We were lucky to catch up with Meleah Nelson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Meleah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As far back as I can remember, I have always looked at people from a different perspective. My first impression was more of a reading of their body energy, posture, skin condition, hair health and overall appearance.
Of course I would always engage in conversation and the usual getting acquainted process. But there was another part of me that was analyzing, evaluating and studying. I was not judging nor criticizing; I was creating possible suggestions, solutions and improvements.
Even though I didn’t know what all the solutions were yet, I was just aware of skin conditions, damaged hair, poor posture, stiff joints, and the list goes on.
I was the kid who did makeovers on my friends, taught dance classes, created wardrobe fashion shows and played with different hairstyles on anyone who would sit still for me. I always wanted to make something better. I didn’t have the experience or knowledge at the time, but I gave it a good try!
As an adult I was drawn to the fashion industry and that is where the knowledge came and experience happened. Working with models and being a model myself, I learned how to move and teach others how to move, walk, turn etc. I worked for various modeling schools and agencies as an instructor for over a decade.
Beauty came next. I loved makeup and had a natural talent for it. So now I could give some realistic advice to others and evolved into teaching makeup techniques. This is still one of my favorite things to do for working professionals, brides, teenagers and whoever wants to feel more confident about their appearance.
Wardrobe consulting was a natural next step. As a model, we did a lot of wardrobe workshop shows, We would model different ways to wear clothing and demonstrate how to make outfits from a core group of pieces. It was so rewarding watching the light bulb turn on as men and women realized how much can be done with just a few items, and how color affects those around us.
When you help someone master their wardrobe, you give them confidence and pride in their appearance. Clothing is our outward message to the world of who we are. I show people how to project that image.
Fitness and dance was always a big part of my life. I was teaching fitness classes to my neighborhood buddies and we had many a dance party. I got certified early on as a Group Fitness instructor and taught at recreation centers and dance studios all over San Diego. Now I have my own studio and teach weekly classes live and on zoom. I am currently teaching group fitness, Yoga, Belly Dance and First Dance lessons for couples getting married.
When I work with clients, I learn to feel what is happening inside their body. I ask a lot of questions and like to tune in with them so I can sense what they need on any given day. I can tell if a back is sore, a knee is stiff etc. Then I develop the movements and exercises from there.
Roughly 15 years ago I learned about the 5 “Love Languages” of people. They are words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, receiving gifts, and acts of service. https://www.healthline.com/health/love-languages
This was my lightbulb moment. I always felt my best when I was able to truly help someone feel better about themselves. It could be a makeover, a fitness program, a dance class, or a new outfit combo. If I could give them that moment of pride, happiness, relief, or confidence, I was completely fulfilled.
The Wedding industry really tied all the pieces together. Now I work mainly with couples who have never been through a wedding, and need a lot of help and advice. I am all in with with my brides and couples. They have access to my 20+ years of experience, advice, and guidance.
My main job is to make them the best version of themselves through hair and makeup. This involves a Zoom consult and usually a pre-do trial. This is where we can address all the issues and help them feel their most beautiful or handsome. I work with all religions, genders and ethnicities.
During the trial if I see an area that needs some attention, I will offer advice on proper skin care, hair care, or whatever is needed. You never know what a person’s experience is so I just put it all out there. A lot of people have never been taught how to properly care for their skin or hair. Exfoliation is often a foreign word.
So now 20+ years later, I still look at people the same way. I am doing their makeup in my head, or trimming their hair, or determining how to fix their low back, I just know how to keep it to myself. It only comes out when invited. But if they know my job, they will sometimes ask and then I am on! I have truly found my purpose and couldn’t be happier.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My passion is to make people look and feel their very best from the inside out. It could be makeup, hair or skin care, fitness, wardrobe or a combo of a few. I am here to help men and women feel better about themselves.
I spend most of my time currently working with couples for hair and makeup services on the wedding day and wedding dance lessons. I have an extensive background in fashion and beauty and know what the camera sees. I create looks that are beautiful to the eye and very camera friendly.
First Dance lessons give a couple more confidence on the dance floor. Lessons are fun and casual. I teach couples how to become like one person, moving gracefully across the floor.
I even toss in some spins, dips or lifts if they are up for it!
I also work on location, doing make up for photo shoots, video shoots and post-surgery clients. I have a special talent for finding hidden assets and bringing them forward. I teach group makeup classes and also enjoy individual consultations, where I can design a makeup look for each person’s special needs.
I have my own line of high performance cosmetics and skin care. They are all U.S, manufactured, never tested on animals and most are gluten free and EU Registered.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. thirst for knowledge-always continue to learn. Knowledge is so much easier to acquire now. Use your resources and keep expanding your knowledge base.
2. Fearless- don’t be afraid to try. If you think you can do something, just do it. Put yourself out there and keep trying new things.
3. Practice-keep practicing your main skills. Every industry always changes, Practice new techniques and keep up with new trends.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am finally comfortable with my passions. I do so many things, yet they are all related. But I find myself pulled in many directions with very little time and I barely keep up sometimes.
I have been advised to narrow it down to one main thing that makes the most income and to be more efficient….but that is not me. I thrive on fulfillment and the satisfaction of helping someone look or feel better. Last week a taught a fitness class to 1 person and made $10. I received the most wonderful thank you note, handwritten, that made me cry. The satisfaction I felt from that note and her gratitude made it all worth it. How could I give that up? It’s not always about money.
So I realize I need more help and am currently looking to expand my team and get more help. I am also starting a re-brand and updating my website. This is a whole new adventure and I am looking for help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meleah.com
- Instagram: @meleahandco
- Facebook: Makeup, Hair and Dance by Meleah
- Linkedin: Meleah Nelson
- Twitter:@meleahN
- Youtube: Makeup, Hair and Dance by Meleah
- Yelp: Makeup, Hair and Dance by Meleah
- Other: Pinterest: Meleah- Makeup, Hair & Dance
Image Credits
Studio Carre, True Photography, Israel Palacio, Chrissy Gilmartin Photography
