Today we’d like to introduce you to Melannie Millan.
Melannie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in New York City, raised in the Philippines and continued school in Missouri City, Texas when I was a teen. In middle school through high school, I was very involved in choir, art and dance. Throughout my youth, I was involved in a band and did music for a while. I went to Paul Mitchell school to get my cosmetology license as an aspiring special effects makeup artist and slowly fell more in love with hair.
My first few salons I worked at were located in Sugarland. I started at Ulta and then apprenticed under Albert Luiz at An Albert Luiz Salon and Spa. After a few years of working in the suburbs, I decided to leave everything and start over inside the loop. With social media as my tool, I hustled every moment I could to put myself out there. Over time I developed a good reputation with clients and colleagues.
After being in the industry for 7 years and never being satisfied I almost dropped everything I had built and planned to move to the pacific north-west (Seattle or Portland to be more specific) to yet again start all over and do it all again before hitting 30. After much anxiety, it gave me and my existing clients I thought to myself “if I’m willing to drop it all and start all over again from zero, what do I have to lose opening my own business and working for myself?”
That’s where I decided I needed to take the leap and challenge myself in a new chapter. I know work in a small business in a historical building which was once a grocery store in the 30’s and rent out a small room I decorated myself and I called my room “The Crescent Room” the word crescent means to increase, develop and move forward.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was not a smooth road. As cliche as it was I wanted to make a statement by opening my business right in the butt crack of January. (it was my new year new me kinda thing) I didn’t become sure of the idea until the end of November. The main struggle with this is that I am merely an artist with anxiety and slight emotional instability.
I also make decisions spontaneously and get so excited that I tend to rush. I was new to everything… starting this all up as far as the interior decorating, supplies, getting my dba and organizing my taxes all at once have been hell. But once everything was up and running it was smooth sailing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a seasoned colorist that specializes in hair painting, vivid fashion tones and blonding. I am mainly known for taking jet black hair to blonde in one sitting, safely. What I am most proud of is the confidence each and every client has in me. My work is shown on my Instagram @melanniemillan and speaks for itself.
I’m most proud of how much respect I have gotten from my portfolio alone. To me, that is true artistry-when someone can look at a picture of hair and know it is my work. My brand is classic with a kiss of punk. I want to take hairdressing to a new level of craftsmanship. To me, it is a craft and an art. Not just some service. I also love my clients and listen to them. Having my own room, my clients have opened up to me and have become friends that support my dream.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was the black sheep of my family. I’m the first American born that decided not to go into the medical field but pursue something artistic which infuriated most of my family. I have been working since I was 16 and made it a point to prove I can do my craft and support myself. All the negativity pushed me to prove them wrong.
As far as interests go, I am a musician first and a stylist second. I love singing, and still do it for fun sometimes. I experiment with painting using acrylics and am a fan of creating abstract paintings every now and then. I also love traveling and trying new food! My other love is my Morkie (Maltese Yorkie mix) names Kiko. He is my little dog son.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2109 State St. Houston, TX 77007
- Website: Melanniemillan.com
- Phone: 8325334338
- Email: hairsorcerer@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanniemillan/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/crescentroom/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
