Melissa Kanester
Huntington Beach,CA
Summary
Ambitious, hardworking professional with a strong background in business management, accounting, and bookkeeping. Transitioned from over 20 years in the hospitality and salon industries in New York City and Los Angeles, where I honed skills in financial management, inventory control, and client relations, to formal education in accounting and business. Eager to apply detail-oriented expertise and transferable skills in an accounting or bookkeeping role.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner
Blonde Barber Salon
01.2018 - Current
- Managed all financial operations, including bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and tax preparation for a successful salon business.
- Oversaw budgeting, cash flow management, and inventory tracking to ensure profitability and operational efficiency.
- Handled vendor relations, contract negotiations, and financial reporting using POS systems and Microsoft Office tools.
- Built and maintained client relationships, resulting in strong retention and business growth.
Consultant
Self-Employed Consultant
01.2000 - Current
- Provided hair, makeup, and consulting services for private and celebrity clients in film, photo shoots, and commercials, managing personal finances, invoicing, and expense tracking.
- Served as a brand ambassador and consultant for barber shops, salons, bars, and events like Movember, handling promotional budgets and financial reconciliations.
- Acted as an event bartender and barber, responsible for cash handling, inventory management, and sales reporting.
Hair Stylist
The Cabin West Salon
12.2015 - 04.2016
- Performed styling services in an upscale salon while assisting with daily financial closeouts, including cash drawer reconciliation and inventory audits.
Hair Stylist/Barber/Brand Ambassador
Blind Barber
04.2011 - 04.2013
- Delivered hair services and consulted on cocktails for top mixologists, managing product inventory and sales tracking to support business operations.
- Contributed to brand promotion, including financial oversight of event budgets and revenue reporting.
Hair Stylist/Barber/Brand Ambassador
Blind Barber
07.2010 - 07.2012
- Provided styling and barber services while advising on cocktails, handling inventory counts and financial transactions in a high-volume environment.
- Supported brand ambassadorship with expense management and promotional financial planning.
Bartender/Server
Three of Cups Lounge
07.2010 - 09.2011
- Served drinks and built regular clientele in a busy lounge, responsible for cash drawer management, inventory control, and end-of-shift reconciliations.
- Hired entertainment vendors and managed associated budgets and payments.
Bartender/Waitress
Shade Bar
06.2006 - 08.2010
- Handled bar and lounge operations for casual and high-volume crowds, including bank management, cash drawer oversight, and inventory tracking.
- Ensured accurate financial reporting and inventory audits to maintain operational efficiency.
Makeup Artist/Hairstylist/Assistant Manager
Suite 303
11.1999 - 09.2009
- Delivered makeup and hair services; assisted the owner with shop management, including front desk operations, scheduling, and handling high-volume client scenarios.
- Managed cash flow, inventory, and vendor payments for a celebrity-owned salon, ensuring accurate financial records.
Education
Associate of Science - Accounting and Business Management
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA05.2025
Crew Barber School Graduate - Barbering Licensure
Crew Barber College
Garden Grove06.2017
Aveda Institute Graduate - undefined
New York
New York, NY01.2010
San Dieguito High School Graduate - undefined
Encinitas
Encinitas, CA01.1995
Some College (No Degree) - General Education
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CASkills
- Financial management expertise
- Detail-oriented communicator
- Skilled in using QuickBooks for accounting tasks
- Business management
- Operations management
- Business growth and retention
- Business management and development
- Planning and execution
Websites
Accomplishments
Graduated Golden West College with dual Associates with Honors
Certification
Certificate of Bookkeeping, Golden West College 2024
Timeline
Owner
Blonde Barber Salon
01.2018 - Current
Hair Stylist
The Cabin West Salon
12.2015 - 04.2016
Hair Stylist/Barber/Brand Ambassador
Blind Barber
04.2011 - 04.2013
Hair Stylist/Barber/Brand Ambassador
Blind Barber
07.2010 - 07.2012
Bartender/Server
Three of Cups Lounge
07.2010 - 09.2011
Bartender/Waitress
Shade Bar
06.2006 - 08.2010
Consultant
Self-Employed Consultant
01.2000 - Current
Makeup Artist/Hairstylist/Assistant Manager
Suite 303
11.1999 - 09.2009
Aveda Institute Graduate - undefined
New York
San Dieguito High School Graduate - undefined
Encinitas
Some College (No Degree) - General Education
San Diego Mesa College
Associate of Science - Accounting and Business Management
Golden West College
Crew Barber School Graduate - Barbering Licensure
Crew Barber College
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