Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Joy Drobek.
Hi Melissa Joy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up is metro Detroit MI. I move to TX in 2009 and began working again when my ex husband lost his job. I became self employed in 2013 and built my skill, clientele and have stayed passionate about the hair industry. I have a deep joy for what I do and feel it is a gift God has blessed me with. I get to lift up and make people feel beautiful, confident and give out sparkles of joy in a world that can be challenging. I genuinely love my guests and feel very blessed to spend time with each one of them.
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, not a smooth road. Definately challenges that made me stronger. In cosmetology school there were 4 deaths in my family. I almost quit. My move from MI to TX away from my family, past clientele and all I knew was VERY hard on me. I moved here not having to work and thinking I would try something else eventually and my ex husband lost his job. I had to go back and worked at several salons not knowing many people at all and support us. A few years back I built a small salon as a step toward a dream of mine to open a Leo and Joy salon on a larger scale one day. 1 year later a woman drove her car through the salon and destroyed the whole thing. I went back to working solo and have just been focusing on my path and faith.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been working as a hair stylist for near 25 years now. I specialize in color correction, long tedious color appointments and extensions. Big drastic changes. Big transformations! I’m proud of my clientele because they say your guests are a reflection of who you are as a person, artist and (I feel) a gift. If that is true I am definitely doing many things right! Leo (my puppy) and I make a great team. The hair part comes easy for me. It’s every little detail in between and showing up emotionally that is just as important as the hand work. I am proud of that. And very proud of all of my guests for who they have become through the years as well.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is a well rounded balanced circle that is never perfect. Mental, physical and spiritual. It’s taking care of yourself to be the best version of yourself. Way beyond just the income part. Busyness and success are very misconstrued as well. It is being able to add value, work hard and show up for those you love with a heart that is at peace. Success requires sacrifice, selflessness, serving and knowing you will never do everything perfectly, however the trials will grow, shape and catapult you forward. Having grace for yourself and others, saying no when necessary and being a really good listener. You cannot fake having a genuine love and passion deep in your heart for what you do and for the people your gifts provide service to. You have to actually be and feel that way. Show up with a genuine heart posture. Everyone can feel that and connection is made. Success to me is always entangled with love and its many facets. With passion and the burn inside to break the rules a bit when necessary. Success parallels with surrender.
