Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Gilbert.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My business is Kiss’d by Bee which provides a comprehensive range of services for beauty and personal care. A lot of people ask who is bee? Well, Melissa is a name from a Greek mythology (a nymph) which means “Honey Bee.” I’ve always had an infatuation of lipgloss as a little girl and as I grew older, it became worse. I literally brush my teeth put on lipgloss, eat put on lipgloss, before bed put on lipgloss… My vision started in November 2019 but Unfortunately, life events happen and I had to put those dreams on the back burner. My son, Mark who was born with congenital heart disease and previously had three open heart surgeries. He was placed on the heart transplant list and than told he is in need of a liver transplant as well, which shook my world.
I had to take personal leave from my job and as a single parent, I had to figure it out and think of other ways to make ends meet. June 19th, 2020, I officially launched Kiss’d by bee which consists of lipgloss, liquid lipstick, handcrafted soap, my custom blend detox tea and recently added Non- invasive body sculpting. Now that I’ve started my own business, I’m able to stay at the hospital with my son until he has a donor for both the heart and liver as well as making a work schedule that works for me. I’m grateful for everyone who supports Kiss’d By Bee and continues to support me during this journey. I have so much more to offer and look forward to expanding my business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t expect it to be smooth sailing. Every business has its ups and downs. Some days you get sells and some days nothing. It’s up to you as a person to motivate yourself and think outside of the box to make sure your business doesn’t fail. My biggest challenge is staying strong for my son. He’s been going through this since he was a baby and now he’s 14 years old, but guess what he never complains or gives up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been a head start teacher for over ten years. I’m known as Ms. Melissa. I love the kids and seeing the impression you can make in a child’s life as young as 3-5 years old. I’m most proud of the woman I’ve become today and my continuous drive to become a better parent, friend, business owner and person in general. What sets me apart is everybody has a story but how you overcome yourself trials and tribulations is what makes me. I’m able to stay positive, motivated and eager to learn and want more out of life.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
During this journey, I’ve learned strangers support you more than your friends and to never take it personally. Some people will applaud you but aren’t genuinely happy for you. Continue to do right by others and God will do right by you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Kissdbybee.com
- Instagram: Kissd_by_bee
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kissdbybee/
