We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Roche recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on, I would without a doubt say, Education.“I currently teach for Paul Mitchell The School San Diego, and for the past 11 years, have earned a full time living educating people in all walks of life, the craft of Hairdressing. When I began my career in 2002, I remember thinking that I would never want to be a “beauty school’ teacher. I’m not really sure why I had that thought, but after my first 10 years in the industry, and building myself as a successful stylist, I realized I craved more. I had a friend who was teaching at a High Level Cosmetology school, and she looked like she was having fun and making an impact. I reached out and next thing I knew, i was a “beauty school” educator.
Everyday, I have the privilege in helping people become who they will be, or helping them change directions, or giving them confidence. Growing up I wanted to be an Art Teacher, but I don’t have the patience for a 4 year college, and i knew i wanted to be in a creative industry. I never had a teacher that I felt really helped me achieve my best, until I began my career. Everyday, i try my best to not only educate, but act as guide , personally and professionally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m originally from the east coast, and grew up outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I am the only girl of 3 siblings, so i tend to be a little rough around the edges i suppose. My parents are hairdressers as well, but don’t let that fool you. I was not naturally gifted in any way, and i had to work really hard. I didn’t really have a lot of confidence when i began my career, or really at all in general. This industry, and the education i received gave me the confidence i needed, in all areas of my life. I am passionate about my industry, even more passionate about educating. I believe in healthy, non-toxic approaches to beauty. In my salon, i use products that i believe in and that i know wont cause harm. I love that there are so many more options for not only stylists, but consumers, for clean, non-toxic haircare, skincare, home products. My passion for this comes from personal experience. About 5 years ago, i became “allergic” to everything. My whole life changed. I wasn’t sure i would even be able to stay in the cosmetology field, and i was devastated. However, with educating myself, and the people around me I was and am still able to do what i love. I think by creating a healthy, non-toxic environment in my salon suite, this is what sets me apart. More and more people are looking for healthier ways to achieve their beauty goals.
What am i most proud of? That’s easy, my daughter. My daughter is in the creative field as well. She is a body piercer, and has recently moved to Long Beach on her own. I really couldn’t be more proud. She’s out there doing what she loves, and has passion for it. That’s what matters most I believe. You only have one life, and if you hate what you’re doing, whats the point? So, yeah, I’m proud of her.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As i briefly mentioned earlier, i had to rethink my career due to chemical sensitivities. In early 2018, I had decided to take a break from teaching and went back into the salon full time. That was an adjustment in itself, as I hadn’t been in a salon environment in 10 years. It took a little getting used to and also took a few months to build a steady clientele again. After a few months, i was booked solid and was really enjoying salon life again. Slowly, I started noticing that I’d be breathless, and a little confused at the end of each day. It began getting worse, and started to affect my eyes as well. Soon enough, after every day, I’d go home unable to do anything but lay in bed. It was awful. I was also newly married, so i was worried this might affect my personal life. I didn’t know what was wrong. No one knew what was wrong. I stopped wearing makeup, i stopped wearing any perfumes. I thought i was allergic to my cats. It was such a really dark time for me. Finally, one day i left the salon after performing a specific service, and got in my car to drive home, and i had no idea how to get there. I had to call my husband for help. A few days later, we were actually leaving for vacation, and decided to use that time to see if i had any reactions while away. Our thoughts were finally heading to “could this possibly be related to my work environment?” On vacation, i was perfectly fine.
I returned to work, and my heart sank. I felt it right away. The breathlessness, the headaches, the confusion. It was truly heartbreaking. I thought id have to find a new career. I had no idea what I would want to do if I couldn’t do hair, or hair-related things.
Then, fortunately, I had a chat with a former co-worker , who reassured me that I could continue teaching as I’d be able to control my environment. Ive still had challenges, but I have alot of support. This has also launched me into having my own studio.
So, as challenging as this whole scenario was, there is a silver lining.

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

There’s so many rewarding aspects of what I do. In Education, there is no better feeling than seeing one of your former students, excelling in their career. It’s particularly sweet if its a student that had a difficult beginning and they’re just killing it.

Behind the chair, as a stylist, the most rewarding aspect is helping whoever is sitting in your feel like themselves again. Or a better version of themself. Giving them confidence, and making them feel amazing.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.melissaroche.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: Melissarochehair