Meet Melissa Smiley | Owner/Esthetician/Happiness Enforcer

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

Hi Melissa, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
We are self-esteem builders. We know when it comes to waxing the first thought that comes to mind for most people is the waxing scene in the movie, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. It’s our passion to show our clients that there is so much more to the service than just *cough pain* and hair removal. So many clients are completely unaware how little it hurts, how long the results last, and how clean and smooth they feel for weeks to come. Almost instantly they have “pep in their step.” After the pandemic forced us to shut down, we quickly adapted. I re-branded my salon and launched a boutique in our, what was, empty lobby. This was my stage to bring on handpicked items that are fun/funny, spiritual and uplifting, and local if possible. The response from our clients and the community was we all needed good brows, crystals, sage, and cute clothes. Who would have thought retail-therapy and waxing went hand in hand?

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bees knees beauty comes from the old saying “the bees knees,” which simply means the best of the best. We agree that we are the best of the best, voted by us every year we’ve been open. *we got jokes. We are a full body waxing salon for men and women. We also offer spray tan services, custom-fit toe rings, and a retail boutique filled with crystals and sparkly things sure to put anyone who enters instantly in a good mood.
As the pandemic creeps into another year we are constantly dealt with setbacks. This could be from lag in product, retail products never arriving, staffing shortages, and slow-to-return customers. The lessons I continue to learn during these testy times is to stay true to our core values, and to simply take one day at a time. I am proud to be a women business owner in McKinney, Texas. I wanted to do my part in our community to provide a welcoming place where people can support other small businesses by shopping our local products all while enjoying the self-esteem boosting side effects of Bee’s Knees Beauty.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One would be so lucky to spend a week with me! First things first! We would go grocery shopping. We would be cooking and baking, like a lot. Whole Foods, Central Market, and Trader Joes is where most of our dollars will be spent. Each day we will visit a different crystal shop. Bucket list includes: Bee’s Knees Beauty, Silver Pyramid, Rock Barrel, and SoulTopia. We would go to the Dallas Farmer’s Market for a day full of random goodies. While we are down there, we will go to Klyde Warren Park and hit up all the food trucks. When we get back to the house, while my husband is cooking us a delicious dinner, this is where we can read each other’s tarot cards and get “woke AF.” Really just a way to relax and do a bunch of nothingness.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every business has a secret sauce mine certainly is the collaboration from my husband and sister. The unconditional love and support I received from my husband and my sister fueled me to pursue a dream of mine to open a salon/boutique that put the community’s needs first. Both my sister and husband quit their jobs to work alongside me and help grow the business they believe in too. Another huge shoutout goes to my previous business partner/mentor. I worked with her for five years before she encouraged me to open my own location. My time working alongside her truly helped me grow into the owner I am today. Although the pandemic brought an unexpected end to our business together, I am forever grateful for all support she gave me during our time together.

Website: www.beeskneesbeauty.com

Instagram: bkb_mckinney

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beeskneesbeautymckinney