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

Melanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

The hair industry is always evolving. It is always opening new doors to growth. Who I have become behind the chair is a product of continuous education. Everything I have learned has been from my mentors and educators, as well as my own desire to seek knowledge for not only the trends but the art of hair.

I believe the most essential skills to have behind the chair is consistency & collaboration. Not only being consistent with your craft but also with your brand. It’s keeping one’s true integrity & never straying away. Our clients come to us & show us an idea or vision for who they want to present to the world with their appearance. I’ve always seen my work as collaborative when it comes to my clients. They are my muse & my inspiration for creating fun hair I have the pleasure of doing everyday. I believe anyone can replicate a trend they saw online, but when you collaborate with your client and voice ideas to make original work, that’s the most amazing part of it all.

I wouldn’t say there have been many obstacles. At least if you surround yourself with the best support. Our industry is built on seeking knowledge, but also about educating others.

Melanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a hair stylist. I have always been a creative. Whether that be art, culinary, music, etc. at a young age I knew I loved crafting and working with my hands. It was through mediums of painting, sculpting, playing the ukulele & of course braiding my dolls hair. I think that the spark of pursuing a creative career has always been in me. I had a challenging time after high school & wasn’t quite sure what the right course of action was. Did I want to pursue school? A trade? Be freelance? There were so many questions but not enough answers.

I had initially pursed culinary & baking through community college. I was baker and cake decorator for 6 years before I decided to completely switch it up. However through out that part of my career I was always known as the girl with the cool hair. & yes I was a diy hair girl. I still am. You can definitely catch me in my bathroom touching up my ghost roots or doing a full blown balayage.

My mentor at the time, had noticed my love for hair and makeup. When we talked about this further, she helped me realize that I should consider pursuing career in Cos. Although I had my hesitation, because I was already invested in that current craft, she gave me so much support & helped me through the process of applying for cosmetology school. I am to this day grateful to her.

I’ve been in the industry now for 6 years. It’s amazing how time has flown, & I’ve learned so much & am excited to continue to grow behind the chair. This was definitely the right career path for me. I love being able to interact with people & be creative.

I’m always accepting new clients! I specialize in Vivids, Blonding, Razor Cuts, Alternative & Gender Affirming haircuts. My Instagram is Wildberri.hair & I post regularly. I’m located in Palatine IL. At Little Broken Things Palatine! We also sell consignment & host art events so please come check us out!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being sought out for people’s dream hair & having so much trust from my clients is so rewarding. Whether that’s changing it for fun or to feel like your true self. Hair holds so much power & can be a security blanket. It’s our crown and can alter how we are perceived. When you’re able to be yourself and wear your hair like a badge of honor, that’s the best feeling.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to spread the knowledge of hair. Whether that’s with my clients within the salon, or through education and presentations. I’m always happy to have my peers ask me questions and rely on me and my knowledge. I want to help others grow in their career. I’ve had the privilege of being a mentor and having interns in the past. I know from these experiences that I would love to continue to do something like this again in the future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Wildberri.hair