Melissa Marie

Melissa’s journey in the beauty industry began during cosmetology school, where she had the opportunity to intern at an exclusive Paul Mitchell salon. There, she was immersed in the foundational elements of salon operations and high-end service. Upon graduating, she continued her education while working at The Barber’s Family Hairstyling—a fast-paced salon that refined her ability to deliver exceptional results efficiently.

With over a decade of advanced training through Schwarzkopf and Keratherapy, Melissa has honed her craft in all facets of hair care and color. She is a certified Hair Extensionist with more than 10 years of hands-on experience and is also a trained educator for PerfecTress, one of the top professional extension brands. Melissa’s expertise further extends into curly hair, with specialized education under industry icon Presley Poe, establishing her as a curl hair expert known for custom cuts and tailored texture services.

Melissa is the founder and owner of Melissa Marie Salon & Spa, established in September 2014, created with the vision of bringing high-end, personalized salon and wellness experiences to the Wausau area. Her salon hosts quarterly advanced education with platform artists from around the world, keeping her and her team at the forefront of beauty innovation.

In addition to her expertise in hair, Melissa has advanced skincare education through Skin Script, offering rejuvenating facial treatments that merge science and luxury. Her passion for health and healing led her to become a certified Reiki Master over eight years ago, blending energy work and holistic wellness into the salon experience. She is also an aromatherapy expert, using essential oils to create sensory-rich treatments that support emotional and physical well-being.

A Headspa Guru, Melissa is trained in scalp, neck, and shoulder massage techniques that provide deep relaxation and therapeutic benefit. Her signature Headspa experiences are rooted in both Eastern and Western practices, offering clients a unique service that nourishes the scalp and promotes overall wellness.

Melissa is also a proud ambassador of Maribella Beauty—her favorite cosmetics line—She has attended annual conferences in Kansas City to stay current with makeup trends and marketing strategies. Her commitment to growth and excellence across all areas of beauty has made her a trusted name in the industry, with a loyal clientele who value her knowledge, warmth, and dedication to results-driven care.

During the height of Melissa’s career she received some life changing news in June of 2020. That is when Melissa was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer. While she was receiving treatment, she continued the business during the covid pandemic. Having cancer opened Melissa’s eyes to a whole world of women who needed special attention. Women who suffer from health issues that need their attention to meet their beauty goals. By January of 2022, Melissa then brought in a Wig line to help women feel good about themselves while suffering from hair loss.

A smiling young woman with long curly blonde hair wearing a black shirt, sitting in a cozy indoor space with warm lighting, a fireplace, and artwork in the background.

Piper 


Piper began her journey at Melissa Marie Salon & Spa in early 2025, bringing with her a fresh passion and over a year of hands-on experience in the world of cosmetology. Her professional development started in 2024 under the mentorship of salon owner Melissa Marie, where she received intensive training in both hair and skin services.

Piper’s heart lies in helping clients feel confident and radiant—whether it’s through a beautiful haircut, a custom facial, or a relaxing scalp treatment. Her gentle touch, attention to detail, and commitment to continued education make her a rising star in the beauty industry. With a love for all things wellness and beauty, Piper is quickly becoming a client favorite for those seeking both results and a truly pampering experience.


What you’ll experience in the salon

 

A unique salon to relax and feel like your radiant, beautiful self.

 

Amenities

A space to truly relax and let me take care of your beauty requests. On certain services I include extra conditioning treatments, hand paraffins and we have a fully stocked beverage bar.

Beauty & Products

In the salon you can find hair and makeup beauty lines so you can see in person what will match your overall esthetic best. You can also shop all products online at any time.