DAWSON, Ga. (WALB) - Nikkia Nelson, a Dawson native is beaming with joy and pride after his work on a Disney production landed him his first Emmy.

Nikkia Nelson, affectionately known by many as Nikk, is an alumni of Valdosta State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Omicron Chapter.

After graduating in 2000, he worked for a short time in the field of biology as a food scientist but found himself pulling out an old skill to feel fulfilled. That is when Nelson decided to attend Proway Hair School where he obtained his Master of Cosmetology degree.

For over 13 years, Nelson has owned the successful Pressed Natural Hair Care Salon in the heart of Atlanta. He is currently the personal hairstylist for singer/actress Brandy Norwood, two time Oscar winner Ruth Carter, Angela Simmons and actress Tisha Campbell.

Nelson’s work first garnered national attention in the film industry when featured with Academy Award Winning Costume Designer Ruth Carter in 2023.

On Monday, March 2, Nikk won a Children’s and Family Emmy award for Outstanding Hair on the Disney Production Descendants: the Rise of Red, where he was the wig designer for actress / singer Brandy Norwood.

“It was amazing to be honest with you. Me and my wife were sitting down and we were actually on vacation with my son,” Nelson said, “I was like this is yet. This is the second time I’ve been nominated and I was like ok this is it. When they called Descendants: The Rise of Red, I was ecstatic I started jumping up and I was like ‘oh my gosh I won a freaking Emmy like what the heck, I’m from Dawson, Georgia. A small town, this doesn’t happen to people like me from that area.”

The 4th Children’s and Family Emmy Awards held two ceremonies at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on March 1–2, 2026, one focused on creative and technical arts and the other dedicated to performances and programming.

While Nelson waits on his engraved Emmy award, there are a number of projects that he is working on as he continues to inspire the next generation.

Watch WALB’s full interview with Nelson below:

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.