Oxford’s Women on the Move: The Portrait of Surrogate Success

Robin Melton is not just an outstanding businesswoman, she’s an outstanding human being. This interview took a few unexpected turns with a surprise and wonderful ending. HottyToddy.com’s Steve Vassallo sat down with Robin Melton for this Q&A:
Steve Vassallo: Robin, before jumping into the Luxe Styling Studio, tell us about your fascinating surrogate story.
Robin Melton: I have always been interested in being a surrogate mother as pregnancy was always easy for me with three wonderful children. In 2012, I initiated contact with an agency that partnered me with a couple from Boston.
Vassallo: Tell us about the process of carrying the twins?
Melton: That’s an understatement as I delivered twins for the couple following weeks and months of pre-screening and after they had located a compatible egg donor. Although the delivery (in New Albany) was six weeks early, five and a half years later, the twins are doing great.
Vassallo: Was the experience what you thought it would be?
Melton: The entire process could not have gone easier. I was matched with four other couples initially, but the chemistry with the good-hearted couple I was partnered with was just perfect. I knew God had his hand in this.
Vassallo: How did you know when you had found the perfect couple?
Melton: We shared the same values and beliefs which is critically important. We agreed in advance upon the potential contingencies that could arise.
Vassallo: Do you have any children of your own?
Robin Melton: Gresham, Griffin (nicknamed FiFi) and Keenum are my crew.
Vassallo: Tell us a little bit about your business?
Melton: I have been involved in the business for many years now and have had a business partner since 2014. An opportunity presented itself recently for sole ownership which I elected to undertake.
Vassallo: How have you assembled a good team?
Melton: We have six stylists and a receptionist. Turnover is not an issue as our team has been together now for several years…Kimberly 4; Lanee 3; Sean 2.5; Macy 2; and Gracen joined us in January.
Vassallo: What is your philosophy and approach to business?
Melton: My parents raised me with a strong work ethic and that overcoming obstacles only creates character. I focus on maintaining a fun environment and right now it seems to be working because we’re as busy as we’ve ever been.
Vassallo: How do you continue to educate your staff about hairstyles?
Melton: Yes. We stay on top of technology and are proponents of continuing education. We constantly are striving to be better and are aware of the latest trends.
Vassallo: Regarding the latest trends, how popular is balayage?
Melton: Balayage is one of the most popular trends right now. It takes perfection to perform and appeals to all ages of women. It allows more freedom between services and is more of a natural look, especially with blondes. Students on a budget really are fond of this technique.
Vassallo: Has your education in cosmetology prepared you well?
Melton: A little over 7 years ago, 6 weeks after my daughter Fifi was born, I decided to further my education and obtain my instructor’s license. To quote my parents “If you want it bad enough, go get it!”
Vassallo: Do you find yourself ambitious?
Melton: Absolutely! I want Luxe Styling Studio to be known as Oxford’s “Go To” salon. We’re always pushing our talents to the next level. and I believe God places people in your life for a reason and he definitely handpicked each member of my staff.
Vassallo: Where is the Luxe Styling Salon located and your hours?
Melton: We’re located at 1308 University (across from the closed Sonic) and are open 10-6 Tuesday thru Friday and 10-2 on Saturday.
Robin Melton sets her mind on an objective then goes and accomplishes it. This dynamic lady, with her New Albany roots, has been working in Oxford since 2006 and now as an entrepreneur. Her faith is equally as strong as her work ethic being a member of Hillcrest Baptist (New Albany) since childhood. Because of that faith and human compassion, a loving family of five exists today.

---

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
For questions or comments, email hottytoddynews@gmail.com.