Life and Work with Esme de Mello

Today we’d like to introduce you to Esme de Mello.

Esme, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up I always knew I wanted a career that was creative and flexible. I’ve never been the type that could sit at a desk 9-5, in high school, I just wasn’t exactly sure what career would keep me interested. I was originally planning to attend college for fashion merchandising but about 6 weeks before school started, I realized I wasn’t as excited as I should be. I went to tour Toni & Guy Hair Academy in Worcester and fell in love. I signed up that day and told the college, I would no longer be attending. After school, I worked in a large salon and spa for five years and then decided it was time to go off on my own. I currently work at a small salon where I’m in charge of all my own scheduling and clients. I also do weddings and events with Brighteyes Beauty Bar. Every day is unique and after doing hair for almost eight years now my clients have really become family.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think the hardest thing about becoming a hairstylist is realizing not every client is meant for you and you are meant for each client. When I first started I took everything so personally if a client wasn’t truly happy with their hair, I see a lot of new stylists struggle with communication and retention with their clients. I always believe you can never ask too many questions especially when it’s your first time with a client. Once I left the first salon I worked at I realized how important referrals and social media are to the business. I try and post as much as possible to show my work. It’s also a 24/7 job at times, if someone texts me for an appointment I need to make I respond ASAP. In this day and age, we are so used to instant gratification I always try and keep up with my appointments, so I’m never losing a client to poor communication. My advice would be to be confident in yourself and your work and also realize what your good at and what you aren’t.

Please tell us about Esme de Mello Hair.
I specialize in coloring cutting and bridal updos. I really take the most pride in my clients I see every four-six weeks. They choose to continue to see me for every appointment and they are truly the ones that keep my business going. Some of my clients have been seeing me since I was in hair school and have recommended their friends and family to me. I love having clients who are related I do several families between the grandmother, mom, aunts, daughters, and cousins. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my client post a family photo and realizing I do everyone’s hair! I think what sets me apart is my connection to my clients. I genuinely love every client I have and look forward to catching up at their appointments.

Who have you been inspired by?
My mom is the most inspirational woman in my life. I grew up in a very creative household and was always allowed to have my own style and explore my talents. My mom is an amazing seamstress and I think I get my creativity from her. I’m also extremely lucky she and my dad were so supportive of my last minute change from college to cosmetology school. There can still be a stigma about becoming a hairstylist and a lot of parents would prefer a traditional college degree.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @esmedemello.hair
• Facebook: Facebook.com/esmedemellohair

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