Meet Melody Brown | Salon owner/stylist and mentor

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

Hi Melody, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The 7 habits of highly effective people. This book had a profound impact on me. I now change the way I see the world. My paradigm has changed. I try to see things from other perspectives, in turn that helps me to react differently to things. I have learned to only put my energy and efforts into things that are in my circle of influence. I also learned how to truly listen. Listen to understand. There’s so many things I learned, I could go on and on.

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?
I don’t have just hair salons. I have created spaces where people feel safe and can feel beautiful. What sets L&M apart is that we empower our community. Not just through hair services, but helping others became financially independent. We teach our techniques, and create a pathway for them to turn it into a career. I’m most proud of the lives we have changed, helped or influenced along the way. I have seen tremendous growth in those we’ve helped and it’s so rewarding to see.

Hard work and discipline is how we got to where we are. You’re not always going to have motivation, but you need discipline to do the things you don’t really feel like doing. One thing I’ve learned is you don’t have to be the best, you need to out- hustle everyone else. Staying consistent is crucial to making your way successful.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy. How I overcame my obstacles is by having a community of people that are likeminded that I can bounce my ideas off of, I share my whoas with, and that I can talk to when I’m going through a rough time. Other entrepreneurs have been where I have been, so they can tell me how to move in certain situations. Also, audiobooks have helped me so much. It’s like having the best of the best telling me exactly what I need to be doing. It doesn’t get much better than that!

I have learned that I am much more capable than I ever thought. I have leaned that dreaming big is a good thing. There is never a dream too big for me. If I thought it, I can achieve it. I truly believe that.

I want people to know that I was not always like this. I used to have a negative mindset. I didn’t dream big, I thought things were impossible and out of my reach. I was a single mom for years, and struggled financially having to work 2-3 jobs at a time to make ends meet. I didn’t see a way out. But I had someone believe in me, and it helped me believe in myself. And I haven’t looked back since.

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.
I would take my friend to all of the food carts! That’s where the best food is. I would also take them to Xport a local lounge, and I would have a few kick backs. That’s more of my vibe. I have a great time with family and friends. So that’s what I would do too

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 am extremely thankful to my husband for being so supportive and being my partner in business. My brother for being the best mentor I could ask for. And also, all of the people who have supported me and my vision.

Website: www.lmhaircompany.com

Instagram: Lmhairstudiopdx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-brown-b0b4871b1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: Melody Wikander