We recently had the chance to connect with MELISSA ELLIOTT and have shared our conversation below.
MELISSA, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Since July, my husband has been treating me to a 1 night staycation every other month, and it has truly helped me unwind, recharge, and find balance. It’s the little things.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Melissa Elliott, a licensed Cosmetologist, Hair Restoration Specialist, and the founder of Inner Core Beauty, a Christ-centered, Black-owned brand located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. My passion is helping women restore not only their hair, but also their confidence and inner beauty.
At Inner Core Beauty, we specialize in scalp health, head spa experiences, and non-surgical hair restoration treatments like Procell Microchanneling. What makes my brand unique is that it goes far beyond beauty; it’s rooted in purpose. I truly believe that beauty starts from within, and my mission is to help women rediscover their God-given beauty through self-care, healing, and faith.
I spent years developing my own Inner Core Hair Care line alongside my chemist, which is formulated to nurture and strengthen hair using ingredients such as aloe vera, papaya, and botanical oils. Each product was created with love, intention, and a deep understanding of what the hair and scalp truly need.
Currently, I’m continuing to grow my business by expanding our hair restoration services, partnering with medical professionals and local barbers/stylists, and educating clients on holistic scalp health. My goal is to continue being a vessel, using my hands, my knowledge, and my faith to bring restoration, both physically and spiritually.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with Jesus. He completely transformed the way I view my life, my purpose, and my worth. For a long time, I found my identity in what I did, being a stylist, a mom, a wife, a business owner, but it was my walk with Jesus that showed me who I truly am.
Through Him, I learned that my value is not based on accomplishments or appearance, but on who He says I am, chosen, loved, and created with purpose. That truth changed everything for me. It is also the foundation of Inner Core Beauty, because I believe real beauty begins within, when your heart is aligned with Christ. Every client I serve and every product I create is an opportunity to reflect His love and remind others that restoration, both inward and outward, is possible through Him.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When everything is going well, it is easy to think I am in control. But during seasons of pain, disappointment, and loss, I learned that I am nothing without The Lord. Those moments stripped away pride and self-reliance and drew me closer to His presence.
Suffering taught me how to truly listen to God, to trust His timing, and to find peace even when things did not make sense. It built character, compassion, and endurance in ways success never could. Through the hard times, I discovered that my strength comes from the Lord, and that beauty can be born from brokenness. Even in suffering, purpose and healing are waiting on the other side.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that beauty starts on the outside. The truth is, beauty begins within. So much of the industry focuses on perfection, filters, and surface-level results, but true transformation comes from healing what is underneath. That is why my work focuses on scalp health, inner confidence, and spiritual restoration, not just styling or trends.
Another lie is that faster is always better. In today’s world, clients are constantly told that instant results equal success, but real restoration, whether it is hair growth or self-confidence, takes consistency, patience, and care. I teach my clients that growth is a process, both for their hair and their hearts.
Lastly, there is a misconception that success in this industry means keeping everything about image, money, and popularity. For me, success is serving with purpose and integrity. I focus on nurturing people from the inside out and reminding them that their worth does not come from how they look, but from who God created them to be.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my customers would miss the laughter, the genuine conversations, and the peace they feel the moment they walk into my salon. We laugh, we joke, and we talk about life. It is always real and never forced. My clients often say that coming to my suite feels like they are stepping into a safe place where they can truly be themselves.
They would miss the calm atmosphere, the way I take time to make each person feel seen and cared for, and the love that fills the room. Every appointment is more than a service. It is a connection. I create a space where women can relax, heal, and leave feeling refreshed inside and out.
Most of all, they would miss the warmth, the joy, and the way I make them feel beautiful, confident, and valued through every moment we share. It is not just about hair. It is about heart, laughter, and letting the light of Jesus shine through everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innercorebeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innercorebeautyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innercorebeautyllc/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@innercorebeauty
