Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Duke.
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My nail career actually started as a side hustle during my sophomore year in college. I was attending Mount Saint Joesph University in Cincinnati and was literally the ideal “broke” college student. I really didn’t know how far I wanted to take it; I just needed some money to get through. I had experience with doing pedicures from my sister showing me at a young age and watching my mother always keep her natural nails healthy, strong, and manicured. It hit me in school that I could do pedicures. I always tried to stand out, so I thought about either traveling to do the services or either just having people come into the dorms. Which ended up resulting in me doing both. I started out doing services as low as $15. I had a friend tell me to become official with it and actually learn the craft and become educated legally. Once I did all my research and looked into as much as I possibly could I enrolled myself in the Moler Pickens nail program. It was a six-week nail course which I literally flew through. I loved the idea that I could learn, take a test, become licensed, and have something to fall back on. On top of the fact that I only had roughly two years left with my degree, everything opened up for me at that point. I noticed early in my career that it was harder for me to just be a pedicurist, so I picked up doing acrylic extensions as well after graduating from Moler Pickens and becoming licensed in 2019. Once I found my niche with both services, TheMelExperience became my focus. I graduated college with my bachelor’s in Criminology in 2021 during the pandemic and still have successfully grown and flourished in gaining clientele and building a home or talent and passion I truly never knew I had,
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. Being your own biggest critic is something that will always be a highlight in becoming a black college graduate and an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. The pressure was always on me to prove to myself that I was truly made for what I placed myself into. Starting a business off of faith and opportunity when you don’t know what is on the other side is always something that is overlooked. Yes, you see the money and the grand openings and the pretty flyers and outcomes of services but then again there are always times when it’s literally just you and that business. Kind of like a dollar and a dream. There were times I truly didn’t think that nails were for me because of the times I wouldn’t have a single client in a week. I just had to regulate myself to know that I am meant to conquer anything I want.
As you know, we’re big fans of TheMelExperience. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
TheMelExperience is a private nail technician experience like no other. The overall vibe and personal time and quality of service make any and everyone feels welcome. There are both hand-feet services available along with natural nail and nail extensions for both males and females of all ages and backgrounds. Unlike typical nail salons, this is a private setting where everything is customized to your liking during your nail service.
As a nail technician who really didn’t know or understand what was for me, I am just proud of my overall hustle to get myself out there as much as possible. It is not easy being here and being a service provider. I stuck with my brand at times when I really felt that I should have just left all my dreams alone. My brand and I have been through college, a global pandemic, and many other obstacles and we are still here growing and glowing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you are reading this understand that only thing that is truly stopping you from being the greatest and latest you is literally you. Keep dreaming and get serious about what you deserve in life. Much love. Cheers to 2023.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themelexperience.as.me/
- Instagram: ___themelxperience
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.duke.3158
Image Credits
Pierre Harris
