Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Brothwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melissa , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I’ve always followed my heart, when I finished School for Hairdressing I knew I didn’t want to work in a salon. I was unsure of what I wanted to do I just knew I wanted to work with hair and wigs. so for a while I kind of did nothing with my training. I went to to be a flight attendant while I worked it out, almost like a gap year. I was just living in the moment and gave myself the time and space to work out my next step. Then one day out of nowhere I got a call, a new west end show in London needed a wig and hair person and they needed them asap. The show was only a 8 week run so i would be living a full time permanent position with the airline for this two month adventure but something told me I had to do. If something excites you, you have to run towards it and trust everything will work out. when that job was about to end I’m not going to lie fear started to set in, but with two days left to go I got offered a full time wig position on Billy Elliot the musical. from that day on I have always just trusted the right thing will come up when you are in alignment with what you truly should be doing.
5 years ago I got the opportunity to leave London, my home and all of my friends to move to Las Vegas where I knew nobody. Was it scary?, yes completely, but I knew i had to do it because what scares me more is regret and nothing changing or growing. There were times in the early days of the move where I thought what did I do! It was lonely at times and there was so many things that were alien to me but never did I want to come home or regret my choice as I just kept reminding myself, you are always where you are meant to be.
So my advice is always trust and back yourself, if you feel in your gut something is right for you don’t listen to anyone else follow your heart. Equally know if something doesn’t work out don’t be disappointed, it was never meant for you and one day you will be so thankful didn’t.
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?
I’m a wig, hair and Make up supervisor from the UK currently living in Las Vegas. I started my theatrical career almost 20 years ago as a wig assistant working on musicals in london’s West End. Over the years I worked my way up to be head of department for some of the biggest musicals in London before leaving for Las Vegas to work for any other productions including Cirque du Soleil, Bat out of Hell and Jersey Boys as well as many cooperate and Bridal events
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Watch everyone in the room, i do this even now, There is always things to learn and watching people has taught me so many things for what to do to what not to do Help and support as many people as possible, if you hear of a job but aren’t available pass it on and suggest people, what goes around comes around.
Be flexible, live entertainment is a fast pace industry and you need to be ready to roll with the punches, the easy you are to work with the more people will want to work with you.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When i feel overwhelmed I make lists. The first is the Red list, these are must things that must happen and need to be addressed immediately, The second is the orange list, these things are still important but maybe these can be done a little later. The last is the green list, these are things that can wait or be delegated to someone else. Make sure you take time for yourself each day, For me its taking my dogs for a walk, looking after yourself and taking that time is so important.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: beautystudiomel
