We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Tyson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I believe success takes sacrifice, consistency, commitment, and determination. Throughout my life, hearing a no meant nothing to me! I firmly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. Giving up is not an option; pushing through is the only one for me! I saw my immigrant parents come to the United States and work hard doing domestic jobs to build a better life for themselves and their families. My parents worked two to three jobs a day. I didn’t understand the sacrifices they were making to create a legacy at the time. From watching them at a young age, their work ethic was instilled in me to persevere and never give up!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started my journey toward becoming a Master Cosmetologist in 2017, but I’ve been doing hair since 14. I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry. I was an only child, so I had to get creative. My cousin taught me how to braid at a young age in elementary school, and it was on from there! However, after graduating high school, I went straight to a 4-year college at Clayton State University. At that time, it wasn’t a thought to go to cosmetology school because my parents weren’t having that! My parents didn’t go to college, so it was a must and a known fact that I was going! But I didn’t stop there with doing hair. I made money all through college doing the hair of friends and family. My passion and love for hair never died. So I’m not that typical hairstylist. I’m also a Certified Addiction Counselor with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Human Services Counseling. I built a career in the mental health field for 13 years and became a certified life coach.
Nevertheless, there was something deep inside wanting to do what I loved. I decided to follow my desire, embrace my gift, and pursue a license as a Master Cosmetologist in 2017 at Georgia Career Institute. I graduated with honors and obtained my license in 2018. As I transitioned, all my family and friends were supportive, making it easy to follow where my heart was. Through the grace and favor of God, I am now a business owner of Blazing Beauty Bar LLC as of 2019 in Conyers, GA. I aspire to make my clients love and feel good about themselves through their a pampered experience and blazing hair! My end goal is to ultimately merge my worlds of mental health and cosmetology by creating an experience where individuals feel confident in who they are.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The best effective strategy in growing your clientele is always to be prepared! You are an essential piece to your marketing strategy. Therefore, be prepared to network anywhere when you are out in public! Have business cards ready, a smile on your face, and most importantly, look your best! Create a space where others want to know where you get your services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blazingbeautybar.com
- Instagram: @blazinbeautybar
Image Credits
Photographer: Crown Photography