Whoa.

October went by so fast. Am I right?

I had so many plans and didn't actually get around to a lot of the things I usually do in October. This year I forgot to hand out the spooky coozies- I have them, just forgot to hand them out, so if you want one ask, I still have a bunch. I didn't get to do any Ghost Tours and I usually do AT LEAST one every Spooky Season. I only made it to Busch Gardens Howl O Scream 3 times this year, even with the event being extended compared to previous years. I did celebrate the one year anniversary of BbM moving to Newport News, and I did restart the Bombshells + Books Book Club.

Bombshells + Books Book Club Read for October was Stephen King's Bag of Bones. We met on a Tuesday at the salon. Lets talk about it: I had quite a bit of interest in joining the club, and ultimately it came down to availability. Tuesdays the salon is closed so it was a good opportunity to take advantage of the space. The only issue is I can only accommodate three guests due to building regulations. This was the same reason I had to find an alternative location for the Anniversary Party. We ended up not watching the made for TV miniseries but most of us had already seen it so we discussed a little of the differences from the book and the miniseries. Overall it was a good meetup. We decided the November book is "The Lost Book Shop" by Evie Woods. If you are interested in joining our book club meetup send a direct message to @bombshellsandbooks on Instagram. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited for those of you who have a membership. Moving forward book club will be held the last Monday of each month at 6pm. Adjustments will be made for any holidays that fall on that day.

Let's talk about referrals. If you have been sending me referrals I really appreciate you promoting my business. Please remember to tell your referral to name you on their initial consultation form, and to ask for the discount at checkout. As the referral rewards are ever changing, please make sure you know what the most recent promotion is so you can tell your referrals and you know what your reward is. For example: During the "double discount" reward promotion, you would only be eligible for the "double" when your referral prebooks and keeps a second appointment. The current November Referral Reward is $10 credit for each referral you send, to be used on hair services; However, during this promotion you can only use one $10 credit per appointment. Check with me for the most up to date rewards or follow by social media to stay up to date on current promotions.

Yesterday I celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday with my Marine Corps friend, her Air Force husband and my Navy Corpsman husband. We typically spend this unofficial holiday in a bar, because our branch was founded in a Tavern, drinking and celebrating the Marine Corps and our Marine Corps Brothers and Sisters. Fun Fact: I do not drink often since I began my weight loss journey and one glass of Prosecco I was ready for bed, lol. Why do Marines make such a big deal over the birthday? Tradition. Most other branch Members/Veterans could not tell you when their branch's birthday is without an internet search... and Marines know because it is drilled into our memory even before we earn our Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Have you ever met a Marine? If you met me then yes you have. I know a lot of people don't know that if they haven't read my bio. I joined the Marine Corps after High School, technically I didn't even see my diploma being sent off to Boot Camp. I went to Parris Island early 1997 and was Honorable Discharged July of 2007. I used my Montgomery GI Bill to assist paying for my Beauty School Education. I believe my discipline, attention to detail and technical skills in this profession can be easily attributed to my time in the Marines. It was definitely a drastic change in careers. But I never regret my choice to follow this path. I always say the ten and a half years I served in the Marine Corps were always supposed to be twenty, but those years were hard on my body, family and my mental health... I was always counting down during my service, meanwhile the 17+ years I have in the Beauty Industry feel like they have passed with speed. This industry has helped me grow and I cannot imagine ever not doing hair.

Today is November 11 aka Veterans Day. In honor of this holiday I had a one day sale on Saturday November 9 offering 20% off all In Stock Retail. Today I announced a New Promotion for Veterans and Service Members: discounts on services and retail until Friday. Details an be found on Instagram @bombshellsbymelissa until the end of the promotion and then it will be archived. Are you interested in an ongoing military discount? Go on over to IG and let me know in the comments.

Now, I want to address something very important. I have been a hairstylist over seventeen years. In that time I mostly worked in commission environments. The rule was always "do not discuss politics or religion"; As a booth renter in an open concept salon, I continued to refrain from those conversations. Since moving into my private suite I have welcomed discussions on either side. While I am a Marine Corps Veteran, married to a Navy Veteran and mother of a Marine, we have all taken a vow to protect the Constitution. For me that means everyone has basic human rights. I understand having a difference in political beliefs and I accept everyone has their opinions- it doesn't mean I agree with you or that I will ever agree with you. When you openly celebrate stripping rights away while my friends are being threatened for who they are, I will not be quiet. I will always shut down any ignorant, racist, homophobic/transphobic, or religious bigotry. If you have ever been to my business and wondered where I stand you haven't been paying attention. I offer services like Tarot, Reiki, Birth Charts, Oracle Readings. I display the tools to perform divination- I practice Pagan Traditions openly in my business. I proudly wear a Pride pin on my apron EVERY SINGLE DAY not just during Pride Month. I advertise I am LGBTQ+ owned business. I am partnered with Wigs for Kids so children can get wigs without having to pay. I partner with Strands for Trans so Trans people who need a safe space can find me. I ask for Pronouns during initial consultation so I can respect how people want to be addressed and I have turned away anyone who responds with "normal". I am a safe person and you are always welcome in my chair. I hope that whatever you are experiencing this past week, you know that I am here for you. I am a great listener, please feel free to vent to me, or cry with me, or find your peace with me.