MELISSA E. MEKRAS
Ventura,CA
Summary
Cosmetology and client services professional with a strong record in guest relations, staff coordination, and appointment management as well as hands-on experience in hair styling, scalp treatments, product recommendations, and client consultation. Experience across salon, event, and virtual support settings brings reliable organization, careful execution, and a client-focused approach that supports retention and smooth daily operations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2018
2018
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Virtual Assistant
Self-Employed
2018 - 2026
- Managed email inboxes and calendar scheduling
- Prepared documents, spreadsheets, and client correspondence with careful attention
- Organized digital files and maintained clear recordkeeping for business operations
- Researched vendors, tools, and service options for client decision support
- Updated websites, social posts, and online listings for business visibility
- Managed customer inquiries through email and telephone communication
- Handled data entry tasks to help clients spend more time on executive commitments
- Maintained a database of client information including contact details, preferences
Wedding Hair Stylist Assistant
Madame Me Beauty
2011 - 2024
- Consulted clients on hairstyle goals.
- Prepared clients for hair and makeup services.
- Assisted operations at multiple on-site locations, ensuring seamless event execution.
Stylist & Guest Relations Manager
Salonamour
Walnut Creek, CA
03.2013 - 09.2017
- Performed haircuts, coloring, highlighting and styling techniques.
- Scheduled appointments and managed daily salon flow with front desk staff.
- Maintained clean workstations and sanitized styling tools throughout shifts.
- Built client trust through attentive listening and professional communication.
- Evaluated client hair type, condition, and desired outcome to determine ideal services.
- Attended trade shows and conferences to stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Backed up reception desk by answering phones, scheduling appointments, and processing payments.
- Communicated with clients about haircare needs and suggested appropriate products to achieve styles.
Apprentice Cosmetologist, Owner's Assistant
Marsha Tobias Salon
Walnut Creek, CA
11.2011 - 03.2013
- Sanitized tools, chairs, and workstations to maintain salon cleanliness.
- Recommended haircare products suited to client hair type and service needs.
- Scheduled appointments and managed client service flow at Marsha Tobias Salon.
- Performed haircuts, coloring, highlighting and styling techniques.
Master Airbrush Technician
Tan Angels
Walnut Creek and Pleasanton, CA
03.2010 - 09.2012
- Consulted clients at Tan Angels on spray tan shades and skin preparation.
- Applied airbrush tanning solution using handheld equipment.
- Mixed tanning solutions to match client tone and service requests.
- Instructed clients on before-care and aftercare for Tan Angels spray services.
- Scheduled tanning sessions and coordinated client flow at Tan Angels reception.
- Maintained product inventory for solutions, gloves, and sanitation supplies.
Assistant
Dana's Hair Addiction
Lafayette
02.2011 - 07.2011
- Supported Dana's Hair Addiction salon scheduling and client appointment coordination
- Greeted clients and managed front desk communication
- Prepared styling stations with tools, capes, and product supplies
Education
Associate of Arts - Music Industry Studies
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA06-2020
Licensed Cosmetologist - Oakland, CA
Greater East Bay Barbering & Cosmo Apprenticeship
Oakland, CA05-2014
Skills
- California licensed cosmetologist
- Blow-dry styling
- Scalp treatments
- Client consultation
- Sanitation practices
- Product recommendation
- Appointment scheduling
- Attention to detail
- Outstanding client retention
- Guest relations
- Client communication
- Team coordination
- Staff management
- Problem solving
Certification
- California State Licensed Cosmetologist
Timeline
Stylist & Guest Relations Manager
Salonamour
03.2013 - 09.2017
Apprentice Cosmetologist, Owner's Assistant
Marsha Tobias Salon
11.2011 - 03.2013
Assistant
Dana's Hair Addiction
02.2011 - 07.2011
Master Airbrush Technician
Tan Angels
03.2010 - 09.2012
Freelance Virtual Assistant
Self-Employed
2018 - 2026
Wedding Hair Stylist Assistant
Madame Me Beauty
2011 - 2024
Associate of Arts - Music Industry Studies
Diablo Valley College
Licensed Cosmetologist - Oakland, CA
Greater East Bay Barbering & Cosmo Apprenticeship