minute meals, I want to teach the ladies 30 minute hair styles!!!! Every woman on any budget can have great hair. I think back to my grandmothers. They ran the house, had lots of kids, looked great, and were on budget.

Your career as salon owner and larger than life personality led you to reality television as one of the cast members of The A-List: New York, often labeled as the LOGO network’s envisioning of “The Housewives” franchise. What was the experience of being a part of a program that raised such high emotions amongst its viewers and critics?

I loved doing the show. It was a great experience for me. No matter what people think of the show, the cast (Derek, Mike, Austin, Reichen, Rodiney and I) who started that series will forever have an imprint in gay pop culture.

“This is the true story of seven strangers”…Television executives has been lumping strangers together in one cast and pressing record for the past 30 years and to the viewers often sees the cast members gel on camera…..for the most part. Did The A-List cast get along off screen? Which cast member’s lawyer have to do the most work? ….

I think mine!!!! LOL The first season of the show, my lawyer fee took half of my paycheck from LOGO. Mike, Reichen and I have assets to protect. It was money well spent
We were fans of The A-List New York cast, even though you guys were often called stereotypical & fashion obsessed, The A List: Dallas cast was far worse! What were your opinions on your Dallas counterparts?

There can only be one original. If you come in second … you must bring your “A” game… I felt bad for those boys. I know one of them was living out of a car while filming the show. Another almost checked into rehab. When you go on nation television faking the funk the audience can see it a mile away!

Viewers of The A-List: New York received a glance of your home life with your husband of (insert years) Desmond who you often called your “Mr. Big” paralleling your relationship with the Sex in The City characters. What is the dynamic of your relationship? Did it really take as long as those two did to tie the knot?

It sure did … I met Desmond when he was 28 and I was 20 years old back in 2000 when we both lived in Boston. We were married seven years later.. Now its 2013 … you can do the math!

One of the topics and themes of your storyline on The A-List was your starting a family. Where are you guys with those plans of having “Heidi Klum & Seal” babies?

The plan is still in the works! Trust me … when we become fathers, everyone will know (probably sooner than you would guess!). 🙂

You often endorse new fashion designers and brands, but also known for loving a good Neiman Marcus shopping spree. How would you define your personal style and fashion sense. What are some of your favorite brands, new and established?

I would describe my personal style as a chic schizophrenic. My fashion sense varies depending the occasion I’m attending. I love mixing mainstream brands with those of emerging and major designers to create an unrivaled look. Having many classic pieces such as: Tom Ford, Gucci, Armani, Christian Louboutin, Rick Owens, etc. Despite this, I like to mix-it-up with items from Top Shop, H&M, and the Zara’s of the world. My favorite brands : emerging, Ashton Michael of LA and ODD in NYC. Best established are Rick Owens, Gucci, Tom Brown, Tom Ford, and Alexander McQueen .
My fashion stylist, Engie Hassan, always says“Merchandising an outfit gives it personality because anyone can wear a suit, but the accessories you add can greatly enhance the overall look.”

Along with your cast member Mike Ruiz you have been passionate about the Ali Forney Center. Are there any specific charities or causes that you feel passionate about?

My husband and I are involved with: The Ali Forney Center, Green Chimneys, Gods Love We Deliver, and The Catalog for Giving,

You are definitely A-Listed! What do you have planned for yourself next? Is there more Reality Television in the works? Or are the cameras kicked out of your penthouse for good?

I will not say the cameras are kicked out for good. But I did turndown the spin-off of the A List New York. It was time for me to take a break … Its been over a year since the final taping so I think I may be ready again …