Nikki moved to Phoenix in January 2013 to attend the Roberto Venn School of Luthiery. It was here that she built the first two guitars and confirmed that lutherie would indeed be her life’s passion.

Nikki graduated from the course in June 2013 on a Friday, and began working at Milano Music in Mesa, Arizona the following Monday. There she spent the first five years of her career repairing all types of instruments, both fretted and orchestral, from beginner to professional quality, and she was a favorite tech amongst the many musicians that brought their instruments in for service. Throughout this time, Nikki acquired additional experience in building her own acoustic guitars, and worked part time as a workshop assistant to luthier Evan Fourness at Fourness Violins in Chandler Arizona, assisting in electric violin making.

In 2017, she began the business that would eventually become Nikki’s Guitar Shop, and she parted ways with Milano Music to pursue a luthier position at Acoustic Vibes Music in 2018. During her time at Acoustic Vibes Music, Nikki was privileged to help with both service and sales of some of the finest acoustic guitars on the market today. Also at this shop, she performed repairs as a Taylor Guitars Silver Level tech and as a Martin Warranty Repair Center.

In November 2020, she took the leap to working in her shop full time as Nikki’s Guitar Shop. She enjoys creating a personal relationship with both player and instrument and providing the finest quality of service. As a lifelong player herself, Nikki realizes the deep connection that we have with our instruments, and she fully appreciates the faith a player entrusts in her when they leave an instrument in her care. It is Nikki’s mission and life’s work to honor that relationship, and offer repairs and restorations with only the finest attention to detail & impeccable craftsmanship.