Melina Lewis - Styled By Mel

Styled By Mel

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided By Melina Lewis

Melina Lewis of St. Louis, MO has found her purpose in life. While she is known to be outgoing and goal-oriented, at her core, Melina says she’s just a little girl who refuses to accept no for an answer.

Melina is the first to graduate college in her family. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Textile, Merchandise, & Design from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2012. While that was a huge accomplishment, giving birth to her daughter Ahmi in 2020 with her fiancé, Andrew pulls a great deal more on Melina’s heart.

As a young growing up, Melina shares that her household didn’t resemble that of her peers. “My younger sister Meghan and I were raised by our grandmother Essie Purnell in St. Louis. My family dynamic was different but was full of love. That love carried and comforted me throughout my young adult years,” she says.

Melina is a mother, sister, fiancé, businesswoman, and braid artist that specializes in braids, twists, locs, and natural hair care. Her brand name is Style By Mel. Melina developed a passion for brading at the age of 10 but says she didn’t realize her gift until the moment arose and she needed it. “After graduating college, I worked different jobs trying to find something that I was passionate about. I worked a few jobs, but none fulfilled me, and soon I was unemployed. I would braid different family members’ hair in my grandmother’s living room to keep my mind occupied. Soon I developed a steady clientele of two to three people per week. Next, I made an Instagram account, business cards, and flyers and distributed them to different beauty supply stores in the city to get my name out; it worked. The success I have enjoyed over the last five years is a testament to treating people right, having integrity, and creating a safe environment for my brothers and sisters to be seen and heard,” she says.

Melina loves the opportunities her profession allows for her to meet so many beautiful individuals who have unique stories. Her encounters also allow Melina to bond and develop lifelong relationships.

While Melina says her inspiration comes from within, when she looks back over her life, she realizes it’s the challenges she’s faced and battles she’s won that push her to be better than the day before.

When asked who has impacted her life the most, she says Dr. Kari Williams, the creator of the Goddess Locs. “She has a tremendous impact on my life and career. I initially met her in 2018 at her very first Celebrity Natural Hair & Braiding Academy in Los Angeles, CA. I was immediately drawn to how confident, calm, and relaxed she was. She is a trailblazer in the hair industry, and I am honored to have her as a mentor,” Melina shares.

Melina admits that she wouldn’t be where she is in her career had she not stepped out on faith, and her advice to anyone who may follow in her footsteps echoes that. “Get out of your head and just go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because you can only go so far on your own,” she says.

The future for Styled by Mel appears to be bright. She has recently become a certified DK Goddess Loc Master under Dr. Kari Williams. She is also looking forward to branching into the fashion space and putting her degree to use. “Styling celebrities has been my dream as a child, whether it be their braids or their red carpet gowns. I know one day my dream will come true.”

To learn more about Styled by Mel, please visit her social media pages or contact her directly.