Melanie Nicole Guzzo

Melanie Nicole Guzzo’s Virtue Salon is just six years old but it was recently recognized by Salon Today Magazine as one of the top performing businesses in the country. For the Galion City Galion High School graduate, success began with a unique idea and a high quality public education. “Virtue Salon is a vegan, eco-friendly salon that only uses repurposed furniture and ethical products,” said Guzzo. “In 2010, Virtue Salon had one employee and over 6 short years has evolved into a team of 17 … I would say the most important thing to consider when starting a business or looking for a career is to be authentic to what you believe in and remember to be violently original. “My favorite memories during my school career were at Pioneer Career and Technology Center. As a high school student, it is very challenging to leave your home school and seek vocational education … I had the unique opportunity to learn a trade by the age of 17. This is something I wish I could tell more young people about because I was able to pay nearly nothing to learn a valuable trade and have a career upon my high school graduation. My favorite thing about my school experience is that I got to cut, color and style hair for the last two years of my school career and I loved every minute of it.” Melanie graduated in 2003 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from The Ohio State University in 2007. At one point, she considered becoming an art teacher. Prior to opening her salon, she cut hair at local salons in Columbus and taught at the Paul Mitchell Academy. She won the "Green Spot Award" from the city of Columbus in 2012 and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Pioneer CTC in 2010. “As a young hairdresser, I never wanted to own my own business,” said Guzzo.  “However, my mind changed over time and I realized that I would love to start a small business and pursue a unique vision. At age 24, the idea of Virtue Salon became a reality …  Inspired by my great-grandfather’s barber chair and with help from friends and family.” Virtue was one of 200 salons recognized in its annual Salon Today 200 issue, which honors the businesses based on best practices and growth. Salon Today recognized Virtue Salon in the category of ‘Growth’. The company saw an 18% increase in sales, climbing from $509,000 in 2013 to $602,000 in 2014.