Meet Trailblazer Alex Dobbs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Dobbs.

Alex, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Well, it definitely hasn’t been smooth sailing that’s for sure. I started doing hair in 2011, but I have always loved everything pertaining to makeup, hair, and fashion…. well really anything creative. I got hit by a car while crossing the street in 2015 (I know, crazy!), and took time off to heal. Which surprisingly, sparked a creative drive I hadn’t felt in a while. So, I moved to NYC for a bit (just like that). The home of fashion! Just living in NYC can get you so inspired and wanting to do more. I trained some at the Arrojo Salon in Manhattan and also did some visual displays for a Forever 21 store that was opening on Fifth Ave. (I was even lucky enough meet the owner of F21 … amazing)! I knew I wanted more when I got back to Atlanta. First, I knew I had to find an Atlanta salon to call home, and then assist under someone well known that I could learn more from. I wanted to perfect my craft and gain some more confidence behind the chair. I worked at Salon Red for 2 years, I’m really proud of all I accomplished in that time. I took 2 classes at the BumbleandBumble University, which was so inspiring and taught me more than I imagined. In addition, I spent 4 days at the Wella Studio in Manhattan learning as much as we could about their color line, working hands on with models, and ending with a badass professional photoshoot in their studio. I felt so damn lucky! In the last few months at Salon Red I curated a photo shoot with the help of some of the other stylists. I brought forth a full wardrobe and concept that ended up being so trendy and fun; something I feel very proud of! After the shoot, it really got me thinking what do I really want. I’ve always enjoyed leading, marketing, branding… I have had so many creative ideas but nowhere to put them. So I decided I wanted to build a brand, something I could grow myself and feel proud of. I knew I couldn’t do it alone though, so I pulled in my best friend Lina Petrova. We see eye to eye and I knew we would work well together, side by side. So, together, we came up with MELON.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have definitely had some bumps in the road, honestly not very smooth at all. 7 years ago when I first began my career as a stylist, my oldest brother passed. Unfortunately, no one is ever taught about grief, how to grieve, or what to even expect. Especially grief over a sibling. It was always hard working through grieving and also hard dealing with others’ expectations of my grieving process. This definitely slowed down my career goals and dreams. Then, in November of last year, I had yet another brother pass away due to drugs (God I hate drugs!). In March, his baby was born. After seeing the circumstance and life he was brought into, my wife and I, without any planning, knew we had to step in. At that time I decided I needed to step back from work for a bit , once again, and focus on family, (and lots of court dates I may add) and really focus on myself and wellbeing. What I’ve learned and discovered, is anxiety, grief, and depression, can all really take a toll on you. Mental illness is real and self-care is much needed. Practicing self-care is most important, even if it slows your “timeline” down.

We’d love to hear more about MELON.
I am a hairstylist that specializes in cuts, balayage, and curls. But the heart of my job is to make others feel good about themselves; to make their day! I absolutely love meeting new people and hearing their story. I enjoy giving others the confidence they deserve. You can walk into Melon and get just about any style you want. If you need guidance, we can help you find the style best suited for your style, face, and lifestyle. We are well rounded in our work if I do say so myself. Whether you are wanting something subtle and fresh, or something fierce and edgy; 10 years old, or 60 years old, we do it all. I am just so happy and proud to be working next to my bestie, Lina. She’s amazing and we work so well together. We can do some amazing shit. You have got to check out all her color work! And as always and forever, Melon is a safe space for everyone.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Follow your dreams, at your own pace. Practice self-care and know mental illness is real and valid. Learn everything you can, and more. And throw yourself out there; take chances.

Pricing:

• Cuts 55+
• Balayage 150+

Contact Info:

• Address: 77 12th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Website: salonlofts.com/salons/12th_and_midtown
• Email: alex.dobbs@salonlofts.com , Lina.petrova@salonlofts.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/melonsalon
• Facebook: fb.me/melonsalonatl

Image Credit:
Photos taken by me. Portrait of me taken by Luis Rivera (@yourboylou).

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