Melissa Kanester was born and raised in San Diego and at the ripe age of 22 followed her wild whims to New York City. Upon arrival, she had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with a distant cousin who happened to be Rock and Roll’s top stylist, April Barton, who took her on a whirlwind for nearly a decade of styling for covers of Rolling Stone, GQ, Vanity Fair, commercials, music videos and reality television.  

Mel’s talents were noticed by two of New York City’s top entrepreneurs who enlisted her to help launch “The Blind Barber”, a barbershop of the old style with a saloon to match that has been recognized by GQ, InStyle, Esquire, Travel and Leisure, and countless other publications. 

After three years with the brand she is back to her roots, settling into Los Angeles, and back on set, styling for movies, videos and commercials. 

“It’s not about the hair or the makeup, it’s about the confidence it instills. When you look your best you feel your best, when you feel your best you act your best; that, I believe, can change the world.”