We had the good fortune of connecting with Melinda Herron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melinda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Melinda has always been very driven and determined to never let anything stop her from becoming successful. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, she believed that her passion to become an entrepreneur had always been met with several obstacles that she had to overcome. Growing up in a disruptive household with a mom that battled a drug addiction, becoming a teenage mom with limited resources, and no clear direction of life, Melinda was faced with many difficult decisions, but she never gave up on her faith. She truly believed that during those tumultuous years, her guardian angel was her Great Aunt Emma, which encouraged her to be the best at everything know matter how difficult the task. With that new found strength, Melinda decided that she wanted to be in control of her future and entrepreneurship was the key.

Her journey to becoming an entrepreneur began in 1997 when she graduated from Cosmetology school and began a career as a Master Stylist. Melinda found comfort in transforming women from the inside out by building their confidence and overall appearance. After 4 years as a Master stylist, Melinda decided to fulfill another dream and received a Bachelor Degree in Business Management in 2001 and in 2003 a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Saint Xavier University. Being completely determined to be the only one in her family to hold a Doctorate Degree, she began the Doctoral Program at Walden University Leadership and Social Change Management program. Her goal is to complete the doctoral program by 2020 and become a published author.

In 2007, Melinda founded Events by M. Herron, an event planning company that specialized in Weddings, Corporate Events, Networking and Private events. As an event planner, her networking connections grew exponentially and sparked a new venture that forced her to decide whether she wanted to continue planning events or embark on a new journey with her husband Delfondo Herron as the CEO of 103 Collection. In May 2018, we will be celebrating the 3rd year anniversary of 103 Collection, so it’s safe to safe that she decided to give the CEO title a go.

The passion behind 103 Collection was a direct connection between suffering from allergic reactions, chronic skin conditions and discovering that many of the toxic ingredients in our everyday products were probably the triggers. Melinda & Delfondo decided that they wanted to live a healthier life by using plant-based products. So started mixing products in their kitchen. They not only wanted to create a unisex lifestyle brand that could appeal to a diverse mix of consumers, they also wanted to have a business to share and pass on to their three sons Donell, Daelon and Mekhi.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are the #1 brand highlighting vegan and plant based beauty products. Our commitment to conscious and cruelty free hair, skin, beard and body care goes beyond a desire. We carefully curate each product by researching sustainable ingredients that are effective at reducing allergic reactions and safe for sensitive skin. We have one mission – to deliver affordable vegan products with exceptional quality that inspire all generations.

The name 103 Collection was inspired by the connection that Melinda & Delfondo discovered long before they met. As teenagers they both lived on the south side of Chicago in the Roseland neighborhood, just about a mile apart but had never crossed paths. Years later, they would meet and share this divine connection of stories growing up on 103rd street. So when they were considering a name for the business, they couldn’t help but consider the divine energy placed upon the name 103 Collection.

Starting a business is never easy but the best way to overcome challenges is to believe in yourself and show up everyday better than before. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that there is always a YES for you. You just have to make sure you are asking the right person the right question.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to travel and experience new things so I’m always ready for a girls trip. I live for sand, beaches and sunshine so a warm destination like Mexico, the Bahamas, Bora Bora, the Maldives or anything luxury is for me. We will eat at the recommendations of the hotel staff because they know the hidden gems that are a hidden treasure. A spa experience is always a must when traveling and anything less than 1.5 hrs is cheating yourself. Good food, a luxury AirBnb, a spa experience and a private yacht are all my vacay must haves.

Even when traveling to a colder climate everything is the same except excursions like snowmobiling, hot springs, skiing and smores by the fire. So make sure you add Colorado, Aspen and Utah to your travel plans.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my husband Delfondo Herron because he is my biggest supporter and he believes in me. He pushes me when I need to be pushed and pulls me back when I’m sticking my neck out to far.

Website: www.103collection.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/103collection

Twitter: https://twitter.com/103collection

Facebook: https://facebook.com/103collection

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs53TuHPGfI4rvEQ25lYX4Q

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.