Melissa Leshin, GOLD.KEY Educator for KEVIN.MURPHY and Advanced Stylist at Levato Salon & Skin Lab, is an enthusiastic, charismatic leader, which is why we’ve chosen her as Premier Beauty’s May Educator of the Month!

What inspired you to teach for KEVIN.MURPHY?

I absolutely loved the packaging and the fragrance. Then, when Marissa Lauren came in and taught a class, she inspired me with her excitement, passion, and words of wisdom. That’s what really got me interested in pursuing education. I started going to all the KEVIN.MURPHY classes that were available and when a Premier Beauty sales rep said they were accepting applicants for educators, I went for it.

What are your favorite products?

ANTI.GRAVITY: Everybody loves the lavender scent, but the performance that lavender gives to make the style last longer is what separates this product from the rest.

With clients, I typically start with ANTI.GRAVITY at the root for volume and to prevent sebaceous glands from producing oil. For blonde clients who need extra moisture, I use LEAVE-IN.REPAIR—also one of my favorites. I send blonde clients home with SHIMMER.ME BLONDE to refresh and hydrate their ends.

How has KEVIN.MURPHY changed your business behind the chair?

Educating for KEVIN.MURPHY instills confidence. I always encourage my clients to ask me questions because I have the knowledge and education. Your clients are also more comfortable with you when you’re confident.

It has also changed my updos. I was using 150 bobby pins and now I sew all of my updos. It changed my life. I can sew an updo in 15 minutes. I used to spend an hour. The SEWING.KIT is quick and creative, which are two things that you want as a hairstylist.

Where do you draw inspiration from to use behind the chair?

Instagram. I’m always on Instagram. I always check my emails from Bangstyle, too!

What’s your favorite trend right now?

I love the grown out ‘70s shaggy look. I just did that look on a client the other day and I was obsessed.

Where can we see your work?

Follow me on Instagram @melissaleshin and follow the salon @Levatosalon.