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

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I originally started doing makeup during the early Instagram era when tutorials and beauty influencers were everywhere. It was such an inspiring time creatively. I wasn’t trying to start a business. I simply wanted to learn how to do my own makeup better so I could feel confident when I went out.

I became obsessed with the process. I would sit in my room practicing techniques I saw online, blending eyeshadow over and over, learning about contour, skin prep, lighting, all of it. I started posting photos of my makeup looks on Instagram just because I genuinely enjoyed creating and sharing them.

At some point, people began reaching out asking, “How much do you charge?”

That question caught me off guard. I wasn’t offering it as a service, it was just something I loved doing.

In the beginning, I would do makeup using the client’s own products because I didn’t even have a professional kit. It felt very organic and low-pressure. I wasn’t chasing income I was chasing creativity.

But after receiving a few consistent requests, I realized this wasn’t random. There was interest. There was demand. And more importantly, there was something in me that lit up when I did it.

That’s when I decided to invest in my first professional kit.

I still remember how intentional that purchase felt. It wasn’t just buying products it was me deciding to take myself seriously.

That first dollar didn’t just represent income. It represented validation that something I loved doing could become something real.

What started as me wanting to look good when I went out became the foundation for the career and business I’ve built today.

And it all began because I followed curiosity before I followed strategy.

Melissa, 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?

My journey into the beauty industry started organically. I began as a makeup artist over a decade ago during the early days of Instagram, when beauty tutorials and influencers were becoming mainstream. What started as me learning how to do my own makeup turned into friends and eventually strangers asking to book me. That curiosity quickly evolved into a true calling.

Over time, I realized that makeup was only part of the transformation. Skin was the foundation. That realization led me to pursue esthetics and deepen my education in corrective skincare. Today, I am both a makeup artist and a licensed aesthetician, and I own Melissa’s Glow Alchemy, a studio built around results driven skincare and elevated beauty experiences.

I specialize in corrective skin treatments, customized facials, chemical peels, and advanced skin protocols using professional lines like ZO Skin Health and other clinical grade products. My focus is not just relaxation. It is transformation. I help clients who are struggling with acne, pigmentation, aging concerns, and overall skin health regain confidence by giving them clear plans and real results.

What sets me apart is the blend of artistry and correction. I understand skin from both a creative and clinical perspective. I do not just treat the surface. I educate my clients, build long term strategies, and customize everything to their lifestyle and goals. I believe glowing skin is built through consistency, education, and intention.

I am most proud of building my business from pure passion and turning it into a brand rooted in integrity and results. I did not start with a big plan. I started with curiosity and work ethic. Over the years, I have invested deeply in my education, my craft, and creating an experience where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.

If there is one thing I want potential clients to know, it is this. I care about the outcome. I am not here to sell random treatments. I am here to build real skin health and real confidence. Whether it is makeup for a milestone event or a long term skin journey, my goal is always the same. I want you to leave feeling radiant and sure of yourself.

Melissa’s Glow Alchemy is not just about beauty. It is about transformation from the inside out.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, it did. What originally started as a passion for makeup eventually grew into the full-time business I run today.

I began doing makeup back in 2012. At the time it was something I genuinely loved and started offering to friends, clients, and for special events like photoshoots, prom, and bridal makeup. As word spread, my bookings slowly started increasing through referrals and social media. What began as something I did on the side quickly became something people were actively seeking me out for.

As I continued working with clients, I realized many of them were not just looking for makeup. They also wanted help with their skin. That curiosity led me to pursue professional education in skincare and esthetics so I could help clients achieve healthy, glowing skin beyond just makeup application.

Over time, skincare became a major focus of my work. I invested in advanced training, introduced professional treatments, and began working with clinical skincare lines. Eventually I opened my own studio, where I now offer both corrective skincare treatments and makeup services.

Some key milestones along the way included building a loyal client base through word of mouth, expanding my education in advanced skincare treatments, and opening my own treatment room where I could create a more personalized experience for my clients.

What started as a creative passion ultimately turned into a full-time career and business. Today I feel grateful to work in an industry where I get to help people feel confident in their skin while continuing to grow, learn, and evolve my craft.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has honestly been word of mouth. When someone has a great experience and sees real results with their skin, they naturally want to share that with friends, family, or coworkers. Many of my clients come in because someone they trust recommended me.

Social media has also played an important role in helping new clients discover my work. I share treatment results, skincare education, and behind the scenes moments so people can see both the process and the outcomes. It helps potential clients feel more comfortable because they already have a sense of what to expect before they even walk through the door.

At the end of the day, I believe the biggest driver of growth has been focusing on results and building genuine relationships with my clients. When people feel taken care of and see improvements in their skin, they become loyal clients and naturally help spread the word about my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://glowalchemy.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissasglowalchemy?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByMelissaGuerrero?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/kracLbFxc4

Image Credits

Miguel Trejo
@hardlightphotographygroup