Daily Inspiration: Meet Marissa Baldwin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Baldwin.

Hi Marissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Marissa Baldwin. I moved to Clarksville from Boston, MA in 2008. Boston was where I grew up but it never quite felt like home to me. Not like TN does. My life in Boston was tough. I was in and out of my mom’s custody while my dad was in and out of prison. I was in fifth grade when I thought I was going to my grandmother’s house for the weekend and it turns out it would be years before seeing my mom again. My Nana really stepped up and gave me the best life she could. I don’t know where I would be without her.

It wasn’t until I was on my own in Clarksville that I really found out how strong of a human I am and how much I have to offer. People in this community are longing to feel like they belong. That is one thing that drives my passion. Clarksville is full of people from many walks of life but that is what makes it so beautiful to be here.

I bought my salon, Chameleon Salon, two years ago in hopes that I can make newcomers feel welcome and build long-lasting connections with those in my community. This is home.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I bought my salon I had a long list of goals to accomplish. My list was full of events to do in the community, parties for my clients, major sale events, and the like. I was extremely humbled when Covid started and rocked my world, to say the least. It has definitely been the biggest challenge for my business thus far.

We have had to close down twice now, once being during the Christmas season last year which for a salon is the busiest time of year. I really had to take a step back and take the appropriate steps necessary to slow the spread of this virus in our community. It is tough having to make those calls but I am forever grateful for our community coming together and doing whatever it takes to keep us not only afloat, but thriving during that time!

The day we reopened was the day I delivered my second daughter! Owning a business, during a pandemic, with little children at home has been humbling! I have an 11 year old ‘bonus’ son, a four year old daughter and a now, 15 month old daughter. I am blessed to have an amazing salon team that truly stepped up and supported my family during this wild time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are a high-end family hair salon. We do everything from drastic color changes to your son’s first haircut. Our goal at the Chameleon Salon is to make every client feel a little weight lifted off their shoulders before they go back out into the hustle and bustle. We want our clients to feel this is their safe space where they can unwind and leave feeling their absolute BEST! We are located at:
2257 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Suite C
Clarksville, TN 37040

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I would love to do some updating in our space and eventually add some new “spa treatment” services to our menu!

Contact Info:

• Email: baldwinmarissa1@gmail.com
• Website: www.thechameleonsalononline.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/chameleon.salon?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: facebook.com/TheChameleonSalon/