Meet Melanie Fritz | Hairstylist/Salon and Bridal suite owner

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

Hi Melanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well, if I’m being completely honest, I had said for years that I never wanted to be a business owner. (Other than renting) but the universe will always put you in the perfect circumstances to help you find the right path. My choice to own my own single salon came from the numerous bending and shifting uncomfortably while I was working in places not owned by myself. Eventually it just became about freedom, peace, and control. About 2 years ago I was backed into an uncomfortable corner and that was the turning point when I knew I had no other option but to make my own mark. It gave me so much freedom and peace to do things for the sake of myself, my family, and my clients. And it gave me the creative freedom I needed to have something all my own. I just have to say it was the best decision I ever made. It didn’t come without nerves and anxiety but once I took the leap I instantly knew it was the best choice.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a hairstylist with 20+ years of experience, specializing in hair color and bridal styles. I think what sets myself apart from the many people out there is the heart work that goes into myself, my clients, and my business. I offer a safe and open space to come as you are. Bring whatever baggage you have and when you get to my chair you will certainly forget your troubles and leave feeling a little lighter. The world is a crazy place, so beyond providing the best possible service I can, I want to provide comfort. It’s probably no surprise that I take a strong interest in psychology, mindfulness, and yoga. I try to incorporate the things I’ve learned into my business practice. Getting to where I am now wasn’t an intentional goal until a few years ago. I had been dreaming of salon ownership, days away from signing a lease, when Covid hit. Prior to that I had worked in a few different salons and educated professionally for a name brand cosmetology school. When the pandemic rerouted my plans, It only took about 1.5 years and learning a big lesson about myself and others to know that I wanted to go it alone from then on. So I’m December 2021 my husband and I and a few family members built, and put together Bloom studio. Maybe 6 months into ownership I had a big empty space connected to my salon and I kept wondering what I could do to expand and make it most utilized. That’s when I decided to add on a bridal ready room for small wedding parties to get ready for their big day.
My story wasn’t always an easy one but if you don’t win you only learn. So I did my fair share of learning and I’m happy to report that it has allowed me complete career peace.
I am mostly known as a colorist. I love creating beautiful, dimensional, lived in, hairstyles. I feel I have an eye for creating rich, tonal color or recreating an inspirational photo. I’m inspired by wavy, textured, layered styles and anything vintage.
I also have a strong passion for the bridal business. I truly enjoy being a part of one of the biggest days of people’s lives. If I can bring peace and calmness to a high anxiety day then that is just icing on the cake. I love creating lovely, romantic, bohemian styles in bridal. It’s one of my most favorite things to do. It’s all in the details and I love to have an eye for just that.
I loved the name Bloom studio because I think it symbolizes the ability to bloom where you’re planted or bloom inside the room we are in. In other words come as you are, and you will leave better 😉

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.
Hmm…that’s a hard one as I’m a little less exciting as I used to be. My days are mostly filled with doing hair, cleaning, maintaining my business, and being a Mom to my 2 boys. But, if I was going to do this I’d hope for warm weather so we could see all of what the area has to offer. Maybe we would check out a Mud Hens game in Toledo. Or we could head to Detroit to see the Tigers or a concert. Put in Bay is always fun for a day trip. Scenery and relaxation all in one. Perhaps a pizza at M’osteria, and some live music at a downtown Toledo bar. We could enjoy the various metro parks such as Glass City where we could take a trail hike and rent kayaks to kayak on the Maumee river. In the evening drinks and apps at the Heights Toledo and check out a local cover band at one of many of the fun festivals we have. I feel like that sounds generic but that’s what I like to do! 🙂

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 thank the numerous stylists I’ve come across in my career that inspired me to grow. Even the small amount of negative experiences pushed me to where I am today. There is never loss only growth. AND most of all I want to dedicate it all to my husband, Adam who is my best friend, my rock, and who never says no or hesitates to make every single one of my dreams come true. Thank you babe!

Instagram: Instagram.com/melfritzhair

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100028608146901&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user

Image Credits
@multishotsphotography @tonianoephotography