Discover the INCREDIBLE journeys of the women in our community.

    In our Member Stories, we hear from our members about the experiences that have shaped them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they are driving impact in their industries and beyond.

    Melissa Hay

    Melissa Hay

    Founder

    2Breathe Creative

    I am a passionate retail designer specialising in luxury interiors, I have worked with major luxury brands and retail stores, bringing their visions to life. My portfolio includes designing full cosmetics departments and spa interiors, blending functionality with elegance to create captivating spaces.

    Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? My father passed away when I was 15 years old and it profoundly shaped how I view the world and live my life. To honour his legacy, I try to live each day as if it were my last, ensuring each day is as fulfilled and engaged as I can make it. This philosophy has given me a drive to work hard and not always accept no for an answer.
    Best piece of advice you have ever been given? 'Trust in the process', even if things are really tough, know that it is just a part of the learning experience and your life's journey.
    What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? If you believe in what you do and you know you have a potentially great idea, trust your gut and keep pushing. Don’t be despondent if it’s not successful the first time, success comes from failure and hard work.
    What does success mean to you? Success for me means knowing I get up on a daily basis and doing what I love.

    It doesn't and hasn't always come with a financial reward and its not always easy but I do love my life and I am very fortunate to have some amazing people and my fur babies in my life.

    How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit? As change is in my DNA, designing for a living is finding solutions to challenging problems or situations. I am a change maker, however with that responsibility comes times of creative blocks and procrastination.

    As I am also a Reiki practitioner, I have another outlet and know how to calm myself in times of uncertainty, whilst also doing this for others. I've learnt that sometimes you just have to take your head out of the game and go do something else and then the solution will normally come to you.

    Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? I believe in supporting drive and ambition particularly when I see someone is passionate about what they are doing. Women in general have been taught to take a backseat, I am one to encourage those to come take a seat in the front and enjoy the ride.

    We should celebrate and encourage other women to do the same at every opportunity. I am a member of CEW UK (Cosmetic Executive Women) also and it’s incredible to be part of a group of so many successful and talented women in the beauty industry but I love being part of The Women's Chapter too as it brings together women from across all sectors, I've met some life long friends from this and its great to have a cheerleading team behind you, no matter where you are on your journey.

    60 Seconds with Melissa Hay

    My inspiration is: My mother, probably a bit cliché and we also can drive each other crazy as we are similar in character, however she succeeded in a very male-dominated business environment, having had limited schooling and also becoming a widow in her early 40's with two teenage children. Her inner strength and the support of her family in some seriously difficult times has meant she is someone to look up to. She is 80 this year and I couldn't be more proud of her.
    My greatest fear is: Fear itself, it can be so debilitating.

    We all fight daily with those inner voices of doubt but I've learnt to be kinder to myself and not let any negative voice that isn't supportive or encouraging take precedence.

    The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Setting up a business with very little - single, in my late 30's, only my laptop and no idea how I was going to pay my mortgage.

    Also doing a three day trek to Machu Picchu with food poisoning.

    I am most proud of: Not taking hostage in McDonalds whilst I was going through Peri-menopause, until I found out what it was and how to deal with it.

    I am also proud of me and my business, for a small business to have worked with so many great and global brands, to have designed and created beautiful structures and spaces on a global platform all from a desire to make the world a little bit better.

    Guiltless pleasure: Watching organisational, cleaning and gardening transformations on YouTube, Instagram or TV! I'm such a sucker for a cleaning product.
    Mantra I live by: Trust in the Process.
    Female role model: I have many and like they say 'it takes a village to raise a child' and I believe it takes a tribe of women to shape just one. But 3 on top of my female role models are: My mum, Jane Fonda (an all-time great) and my dear friend and spiritual guide; Dr Ingrid Scott.
    Women-led brand I love: Skin Rocks - clever, diverse and intelligent branding.

    Yes, they are a client but I've have known Caroline Hirons for many years and her CEO Lady Alexander Forbes and I both worked together in the Fragrance Industry. I have been lucky to be a small part of their journey but having watched how CH has managed to change so many things within the industry for the better and still continues to challenge the status quo.

    Whilst CH and Alex have created this exceptional brand with a clear vision is truly epic.

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