We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leeya Alvandi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Leeya , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through a journey of adversity and self-discovery. During Covid and my struggles with postpartum issues, I was desperate for clean, healing solutions that didn’t involve steroid injections. With the time I had, I dove into learning how to formulate products. Starting from scratch, I built my skills and followed my lifelong dream of creating my own product line.
My motivation came from dealing with hair loss after childbirth. Despite trying countless products, only the potion I made myself offered real relief—not just for me, but for many others who used it. Now, I craft each product in my lab with hand-harvested, waterless infusions to keep their integrity intact.
Creating these formulations has become more than just a business; it’s been my therapy, helping to ease my anxiety and personal challenges. I’m supported by an amazing community of women, sharing knowledge and resources as we heal together.
Beyond the products, my purpose extends to community healing and customization. Having a gallery to showcase my father’s art alongside my creations is a dream come true. It’s a tribute to the creative legacy passed down by my parents—my mother, who taught me the art of hair, and my father, whose art fuels my brand’s identity.
In the end, I’ve found my purpose by blending generations of creativity and passion into a product line that heals, inspires, and connects.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Welcome to Mélа & Co, where nature’s healing infusions meet artistry. I’m Leeya Alvandi, the hairapist behind the brand, inspired by my father Sarkis Alvandi’s art and driven by my own journey of discovery.
At Mélа & Co, we’re dedicated to crafting natural, waterless products with hand-harvested herbs from a skilled pharmacist farmer. Her deep knowledge and expertise ensure that each infusion is potent, effective, and delivers long-lasting results. Our creations are designed to address various needs, from hormonal imbalances and hair loss due to trauma to daily challenges like dry skin and hair.
We’re committed to offering products that stand out from the rest. I’m constantly learning and perfecting my craft because I believe you deserve the best. Mélа & Co is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a community of care and support, where every product is a testament to our dedication to holistic well-being.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support helps me stay creative and focused on delivering true healing and care.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most important things in my journey have been:
1. Resilience: Facing challenges with postpartum issues and creating a product line required sticking with it no matter what. My advice? Keep pushing through setbacks and stay committed to your goals, even when it gets tough.
2. Continuous Learning: Mastering formulation and holistic health came from never stopping learning and adapting. For those starting out, spend time learning from others, experimenting, and keeping up with new trends. Knowledge will help you improve and stay ahead.
3. Passion for Authenticity: Making real, effective products means being true to your values. Make sure what you offer reflects your commitment to quality and honesty. This will build trust and connect with people on a genuine level.
If you’re just starting out, focus on staying curious, resilient, and true to yourself. Your dedication will be key to your success.
How would you describe your ideal client?
If you’re seeking real transformation and are open to personalized care, you’re the ideal client for us. From our Essence hair tonic and luxurious hair perfumes to our unique dual-purpose sugar scrub with Armenian coffee, our approach combines indulgence with genuine healing.
Our products are crafted to meet diverse needs with vegan, toxin-free, and endocrine-safe formulations. Our flagship Anti-Aging Potion is the cornerstone of our journey, setting the stage for healthier, more vibrant hair.
If you appreciate authentic care and are ready for a transformative experience that values self-love and holistic healing, let’s connect. Together, we’ll embark on a journey toward meaningful, lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @leeyastudio
- Other: Mela & Co ig
@melaco.lux
Image Credits
Anna Ayvazyan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.