Melissa Mckenzie is the owner of Doll Bar on Queen West. North America’s first hair extension bar, Doll Bar offers everything from natural extensions to cool a la carte feathers. 

What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?

Linger in bed for a bit under my duvet and start to contemplate what I will do that day.  Also, I say a little thank you in my head for everything I’m blessed with, like a sunny day, a cozy place to sleep, a great career, great friends and the luxury of staying in bed for 5 minutes to think of that.   I make a greens+ shake with mixed fruit and flax for breakfast, walk the dogs, and then I’m off on my bicycle to work!  Work a full day at the best place on earth and ride home again.  Meet friends to go rock climbing, then go for nachos after.  Then it’s off to bed after walking the dogs and making lunch for next day.

What was your first job out of school?

I bartended at a night club downtown, barely knew how to make anything!  But within two hours of being five deep at the bar (that’s five people standing in rows behind one another),  I quickly started to learn!  Bartending is one of the most fun jobs ever.  I got to dress up every night and feel super hot while hanging out with co-workers who became friends.  It’s such a fun environment, and you make great money!

What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

Technique in hair styling and placement, positive energy, and the ability to access what a client’s needs are in the moment, and what will work best for them.

What do you love most about your career?

Being surrounded by long luscious locks!  I have always loved long, healthy, beautiful hair and have never been able to have my own hair quite as thick or long as I would have wanted.  Now, in my career, I can give that to women everyday!  It’s a great feeling to be able to instantly provide someone with something they’ve always wanted.  The feeling of having your hair be exactly as you wished it would be, instantly, is phenomenal.

Do you have any warnings?

Always listen to yourself. If your body doesn’t feel right, then you’re on the wrong track. You have to tweak things and explore your career possibilities until you get that feeling, that good feeling inside that is potent and energizing and lets you know that what you are doing is right.  That’s what you have to keep pushing for, never linger in something that makes you feel not 100% good.

If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?

I would be a manufacturer of hair who works on site so I could be involved in every step of the process. Hair heaven!