Meet Melanie Gustason of Vagabond Hair Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Gustason.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Las Vegas, my mom was a hairstylist and I would always spend my Saturdays hanging out in the salon. I would sweep hair, fold towels, and just sit and listen to the ladies’ gossip. It was my happy place. I graduated from cosmetology school at The Aveda Institute in Las Vegas in 2006 and started my career working as an assistant for a Paul Mitchell educator. We would travel around while he taught classes and also worked hands-on in the salon as well.

That’s where my love for color first started. After a year, I moved to Southern California where I got a job as an assistant to Kim Vo, a celebrity colorist, who at that time was voted Elle Magazine’s “Best Blonder in the Business.” I assisted him for about three years, traveling between his Laguna Beach and Beverly Hills salons. It yet again confirmed my love and passion for color. There is nothing more I recommend to young stylists than to find a stylist who does what you are passionate about and learn as much as you can from then. Assisting is a great way to gain knowledge and experience before branching off on your own.

I was in California for a total of 10 years, and still traveled back and forth after my move to Nashville, while I was building my clientele here. I’ve been in Nashville for 4 years now and am so happy to call this place home. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the stylists that have mentored me. Not only the stylists I worked for but also the stylists I get to work beside every day. I love what I do, and wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Making my clients feel their best when they leave my chair is so fulfilling.

In April 2023, my dream of opening my salon came to life. I wanted to bring a little piece of my love for the west coast to Nashville. When you walk into Vagabond Hair Studio, I want you to feel like you are on a little hair vacay. I have an amazing team of stylists that I’ve worked with for years here in Nashville that now call Vagabond home as well.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like with any career, I feel like I’ve gone through periods where I felt burnt out or lost my creative edge.

I think the key to getting out of those lows for me was to surround myself with other stylists who inspire me and continue my education. Styles and trends are constantly changing, and staying up on trends helps keep my passion for hair alive.

As you know, we’re big fans of Vagabond Hair Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I guess I can fit into both the business and artist categories.

I started Vagabond Hair Studio this year, in April 2023. It’s always been a dream of mine to create a salon where I and other stylists feel inspired and excited to come to work every day.

The name Vagabond was inspired by my love for Miranda Lambert’s music. Her song “Highway Vagabond” is where I got the name. The simple definition is “a person who travels from place to place.” Here in Nashville, I feel like a lot of us are Vagabonds, all from different walks of life, here trying to make our dreams come true.

Vagabond is home to seven incredibly talented independent hairstylists currently, with room to find a few more. These ladies have all been a part of my Nashville story and have inspired me tremendously. Overall, most of us specialize in color and hair extensions.

What sets us apart from other salons is that each stylist has years of experience, education, and expertise. We deal with a high-end clientele that expects a higher level of service.

I think what I’m most proud of brand wise, the atmosphere in the salon as well as the team I’ve built. I want everyone to feel like when they walk in the door, they are on a hair vacay and can just relax, enjoy, and leave feeling beautiful.

What does success mean to you?
Success to me isn’t about money. It’s about enjoying what you do every day. Life’s way too short to not follow your dreams.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vagabondhairstudio/ 

Image Credits
Chelsea Thompson (@direimage)