We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Day. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.

Melanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Everyone’s definition of successfulness is unique. In my case, it took perseverance, courage, creativity, and an amazing support system of family, friends, mentors, and the community. I believe it takes a humble person to be successful as well. To some that may sound counterintuitive but you’re going to make a lot of mistakes along the way. That’s how it was for me, and in the process I had to readjust my thinking and sometimes start over. Another thing it takes to be successful is always betting on yourself. You’re the absolute best investment there is out there. Spend the quality time on your spirtual health and having a relationship with God. Become a spirtual person and don’t be overly concerend about the material things. Your realationship with God, your family and how you treat others is what truly matters.

Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Melanie Day owner of You’ve Got Curls and Hair Loss Center located in Lexington, Ky. I’m also the creator of In Living Curls College Beauty Supply Vending Machine, the #1 destination for beauty products on college campuses.

From a very young age, I was always around the beauty industry and other entrepreneurs. Growing up my parents used to own a salon, so I was the shop baby! Funny story about being young and not knowing exactly what you want to do with your life. In my senior of year high school, my friend and I decided we were going to go to the same community college. I knew that I always enjoyed working with hair, but never thought of it as a profession.

Well, my dad was the one that signed me up for beauty school and had a conversation with the instructor. In my 17 years of being in the beauty industry. I’ve heard conversations from others about how family and friends felt about those pursuing this career. For some, it’s seen as a “backup” job, not a real profession. I’m grateful to my parents for seeing what interested me and allowing me to pursue a career in the creative field.

The biggest motivating factor for me to start my business was seeing the value of entrepreneurship, having something that’s MINE, and the need for change! By that time, I’d been a cosmetologist for 7 years. I’d worked in corporate mall salons, and privately owned salons and now it was time for me.

At that moment, I also understood the need for people to come to a salon that celebrated their textured hair, not just tolerating it…

Some may wonder where I got the idea for the name of my business. It was actually the theme for my first curly hair education workshop back in 2010. From there it became a brand and eventually turned into the name of my salon company.

The problems that I solve are providing guidance in healthy home hair care regimens, textured hair education, how to grow healthy hair, and overll self empowerment for everyone. This is what really sets me apart. You need the ability to truly listen to what your consumer is needing and then some how provide it. I would also say being innovative really helps too.

I’m most proud of having a part in a persons personal hair journey to loving themselves. Also, teaching the next generation of salon professionals to embrace inclusivity and always be curious. Another thing I’m really proud of is expanding my business to include beauty vending machines on college campuses! I just inked a major deal with the historic Berea College by bringing In Living Curls College Beauty Supply Vending machine to their campus. I will offer hair products and beauty supplies to students on campus.This arrangement is the first of it’s kind in the state of Kentucky.

The main think I want folks to know about me personally is that what you see is what you get. You can always be your authenic self while in my presence.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The initial capital for my salon came from the help of my family and friends. Just before starting my own salon company, I was working at a commission based salon. We really didn’t have to worry about expenses or overhead.

About 7 years into my cosmetology career I decided to step out on faith and go into business for myself. When you’re first starting out, it’s very difficult to get any type of funding. No one likes to invest in start up salons because they may not make it after year 2 or 3.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ll continue with the financial part of things and what it means to be resilient. Whenever you go to a bank and seek funding. They ask you all types of questions. Most micro businesses don’t have the type of collateral that banks are looking for when it comes to commercial loans.

My resiliency played a factor when I kept getting denied additional funding. I had to learn to play the game of life correctly. Thankfully, I had incredible mentors that guided me in the direction I needed to go. They showed me the importance of having a well-thought-out business plan. You may wonder why having a business plan is so important. It really allows you to organize your thoughts and the structure of your business. I learned that investors and banks love to see how much thought you’ve put into the structure of your business.

In the Spring of 2020, most businesses were closed because of COVID-19. My salon was closed for almost four months. Can you imagine not getting your full income for FOUR MONTHS?! It was truly during that time, I learned to go to work creatively and envision a different direction for my business.

I saw that potential in the future, the beauty industry as we knew had completely changed. I started In Living Curls Hair Care Community. An online platform for multicultural women who are experiencing hair loss but also need to know how to manage their textured hair. We were programmed to think of being at home as being a safer option. People needed to know how to maintain their hair at home and to be successful with it.

Giving up wasn’t an option, I had to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: stan.store/ugotcurlz
• Instagram: @ugotcurlz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gotcurlz
• Other: Want to collaborate with Melanie or add her beauty vending machine to your college campus? Email me at melanie@gotcurls.com

Image Credits
Brian Campbell, BCS Photography, Amani Niche and Honey Sage Photography