Alright, today we have the honor of introducing you to Melissa Hibbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, which we’ve shared below.
Hi Melissa, we appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something that sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self-discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out, so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours.
I love this question because it allows me to talk about one of the best times in my life – playing team sports on the basketball team in high school. This is where I learned self-discipline. Many people who know me in the business of Beauty would not assume that I had an athletic past, but basketball was a big part of my life as a teenager. I played varsity all four years of high school on a championship team with one of the best coaches in the world. I truly believe that my self-discipline came from the role of a team leader (as the shooting guard) on the court and within the team. But in order to be on a championship team, every player had to have the discipline and work ethic to want to win every game, every season. I distinctly remember being the type of player that worked hard in practice and practiced outside of practice – perfecting my game, looking at videos of previous games, and taking notes on how I can improve. My mentality was and still is me vs. me; I am my own competition. So as a player, it was never just about how well the other teams may be, but more about how I showed up to the game and how I gave my best in the game.
Being a disciplined basketball player significantly contributed to my overall self-discipline in life and in business. Basketball demands punctuality, adherence to training schedules, and strict adherence to rules and regulations, instilling a strong sense of time management and responsibility. During high school, I maintained a rigorous practice routine while attending beauty school on weekends, and I was consistently honing my skills, which resulted in my perseverance and determination, essential qualities for self-discipline. In addition to that, working with teammates encouraged effective communication and the ability to handle both victories and defeats with grace. That experience also helped me to develop emotional resilience. So today, as I think about it, these qualities I acquired playing basketball definitely translated to various aspects of my personal and professional life, helping me to stay focused, organized, committed to my goals, and, of course, self-disciplined.
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?
As an executive brand strategist specializing in the Beauty industry, I am dedicated to empowering emerging beauty brands with the expertise, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. At my company, SHYFT Beauty, we offer a unique opportunity for these brands to accelerate their growth by partnering with us, and therefore, we become an extension of their brand, working behind the scenes to have an impact on their product development, brand marketing & positioning, content, and strategic partnerships. Our tailored strategies, industry insights, impeccable relationships, and innovative solutions pave the way for these brands to redefine their success, helping them fill a ‘white space,’ solve problems with their products, connect with their target audience, stand out in the competitive market, and ultimately achieve their full potential at retail.
I love the work that I do on behalf of my clients. My company, SHYFT Beauty, is at the intersection of Business, Brand, and Marketing Strategy. Every client knows that I am not just passionate about the beauty industry, but most importantly, I am committed to seeing them win! I am really excited about 2024 and beyond; we have some new products launching with a few of our brands. I had the distinct pleasure of consulting on a major celebrity brand, which will launch soon, and I am thrilled to finally launch my long-awaited podcast in early 2024.
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?
Throughout my journey, I have acquired numerous skills that have proven to be valuable, but three of the most important ones that have been the hallmark of my success are:
- Communication: Effective communication is essential for building relationships with clients, customers, partners, and employees. We need to understand the cadences of communicating in different mediums – from in person, to email, to text, to DMs, even on LinkedIn. Being able to convey your ideas during a pitch or presentation, listen actively (not just to respond), and being able to negotiate clearly has significantly impacted my success in business.
- Leadership: Strong leadership skills are crucial; I’ve never been interested in being a follower. My college professor was one of my heroes to my personal development, and now, with a leadership mindset, I effectively guide a team, I’m always poised to make tough decisions, and capable of setting a clear vision for my business and my client’s strategies. Leadership involves inspiring, motivating, and empowering others to work towards common goals – that’s the space I hold.
- Adaptability: We moved a lot when I was a child as my family grew to seven children – my parents moved us to bigger homes and new cities. I learned the power of adaptability early in life. Business environments are constantly changing too, so I was able to understand how to pivot and expand, while balancing change – new environments, new business, new teams, etc. Today, the ability to adapt to new technologies is even more important – we are in the metaverse, AI/AR are here to stay, market trends are shaping product development, and anticipating unexpected challenges is vital. Being open to change has shaped me to be a better entrepreneur, and being able to pivot strategies and operations when necessary is a key skill for long-term success in business.
My advice for those who are early in their journey is to never stop learning and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, seek feedback and receive it with grace, be flexible, and lead by example. I truly value continuous learning, practice, and seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, like volunteering and taking internships (paid or unpaid). I developed essential business skills during internships – there’s power in proximity. Remember that growth takes time – it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to become a more effective communicator, leader, and adaptable professional.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a real pause! That pause can look differently, depending on the day or week, but it mostly consists of fasting, prayer, meditation, a 90-minute massage (minimum), limiting social media, a hike in nature, an afternoon in the sun at the beach, or a long drive up the coast. My advice is to do whatever your soul calls you to do, but definitely take action. Don’t let the overwhelming feeling escalate into something negative or harmful. Remember, you are in control – limit distractions, say “No” if you need to, seek help – I am a huge fan of therapy as a lifestyle. Lastly and above all, I pray my way through it. I know God loves me and in him I live and have my being. Life and business can get overwhelming, but I have the right tools, the right spiritual foundation & practice, the right people around me, an abundance of love and the right mindset, to manage challenging moments and then get back to the business of Beauty.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shyftbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahibbert
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaRHibbert/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahibbert
Image Credits
Photographer: Jonathan Adjahoe
