Her Story
About Melia
Melia Laraway is an experienced aesthetic professional and Clinic Manager at Milan Laser Hair Removal in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her career journey began in customer service industries, including retail and food service, where she developed a strong foundation in communication, client care, and building meaningful connections. She later spent nearly eight years in cosmetology, a path that naturally led her into aesthetics and laser services, allowing her to combine her passion for beauty and helping others feel confident in their own skin. After COVID, Melia joined Milan Laser Hair Removal seeking a company where she could continue to grow within her career. Over the past five years, she has advanced into a leadership role, becoming a Clinic Manager and overseeing daily operations, client consultations, treatments, scheduling, and team support. In her role, she focuses on creating a welcoming environment where clients feel valued while helping her team succeed through encouragement, collaboration, and genuine connection. Melia credits much of her success to the people who have supported and challenged her throughout her career, encouraging her to pursue new opportunities and step into leadership. She believes in staying humble, continuing to learn, and never becoming stagnant. Her advice to the next generation of women entering the industry is simple: keep moving forward, seek the knowledge needed to grow, and do not be afraid to pursue opportunities that help you reach your goals. Her dedication to professional growth and empowering others has led to her being selected for the Influential Women 2026 feature.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support, encouragement, and belief of the people around me. My friends, colleagues, and professional connections have pushed me to take on new challenges, step outside of my comfort zone, and recognize my own abilities. Their encouragement has helped me build confidence and continue growing, even during moments when I have doubted myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has come from the many people who have encouraged and supported me throughout my journey. Rather than one single piece of advice from one person, I value the collective impact of mentors, friends, colleagues, managers, and professional relationships who believed in my potential. Many of them recognized leadership qualities in me before I recognized them in myself. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities, take on greater responsibilities, and trust my own abilities. I have learned that growth often begins when we are willing to step into opportunities that feel challenging or unfamiliar.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to never become stagnant. Always continue looking for opportunities to grow, learn, and advance. Do not be afraid to seek out the knowledge, experiences, and connections that will help you reach your goals. Be curious, keep developing your skills, and trust that each step forward can lead to new opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been overcoming the belief that I wasn’t someone who was meant to lead. I’d thrived in the chances to help and inspire others without titles but still had the desire to teach and grow those around me . Even when others recognized my leadership abilities, I sometimes questioned whether I was truly prepared or qualified. Over time, I have learned that leadership is not about having all the answers, it is about supporting others, encouraging growth, and creating positive experiences for both teams and clients. Embracing leadership has been a transformative part of my journey and has allowed me to confidently pursue new opportunities and make a greater impact. I believe the greatest opportunities come from continuing to learn, building meaningful relationships, and using my experiences to support others. Outside of work, I recharge by spending time with friends, kayaking, hiking or any chance to be outside by a lake or on a trail. I love to travel whenever the chance comes, going to movies, and spending time finding new hobbies, restaurants, or experiences in my hometown. I also enjoy a good binge on Netflix while spending time with my two cats Willow and Ivy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are humility, connection, and pouring into the people around me. I believe strong leadership starts with recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others. Building genuine relationships, making people feel seen and heard, and creating a sense of belonging are important parts of how I approach both my work and personal life.
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