We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Braidich. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?
Just recently I booked a client who called and said she wanted to treat her mother to a haircut for her mothers birthday. I was excited to meet them and thought how sweet. Upon meeting them, the daughter explained she hadn’t seen her mother in five years as her parents live in Romania right near the Ukraine border. Her mother had kept her hair long and pretty much the same for years, staying in her comfort zone as we often do in life. They had pictures for inspiration and conveyed how she really wanted to treat her mom for a change! Naturally I accepted the challenge and felt inspired to give this sweet woman some newfound confidence to bring her out of her comfort zone. When I was finished blowdrying and styling this sweet woman’s hair , I looked over and her daughter was crying tears of joy. Then her mothers face lit up and she started crying too and then -they we’re hugging and crying pure joy and I got to witness and be a part of that experience. I truly feel so humbled and grateful for these moments-I feel them deep in my core and to me there really is no greater satisfaction in life then that! Everyday I feel so blessed that I get to do what I love.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I always was intrigued with the salon life. When I was in high school I wanted to go to Cosmetology school but I had strong background in Culinary Arts through my senior year. I mentioned my thoughts to some adults and family members but they always pointed out the negatives. Unfortunately I listened and started classes at community college. Shortly after I met my husband and started a family. I bounced around from job to job but was never really fulfilled. At the age of 38 ,four kids later with a house and a pretty decent career under my belt I wanted to switch gears and finally pursue my dream of going to Cosmetology school. I had the full support of my husband and it was go time! I worked full time and attended school , we lived on one income so I could use my salary to pay as I go to not put me in student debt. It was hard but so worth it!
The secret to being a great hairdresser is making connections and LISTENING to your clients!! I was taught the consultation is the most important part and believe me it is. I believe great hair doesn’t have to break the bank so I like to really breakdown my services and work with my clients budget and be fair and honest so it is a win win for both of us. Asking questions like how they take care of their hair at home and reviewing styling techniques as well as products really sets my clients up for success. Another important thing I’ve learned over the years is that Hairdressers are a special breed-we are empathetic and are also therapists at times. We’re the first to hear about major life events-both good and sad. We are the vault! We listen and console our clients. There is an unspoken trust between us-one that I will always cherish and take very seriously.
I’ve had the opportunity to work in several salon settings including management but I truly feel at home where I am currently. My family and I moved from Connecticut to Tennessee a little over a year ago and while it has been a little intimidating rebuilding my chair from the bottom up it also has been rewarding! When I was looking for a new place to settle my shears and talent in , I came across Stylemasters in Mount Juliet , Tennessee. The salon was started in 1976 and that was the year I was born so naturally it was meant to be. My teammates and the owner are the best of the best-we straighten each others crowns, help, support, laugh and cry together. I’m learning so much and I truly am in one of the best salon environments I could ask for.. with encouragement from those around me, I’ve been stepping outside of my comfort zone service wise, especially with mens and shorter cuts but if I had to pick my favorite thing to do it’s COLOR!! I’m obsessed with revamping the canvas on someone’s head and for that reason I alone I also call us hairdressers, hair artists! I love trying to solve problems with peoples hair or just give them a makeover with a new look. My slogan is be-YOU-tiful by Melissa and it is part of my technique to enhance my clients natural beauty both inside and out. When you look better, you feel better!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I am a huge fan of personal growth books and spiritual guides. Some of my favorites are The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer, The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, Light is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I am currently reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and I am excited for the 40 days of purpose outlined in this book. I also love reading memoirs. Books on these topics have helped me overcome so many things in my personal life that have then helped me in my professional life. These types of books have been the secret in helping me to cure my limiting self talk and beliefs and broaden my perspectives on all walks of life. They inspire me and motivate me.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Building relationships and communicating with clients via social media, text, emails but most importantly having that face to face contact is imperative in any client/customer based industry. Hands down the old school way of referrals is what runs the business in the salon world. I always hand out business cards and give extras to my clients because to me a referral is the BEST compliment!
I also find staying up on brands and products so you can inform your clients is super important! For as long as I can remember my hair has been so important to me-so I try new things on myself so I can then help my clients better. I got extensions done in the past so I could see How my clients would feel with them avd so I could be well spoken on what kinds and how to maintain-we’ve got to stay current and continually educate ourselves so we can be the most helpful to our clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Beyoutifulbymelissa
- Facebook: Melissa Braidich