Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Azevedo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

In a fast-paced place like the Bay Area, I noticed how often people move from one thing to the next without ever taking a real moment to pause. That’s why I chose to open my own private studio—so my clients could have a space that feels calm, intentional, and focused entirely on them. Over time, I began to incorporate simple energy healing practices into my services because I saw how much of a difference it made in my own health and well-being. It’s not anything complicated—sometimes it’s just five quiet minutes to breathe, reset, and feel more present. I’ve found that when people are given the space to slow down, they reconnect with themselves in a way that feels clear and grounding. Whether I’m styling a bride or seeing someone for a haircut or wax, my goal is the same: to offer more than just a service. I want each client to leave feeling more like themselves—balanced, confident, and cared for.

Additionally, I’ve also become known for working with natural curls—one of my specialties is enhancing a bride’s natural texture so she can feel elevated and beautiful without feeling like she has to change who she is. Whether it’s in the studio or on a wedding day, my goal is always the same: to help people feel more like themselves.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Melissa—the hands and heart behind Feel Like You Hair and Wellness. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 12 years, but my journey started much earlier. At 18, I chose cosmetology school instead of a traditional university path. It wasn’t an easy choice, and not everyone understood it at the time—but I knew I was being called to do something different. Over the years, that calling became more clear: to create a space where beauty and well-being are deeply connected.

Through my own experience healing from mental health challenges, hormone imbalances, and fibroids, I was led to energy healing. It helped me in ways that traditional approaches couldn’t, and I knew I wanted to bring that same care into my work. Today, I offer haircutting, full-body waxing, and bridal styling—all within a studio that’s designed to help people feel calm, cared for, and more like themselves. Energy healing is gently woven into each service through small, thoughtful moments that help clients slow down and reset. Even just five minutes of stillness can make a difference.

Bridal styling has become one of my specialties, especially for brides with natural curls or textured hair. I work with clients who want to look and feel like themselves on their wedding day—not overly done, not forced into a style that doesn’t fit. I create soft, polished looks that feel elevated but effortless. Over time, I’ve naturally attracted brides who value intention, clarity, and calm—and that’s exactly what I bring, along with a supportive and organized experience from inquiry to wedding day.

What I’m most proud of is creating a space where people feel seen. I don’t believe in rushing through appointments or covering up who you are. Whether someone is coming in for a wax, a haircut, or their wedding, my goal is the same: to help them reconnect to themselves and walk away feeling confident, grounded, and cared for. That’s the heart of my work—and why Feel Like You exists.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I chose cosmetology school over a traditional university, I didn’t have the support I hoped for. At 17, that was tough. The fear, the doubt, the loneliness—it was real.

The truth is, I was being guided by something bigger than myself. I didn’t fully understand it then, but now I see—this was the path God intended for me. The road less traveled was the one I was meant to take. And funny enough? The same people who once doubted my choice? They now can’t stop talking about how proud they are.

So here I am—grateful, aligned, and thriving. All because I learned to listen to the deepest voice, the one beyond the noise of doubt and fear. The voice of God within me.

If you’re feeling alone in your journey, hear me when I say: People won’t always understand your choices at first, and that’s okay. Some may even be disappointed. But when you stay true to your calling, when you truly live your life, those who love you will see the purpose with time. And trust me—they’ll be proud when the moment is right for them.

So keep going. Keep listening. Keep trusting. Your journey is yours for a reason.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A major lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to be the same version of myself every single day in order to be “showing up fully.” For most of my life, I equated being my “best self” with being upbeat, high-energy, and emotionally available at all times—especially in a service-based career. But over time, I realized that this expectation wasn’t only unrealistic, it was also disconnected from how the body actually works—especially for women.

As I began to better understand my monthly cycle, I started to see that different phases naturally come with shifts in energy, focus, and creativity. I used to see those lower-energy days as something to push through. Now, I see them as days to be more gentle, slower, and still fully committed to my work—just in a different way. It’s not about doing less; it’s about honoring how I show up best in each phase.

This shift has allowed me to stay grounded, present, and more in tune with my body and mind. I still give 100% to every client—but that 100% can look different depending on the day. And that’s okay. Letting go of the pressure to perform the same way all the time has been freeing—not just for me, but for my clients too. It models something important: that success doesn’t come from pushing through, but from honoring ourselves as we are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.feellikeyouwaxandbeauty.com
• Instagram: melissa_feellikeyou
• Other: https://feellikeyouhairandwellness.myflodesk.com/links