Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Tammarine.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2009 I was living in Orlando Florida, and working in the corporate world after graduating college. Around that time I started seeing a hairstylist who would ultimately become my inspiration for becoming one myself. Over the next couple of years, little seeds were planted during each appt. Eventually, I started doing my own color blocking with tips and tricks she gave me, BUT the deal was if I ever messed it up I had to pay her to fix it. Fair trade! As time went on I never ended up having to book that color correction with her. She would always say if you ever get the chance to go to hair school that I should seriously consider it, and would always make it a point to follow up with “and I don’t say things like that lightly”. I always thought really? Me? It was never on my radar, but I knew she meant it because we’re alike in that way; if we say something, we mean it.
As I continued working in the corporate world I became increasingly overcome with feelings of discontentment and riddled with unfulfillment. Fast forward to the end of summer/beginning of fall 2011 the effects of the Great Recession were still hitting hard. The company I was working for made some serious cuts, and since I was the newest member of my team, I was the first to get laid off. Even though I was wildly unhappy there, I was still disappointed because it was my first big job after getting my degree.
Unbeknownst to me all of those planted seeds had kept growing over the years, and I thought “I’m going to the Aveda Institute of Orlando”! Mind you this was way out of my comfort zone, but I was so drawn to it. I started at AIO fall of 2011 for their 13 month cosmetology program. About 6 months into the program I saw that the Aveda salon I got my hair done at was looking to hire an assistant, so I applied. Everything really took off from there! I ended up being hired for a different role they were looking to fill, but hadn’t advertised yet as they were still developing it. I became their events coordinator and assisted while I was in school. I couldn’t have asked for a better first job in the industry!
Since starting hair school in 2011 to now I’ve gotten to do hair successfully in four states which all have very different markets. I was able to utilize my business degree to help my hair business grow. I’ve gotten to attend a great number of continuing education classes and certifications from people all of over the world. I’m able to connect deeply with people who sit in my chair and form meaningful relationships. I’m also able to use my love for geometry and color theory with every client. Most importantly I’m not riddled with feelings of discontentment or unfulfillment anymore because I’m doing something that has brought fulfillment into every area of my life and beyond! I truly love what I do.
I was in Austin for two years blessed to be working at Swoon Salon when we were on the east side. Loved it, plus my dog became our shop dog! Sadly, some unexpected things came up in my personal life and with family. I decided to step away and go home to Ohio where I’m from. Once things had lightened up back home and I was ready to step behind the chair again. I was fortunate to get offered my job back at Swoon Salon in October of 2025, and I decided to go for it. I’ve been back in Austin for 9 months at our new location on South Lamar, and absolutely loving it! I’m so grateful for every step of my journey and for the amazing teams I was graced to work with over the years and learn from along the way. Which has ultimately made me the artist I am today. Forever growing. Forever evolving. Forever grateful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
All in all it’s been a pretty smooth road since becoming a hairstylist. I’d have to say the two biggest obstacles/challenges for me have been building a clientele from the ground up every time I moved to a new city/state. There’s a lot that goes into building a clientele in general, but especially not having a built-in base when you move somewhere you don’t know anyone adds many different layers to that process. The other has been social media and the role its come to play as its evolved over the last 15 years. I am not the greatest with it, but I do my best. Each bump in life, career or otherwise, always produces knowledge, and knowledge is power.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating custom looks and hair color palettes based off of face shape, skin tone/undertones, and eye color while taking into consideration the desired look someone walks in with vs what they currently have. You also have to consider their vibe/style and their daily routine’s/lifestyle to make sure it’s the best fit for them all around.
I love a vast array of haircutting and coloring techniques. Along with multiple hair extension methods. Rather it’s a whole new look or revamping what someone already has, I just love the whole transformational process from start to finish! My goal with each and everyone who sits in my chair is to get strangers to compliment them in public on their hair. I know it sounds strange, but when was the last time someone approached you and complimented you on your hair? Something to think about.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’d have to say the best way to support me through my craft besides coming in and sitting in my chair would have to be word of mouth and also my walking billboards around town. I’m always down to collaborate with anyone who is in alignment with the work I create and what I stand for. I’m looking forward to meeting some of you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Meta.Aesthetics
