Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Spurling.
Hi Melinda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My name is Melinda Spurling, here’s how it all started. I grew up wanting to change lives through my hands. I started by attending school at Jack Yates in the cosmetology department. In 1997, I graduated in the top of my cosmetology class. To craft my skill, I begin working at local Franchised Salons for example Fantastic Sams, Great Clips, TGF haircutters. I worked for commission and hourly wages to learn more. and for the experience. It taught me that, “In this business, you need more than a gift, you also need skills.”
I begin to learn Customer Service, Product Knowledge, Coloring, Cutting and Creativity through classes and repetition. In 2004, I got the opportunity to start working at Eshallence Hair Design with my JY classmate, Monet Thomas (Owner of Eshallence). This gave me a chance to spread my wings. I rose to the occasion and became self-employed. Coming from a salon franchise world, I had to build my clientele from the ground up due to not being able to obtain my clientele list with the franchise. From working at Eshallence Hair Design for over 15 years, my client list had grown tremendously and continues to grow.
On November 12, 2019 (pre-pandemic) as I sat down on the sofa after a long day at work, and I had a thought, “it’s time, to take this gift that God gave me and do me. ” Knowing that I had a great clientele and was my own boss, what more did I need? Being a woman of faith, The Holy Spirit came to me and said, “UNLEASH ME! Breakaway so I can freely create you!” And from then on UNLEASH ME was created! I let God Unleash Me and start “freely creating” me without me trying to control things.
Unleash Me Hair Boutique began in the midst of the world going through the COVID-19 pandemic. Stepping out on faith, I let go and I allowed God to create a space for me to be FREE. Unleash Me Hair Boutique was created to freely CREATE and CHANGE the lives of every person that sits in this chair. I want to give you what God gave me, A chance to express BEAUTY through HAIR. Unleash Me is not just a look, it is a statement!
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 hasn’t been a smooth road. Some of my struggles were that I wasn’t zoned to the school that offered cosmetology. I attended Jesse H. Jones high for 2 years and transferred to Jack Yates high school where they offered Cosmetology under their Vocational program. The school didn’t provide a school bus because I was out of the zoning area. So therefore I had to take public transportation. I never missed a class unless I was ill.
I had my 1st child at 20 and worked up to my due date. I struggle to make ends meet while been married to a man that didn’t work. Being the sole provider of my house whole drove me to worked more than I’ve ever worked. I loved my creative space. I tend to think that being a hair styles gave me mental stability. It was a safe haven away from my struggles at home.
I remember during second pregnancy while working on a client, I had a sharp pain in my abdomen area. I looked down and my pants were wet. I thought it couldn’t be my water breaking because I was only 6 months pregnant, but only to look down and see that I was bleeding. I was rushed to the emergency room. I was going into labor but I was only 6months. The doctor suggested that I not work so many long hours. But as you know as an entrepreneur In this industry if you don’t work you don’t make money. So there were definitely some days where we went without.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and instructor and owner of Unleash Me Hair Boutique in the Houston Heights Area. I specialize in creating your desired version of beauty through hair coloring, cutting and trendy styles. I’m most known for making my clients feel and look beautiful. I’m most proud of become my own boss and never doubting my abilities to succeed In this Industry. What sets me apart from others in this industry is that being a stylist is my purpose and my life’s working. The world of hair is a blank canvas and I can’t wait to leave my watermark stamped on every client I service..
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During the shutdown salons, barbershops, and beauty supplies weren’t open. I had to start taking conference calls to advise my clients on what to purchase from Walmart and Walgreens. Now mind you, these stores carry a selection of products I don’t use. During the pandemic, I started a product line that goes by the name “Ulidium” hair care for the next generation. During this time everyone had to pivot business, so I did just that by creating a line of products that my clients could count on having at home in case they’re not able to come to the salon.
Contact Info:
- Email: Umhairboutique@gmail.com
- Website: www.Umhair.com
- Instagram: unleashme_hair2020
- Facebook: Unleash Me Hair LLC
Image Credits
Mark Spurling
Ferrell E. Phelps
