By Vicki Prichard
NKyTribune reporter
Identical twins Diana Nicely and Debra Wilson share more than the same genome; they share the same taste in movies, the same dream to own a successful business, a passion and talent for “doing hair,” and a deep appreciation for one another.
“Growing up as twins, we always felt so special and fortunate to have what we like to consider a built-in best friend for life,” says Nicely.
Today, the Grant County twins are part of Williamstown’s growing retail development with the opening of their second DoubleTake Salon and Beauty Boutique this month.
At an early age the twins knew they were meant for styling hair and aspired to have their own salon. Much of that inspiration, says Nicely, came from some colorful characters they came to love on the big screen — Claree, Ouiser, Annelle, Shelby, M’Lynn and Truvy — whose charm, acerbic humor, and friendship played out in but a small Southern beauty shop in the the 1989 film, Steel Magnolias.
“It may sound crazy, but the reason we do hair has a lot to do with a movie we watched as young girls called Steel Magnolias,” says Nicely. “We fell in love with the story of women coming together and showing such strength during happy times and sad times, and had a real calling to offer that to a small community.
After high school graduation the twins earned their certification and license as stylists and set about styling coifs at Mi Salon in Florence, where they were employed for more than 13 years. During that time they traveled the country attending styling classes with national stylists to further develop their expertise in the beauty field. All the while, they kept their eye on that dream of opening their own salon.
In September 2014, the dream was realized when they opened their first DoubleTake Salon and Beauty Boutique on Burlington Pike in Florence.
“We both truly love all aspects of our industry,” says Nicely. “It’s always a good feeling when you can watch a total transformation of color, cut and make-up.”
With all the similarities, the twins do distinguish themselves from one another.
“I tend to be more business driven and love to see growth, where Debra finds her success in the emotional support she offers her clientele,” says Nicely.
The clients, however, haven’t always had such an easy time of distinguishing the two. Not only do they look alike, but their voices, mannerisms and laugh are much the same.
“Being in the industry together for 15 years, there were always occasions such as weddings, pregnancies and vacations where we were doing each other’s clients and they were always so blown away at our similarities,” says Nicely.