Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Tyson.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey towards becoming a Master Cosmetologist in 2017, but I’ve been doing hair since the age of 14. I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry. I was an only child, so I had to get creative. At a young age in elementary school, my cousin taught me how to braid, and it was on from there! However, after I graduated from high school, I went straight to a 4-year college at Clayton State University. At that time it wasn’t a thought to go to cosmetology school because my parents weren’t having that! My parents didn’t go to college, so it was a must and a known fact that I was going! But I didn’t stop there with doing hair. I made money all through college doing the hair of friends and family. My passion and love for hair never died. So I’m not that typical hairstylist. I’m also a Certified Addiction Counselor with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Human Services Counseling. I built a career in the mental health field for 11 years. During this time, doing hair became a hobby and a side hustle.
Nevertheless, there was something deep down inside wanting to do what I loved. I decided to follow my desire, embrace my gift, and pursue a license as a Master Cosmetologist in 2017 at Georgia Career Institute. I graduated with honors and obtained my license in 2018. As I transitioned, all of my family and friends were supportive, making it easy to follow where my heart was. Through the grace and favor of God, I am now a business owner of Blazing Beauty Bar LLC as of 2019 in Conyers, GA. I aspire to make my clients love and feel good about themselves through their a pampered experience and blazing hair!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been easy, but I know that I can do anything I put my mind to. As a new business owner, there are so many ups and downs. Some struggles consisted of not knowing were to begin, at times the lack of consistent clients or finances, not knowing how to market myself, and learning how to network. I think the hardest was finding a mentor to help me along the way. Not many people are willing to help guide you. But for those who did at times, I took the information and utilized it appropriately. I also prayed and asked God to give me a strategy on how to make this work and I figured out this road to success. Little by little, things started coming together. Let’s just say my clientele continues to build and I’ve had my salon open through the pandemic and didn’t miss a beat with meeting any of my obligations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a licensed master cosmetologist. I specialize in natural hair, and I’m known for maintaining and growing healthy hair. I am proud to be a black woman with my own business doing something I love. I think my love and passion for people sets me apart from others. This is not just a job. I am not an ordinary stylist; that’s just creative. When someone sits in my share they experience something personable and memorable. My ability to listen, show compassion, and make a client’s experience enjoyable is what makes me different from others.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is having dinner with my family on a Thanksgiving at my Aunt and Uncle’s house. Every year we would have dinner there. We would fly back to my hometown, Brooklyn, New York, and on that day, we would dress up, the house would be packed, I would see all my cousins I haven’t seen in a while, and we would laugh and spend time with each other. Building memories like that is important to me. Most importantly, we ALWAYS ate good!
Pricing:
- Silk Press – $45 and Up
- Individual Braids – $135 and Up
- Two Strand Twist – $50 and up
- Sew ins – $75 and Up
- Kids Styles – $45 and Up
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@blazingbeautybar.com
- Website: www.blazingbeautybar.com
- Instagram: _blazingbeauty_bymissy
- Phone: 470-729-0744
Image Credits
Photographers: Mel B. Elder Calvin Finklea Afif Primetime Studios Makeup Artist: Tulip Eyes Artistry
