it all started when…

It all started when I was a little girl, watching in awe as my Grandmother set my great-grandmother's hair in rollers, pin curls, and finger waves at the kitchen table, placing her head under that avocado green hood dryer (which I still have and it still works!). That was when my passion for hairdressing struck my heart, and I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser when I grew up! The fact that my Grandmother was so talented (with NO formal training) blew my mind! She created beautiful hair and, more importantly, beauty from within. I had to learn for myself how to do it for others!

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, I moved to Tucson in 1996 to escape the long, frigid winters. I visited Tucson for the first time to see my snowbird parents during one of those winters and thought, "Why am I not living here when it's 70 degrees in January?" Even though Tucson is now my home, Minneapolis has a special place in my heart.

My career in the beauty industry started at a young age. I began working in a salon as a receptionist at 15. I wanted to be in that environment to keep my passion burning. Although a bit of an introvert, I found out then that I had a heart for serving others. I also learned it was not just about the haircut or color but, more importantly, about building relationships with people! Even though I was NOT encouraged to attend Beauty School, I believed in myself enough to take the risk because that was where my heart was leading me! After 33 years behind the chair, my love of creating beauty from within continues to drive me to provide an exceptional experience for every guest every time.

Attention to detail is in my blood! Using the French Haircutting method, my specialty is handcrafted, effortless, classic styles with a modern flair, throwing in a few trendy styles for good measure. I love formulating personalized, dimensional colors, focusing on perfecting the most natural-looking result. I am inspired to keep your look updated and seasonal, but I also appreciate past styles; bobs and lived-in layers are a few of my favorites.

I have worn many "hats" in the beauty industry over the years: Receptionist, Salon Manager, Hairdresser, Educator, and Salon Owner. Using Davines as one of my many tools, the most important "hat" I wear is the one that allows me to design individualized, sustainable beauty for you!

When I am not in the salon, you can find me working out at a Barre or Pilates class, browsing the racks at Anthropologie, wake surfing in the summer, or cooking in my kitchen with my husband, Sean. I am also passionate about photography, even though I am still figuring out my camera. ;) With a heart for philanthropy, I enjoy working closely with children's charities in our community.

Be sure to follow me on social media to stay up to date on the latest happenings! Use the link below or search using the following info:

Instagram:  @melissajoiehair

what’s in a name?

In case you didn't know, m. joie was born from a place deep in my heart.

During intense adversity, my husband Sean reminded me that my middle name is Joy, and how could I continue letting other people steal my JOY! That conversation stuck with me and I knew I had to include Joy in my career, my life. The daily reminder that NO ONE can steal my Joy!

Hence, m. joie, Melissa Joy. I'm creative, so I had to use the French spelling of Joy because it looked so pretty next to my first initial! The Joy (or Joie) in my heart for what I do for you brought this name to life.