This is the story of NUDO and how two women from Pretoria are changing the way salons are run by giving customers exclusive, high-end experiences while making every person who walks in through their doors feel a sense of belonging. NUDO started out in a single woman’s home.

Pearl Daniels was able to give the most masterful extension service that even South African celebrities would have their hair washed in her bath to be serviced by her. Today NUDO is a franchise growing, faster than Pearl could have imagined, in Gauteng and now readying itself to expand internationally.

Online conversation research shows that the scariest part about going to a high end hairdresser, or any hairdresser for that matter, is the feeling of being judged by the salon you go to for the state of your hair or for not being ‘well put together’. NUDO knows it is their job to make you feel amazing and comfortable in your own skin and go out of their way to give you an experience that is judgement free.

The only thing that matters when you enter their doors is you . Although their ambassador and clientele list include the likes of Leandie du Randt, Charlize Berg, Amor Vittone, Gareth Cliff and more… no one is treated as more important than the other in their salons.

This company aims to allow every man and women who is a customer to have a personalised experience that leaves them feeling incredibly pampered. “NUDO is not only a luxury, exclusive experience; our salons are also a place for our customers to come to feel personally pampered.

My name is Sumé. I am happily married and a mother of 2 fur babies.

You probably won’t believe this, but growing up I have always been an introvert and shy. But over the years I have blossomed and I have became aware of who I am and who I wanted to become. Discovering myself, my talents, what I am passionate about and just life in general.

In school, sports was my go-to. Netball and athletics stood out for me. I participated in 100m sprints, long jump & relay but it was hurdles that I specialised in.

Reached 3rd place at the USASSA championships in SA.

I never really knew I wanted to be a hair stylist, as a youngster.

It was only from Grade 10 that I started experimenting with different hairstyles at school and going to the hairdresser began to fascinate me. I thought it was the coolest thing, I just loved the whole ‘salon vibe’.

My plan after finishing school was to continue with my athletics, participating at ASA – Athletics South Africa & maybe try for the Olympics in the future. But during the 1st year I felt like I needed a new challenge, something different! I asked my hairdresser if I could work at her salon as an apprentice for 2 weeks to see if it would be something I would like to pursue or not. I LOVED IT!

I knew that’s what I wanted to do, I then decided to put my athletic journey aside and start a new one in Hairdressing.

After a 2 year diploma in Hairdressing, I started working on the floor as a stylist, in a salon in Sasolburg in December 2013 doing my own clients. Whereafter I did my Trade Test Qualification and started applying for job opportunities in Pretoria/Jhb area. I moved to pretoria at the end of 2015 where I worked in a salon for 2 years. I soon realised I haven’t reached my full potential and needed a shift.

I came across Nudo Hair Lab through one of my close friends Jeanine. Since the 1st day I walked in the salon I just knew this is where I need to be! 5 Years down the line and I am not looking back! I love this business, I love out clients, I love our co-workers – we are a family here!

Today I am a Qualified Master Stylist & Co-Owner of Nudo Hair Lab on Lois Avenue. I have been in the industry for a total of 9, going on 10 years and I’m loving every moment of my journey! It has made me into the women and stylist I am today!

I am passionate about hair in general but mostly balayage’s, blondes and beach waves!

I am hard working, goal driven, selfless and I love making clients look and feel beautiful! Making a difference one hair appointment at a time!

Thank you to Pearl & Stash for this amazing opportunity, I am beyond grateful & blessed! To new beginnings!