Meet Melissa (Mel) Smithey | Barber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa (Mel) Smithey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa (Mel), do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?
I absolutely follow a little system to keep my financials in order for my business and personal expenses. Just about any cost for my business is a “Yes”. Especially, when benefiting the future of my craft. As long as it is going to help me grow. I believe spending money on yourself is just as important as for the business. If you’re taken care of the business is taken care of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always had a creative wit’s about me with arts, music and photography. Once I found my “Nitch” in Barbering I’ve been able to incorporate all areas. I’m super detail oriented…so that helps visioning ideas in the haircuts, photos, videos and audio.

Barber since 2016, it took time to make it easy. Constantly perfecting my craft I feel more comfortable now than ever before. Putting in all the hard work and consistency are the key factors to my success. Working on the challenges daily, the growing of me never stops. I want the world to know hard work, loyalty, forgiveness and consistency will put you on the path to success. Treat all people good, they will never forget how you made them feel.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Road trip or flight somewhere in nature. Hiking, camping and fishing. I’m super adventurous, anything outdoors. We would explore the mountains, or dessert. spice it up with some cool inns or old mountain town hotels. Visit with locals and find all the cool things to explore. Healthy balance of roughing it and keeping it classy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize the owners of the shop in which I run my business.

“Tonsorial Barbershop” located in Tulsa, Ok. Crystal & Debra Mcdaniel, the owners have been a huge part in leading me to success. They are the mentors I look up to the most. Having the support of my entire family keeps me courageous. My client’s loyalty and love never go unnoticed. I wouldn’t be where I am today without each individual who sits in my chair.

Website: tonsorialtulsa.com

Instagram: fe_mel_barber

Other: TikTok- fe_mel_barber