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SEARCHTransformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
Melissa Dawn encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
Melissa Dawn
Transformation artist Melissa Dawn (@roguecurio) has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Based in Sandy Springs, Georgia, Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
A member of the MODERN SALON Artist Connective and a MODERN SALON 100 honoree, Dawn believes every stylist has the power to shape the career they want as long as they're willing to keep growing.
Melissa Dawn of Rogue Curio
Melissa Dawn
Name: Melissa Dawn
Salon: Rogue Curio
Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia
Years in the Industry: 23
Specialties: Transformation and Creative Color
Instagram: @RogueCurio
MODERN SALON 100: 2019
Creative. Passionate. Resilient.
"If you can look up, you can get up." Everyone has comeback power. — Les Brown
Clients can become friends, and friends can become clients. But more importantly, we're professionals, and clients deserve a professional experience.
We also deserve a personal life. Boundaries become a necessity as you grow in your career. Some clients will be with you for a season, while others will stay with you for your entire career.
Don't take change personally. Change is a beautiful thing. Never stop growing, learning or trying something new. Your career, your income and your happiness are 100% up to you.
Choose your own adventure.
Efficiency makes room for more creativity and more money.
Find your own "method to your madness." Have an order to your services. Be prepared. Take time to set up. Meditate, dance or do whatever helps you get into the right mindset. Most of all, have gratitude for every client who chooses you.
Gratitude is the attitude...and make sure you have snacks!
Thinking social media is the only way to grow a business.
The No. 1 way to grow is by taking care of the client who's already sitting in your chair. After that comes grassroots marketing through networking and social media.
Taking every business class I could—before hair school, during hair school and after.
I've learned to let things go.
I've also learned the difference between constructive criticism and simply criticizing someone. At the end of the day, what you think of yourself matters the most.
I'm excited to see block color making a comeback. It was popular when I first started, so I love seeing the trend come full circle.
Doing hair is a business and it's okay to make money and be successful.
At the same time, I think too much information is available to the public. Everything doesn't need to be broadcast everywhere.
Communication.
Beauty professionals need to know how to conduct consultations, educate clients on aftercare and styling, talk about pre-booking and understand what's appropriate in the salon experience.
"Never Ending Story."
Never allow anyone to make you feel less than.
We're all human, and no one is perfect. Strive to become the best version of yourself in both your career and your life. Remember: you're never starting over—you're starting again with experience.
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