Life and Work with Melissa Delia Morgan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Delia Morgan.

Melissa Delia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I graduated high school, I was set on fashion design. I had been sewing and designing from an early age, learning it all from my mother. I took a class in LA and quickly decided it wasn’t something I wanted to do professionally. I knew the “normal” college wasn’t my scene so I worked for a few years managing a chocolate shop. One day, I saw a Cosmetology school opening enrollment and decided to go do a tour. That was it! I found a school in Des Moines near my family and enrolled. Day one, I was hooked! After graduation, I worked in a salon for a while, but quickly realized I needed to be back in California. I started working at a salon right on the beach. I assisted there for a year, taking the best experience and education with me. After another year, I found myself in Denver. I worked really hard for three years building an amazing clientele, and I recently opened my own space in downtown Denver. My salon is all organic-based, and sustainable as well.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t all been smooth. There have been times in the past 10 years where I’ve definitely questioned everything. Am I good at what I do? Should I be doing this? I’m very hard on myself and can easily get in my head with self-doubt. I received a bad review before and it made me question everything. I took it to heart. In this industry, like others, you’re going to have an off day every once in a while, but you can’t let it defeat you. You have to learn from it and keep going. I also learned to talk to other stylists in the industry about my ups and downs. You’re not alone, everyone has gone through a similar experience and we can support each other.

Please tell us about Aisle 5 Organic Salon.
When I started my own business, I wanted it to show who I am and what I do in my daily life. I have always been passionate about recycling and trying to save the planet. The last salon I was at, I was introduced to the Green Circle Salon system. They take all of my recyclables, excess color, plastic, and hair waste. They use the extra hair to create hair booms that soak up oil from the oceans! It’s amazing! Since being in my new salon I have been able to talk to others about this organization! Every salon should be a part of it. I also use an organic colour line that has no ammonia, no resorcinol and no strong odors. It has been amazing for clients that have allergies to most color and are looking for a clean way of beauty.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I have met a lot of amazing people just being behind the chair. Through that, I have built some amazing friendships and connections. I’ve met a circle of female business owners that I have learned a lot from. They are awesome at keeping me up to date with “small business” centered events. Social media has never been my strong suit so this has helped me immensely.

Pricing:

• Organic Color starts at $125
• Haircuts start at $65
• Balayage starts at $165

Contact Info:

• Address: 403 16th Street Suite 300
  Denver, CO 80202
• Website: ulsalons.com
• Phone: 7207786624
• Email: aisle5salon@gmail.com
• Instagram: @aisle5organicsalon
• Facebook: @melissamakesmagicc

Image Credit:
Anne LaFluer Heidi Vandegrande

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