We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Smithey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Melissa , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?
I manage my own socials. Absolutely love to content create, start video trends for hair transitions. The before and after pictures really get the crowd going. In 2021 I took on the marketing position in the shop I run my business. A total blast learning more about website design and using those skills. Working with that team has taught me so much.
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?
Why hello there! I’m Melissa Smithey (Mel) known as “fe_mel_barber” on all social media. I ventured into my barber career the summer of 2016. It all started in Tulsa, Ok at Clary Sage College. One year after I came home from the Military. Army, active duty, in good ole Ft. Leonard wood, Ms. I took an honorable discharge due to medical issues. I was lost and unsure the direction I wanted to go. Unfortunately, but fortunately enough…that was not the path my future had in mind. I was at standstill in my mid 20’s. Lost yet not defeated. Thankfully being a Barber has truly blessed my life. I fell in love and realized this had been a calling since my preteens.
I’m located in Tulsa,Ok the most amazing shop in Oklahoma.
Tonsorial Barbershop.
Moving my business to an established business was the best thing I could have EVER done for my career. The owners Crystal & Debra McDaniel are huge impact to my success. In 2021 I added a title next to barber, “Director of marketing.” I have been running all socials, help with website design and much more. They saw something in me I didn’t realize I had. Multiple talents that benefit us all. They are the true talent of Tonsorial. Helping each one us reach success and pointing out talents undiscovered. The talent these two notice in each of us is phenomenal. When surrounded by strong people, your strengths will surface. Crystal & Debra are always pushing me to do better, be better in every area. They’ve showed me the tools I needed in my box. When joining Tonsorial, they introduced me to Mariah, director of operations and super talent Barber. This lead to my brand building along side with theirs. I do content creating, social media, videography, photography, influencing, brand building and much more.
I grew up around family business my entire life. Always having a business mindset and success are engraved in me. Running a successful business, working with the public & creating art in many forms daily has given me the patience to except the discipline I’ve needed to grow. I absolutely love my craft and the brand I’ve created for myself.
I love the products, the brands and everything associated with the industry. Forever trying new products, trends and techniques as made me well rounded in the art of barbering. Teaching my clients what works best for them during the daily routines they follow. Always pushing my clients to try new things in and out of the shop. Showing them the coolest styles that best suit them. Pushing each individual to never forget the beautiful things in life, not only the image they see in the mirror.
I believe I am set apart in this industry because, I’m real, personable, about everything. I don’t have a fake bone in my body. Always honest about life and when given the time I love to listen and just be there for each of them beyond the haircut. I motivate them for life. Help establish confidence, courage and unconditional love. I’m always driving them to get new hobbies or pick up old. Take those dream adventures and always remember that their life is an impact on everyone. I am here for them beyond the haircut, each one knows they can come to me with anything, I’ll be there waiting to listen and with solutions. They inspire me and I truly inspire each one of them. I wouldn’t be where I am today with these beautiful people.
Know for anything and everything barber related. Straight razor shaves, beard sculpting, trend haircuts, fast fades and much more. Check out my social media to see more about me @fe_mel_barber & tonsorisltulsa.com
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
The reputation I have built for my self is showing up and being consistent. Along side with tonsorial’s brand it has built the market for us all. Using social media, and of course my “walking billboards”, has reeled them in. Working continuous long hours and taking clients six days a week for years has truly laid off. I still work six days a week but take some weekends off. I’m always making sure I have plenty of personal time to maintain a healthy balance. Even with a busy schedule, I always make sure each client is able to get in.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I would say, 2020. Covid for sure made me pivot every aspect of my life. During the time off, I had know idea when we were headed back. Stretching all financial corners, not spending money etc… We had to come up with a plan, After weeks I knew I needed to make a decision to keep my Barber career going. Thankfully Oklahoma opened shortly after two months off. With the safest of measures, we reopened the shop and continued on our journey. It definitely has me rethink a lot for my life and business in the future. I know anything is possible now, with just a little patience.
Contact Info:
- Website: Tonsorialtulsa.com
- Instagram: @fe_mel_barber
- Facebook: Melissa Smithey
- Linkedin: Melissa Smithey
- Other: TikTok- @fe_mel_barber
Image Credits
HM Photography Tulsa Melissa Lukenbaugh Photography