Melissa Locke is a woman of many layers—dancer, actress, model, skincare specialist, and philanthropist. Her journey from the Midwest to the glitz of Los Angeles is anything but straightforward, filled with twists, turns, and a whole lot of grit. We sat down with Melissa to talk about her life, her work, and everything in between.
Q: Melissa, thanks for taking the time to chat. Let’s start at the beginning—how did you first get into the arts?
Melissa Locke: Oh, I’ve been dancing since I could walk, really. My parents put me in ballet classes when I was just a kid growing up in Indiana, and I fell in love with it. Dance was my first language, you could say. It taught me discipline, how to express myself without words, and it gave me a sense of purpose early on. I was always that kid who’d rather be at the studio than anywhere else. Ballet led to other forms of dance, and by the time I finished high school, I knew I had to chase those dreams. So, I packed up and moved to LA.
Q: That’s a big leap. What was it like when you first arrived in Los Angeles?
Melissa Locke: It was a whirlwind, honestly. I saved up about $4,000 from working at a nightclub and drove out here in my Mitsubishi Eclipse. When I got to the end of the 10 freeway, I had to make a choice—turn left or right. I turned left and ended up in Venice. Back then, Venice was affordable, and it felt like anything was possible. It wasn’t easy, though. I was doing everything from stand-in work on sets to extra gigs just to get by. It was tough, but there was also this electric energy in the air. LA felt like a place where dreams could come true, but only if you were willing to work your ass off for it.
Q: And somewhere in there, you became an esthetician. How did that happen?
Melissa Locke: Yeah, that was sort of a happy accident. I realized pretty quickly that I needed a backup plan, something that would give me the flexibility to go to auditions but still pay the bills. So, I decided to go to esthetician school. It turned out to be a great decision. I loved it—there’s something really fulfilling about helping people feel good in their own skin. Plus, the schedule was flexible, which meant I could still pursue acting and dancing. It all just clicked.
Q: You’ve managed to wear so many hats over the years—how do you keep it all together?
Melissa Locke: (Laughs) Some days, I don’t know! But really, it’s all about balance. My husband and I have a great life here with our dog, Sammy, and they keep me grounded. I think it also helps that I’m passionate about everything I do. Whether I’m on set, at a photo shoot, or in the skincare clinic, I’m all in. And then there’s the philanthropy work, which is really important to me. I sponsor a young man named Vincent at River Jordan Orphanage in Kenya, and I volunteer with local organizations to fight food insecurity. Giving back gives me perspective and keeps me focused on what really matters.
Q: You’re working on a biopic about Elizabeth Taylor—what can you tell us about that?
Melissa Locke: Oh, I’m so excited about this project. Elizabeth Taylor was such an icon, and getting the chance to portray her is a huge honor. We’re focusing on a lesser-known period in her life, which gives me a lot of creative freedom. I’ve been diving deep into her films, reading everything I can about her, and even talking to people who knew her. It’s been a journey, but one I’m incredibly passionate about. She was complex, fierce, and vulnerable all at once, and I want to do her justice on screen.
Q: Modeling has also been a big part of your life. How does it fit into everything else you do?
Melissa Locke: Modeling and acting kind of go hand in hand for me. I’ve walked in LA and New York Fashion Weeks, which has been amazing, but I see modeling as another form of expression. It’s about conveying a story, an emotion, without words. This year, I’m actually hosting some red carpets for Los Angeles Fashion Week, which is new for me. It’s different, but in a good way. It’s all about connecting with people, making them feel seen and heard, whether you’re in front of the camera or behind it.
Q: And you still find time for dance?
Melissa Locke: Always. Dance is in my blood, I guess. I’m part of a hip-hop group called Hip Hop Tribe, which is a ton of fun. It’s a completely different style from the ballet I grew up with, but I love it. It’s challenging, it’s fresh, and it keeps me on my toes—literally! Dance has this incredible way of bringing people together, and it’s been a great way to stay creative and active.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the entertainment industry?
Melissa Locke: Don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t let fear hold you back. This industry can be brutal, and you’re going to hear “no” more times than you can count. But if you’re passionate, if you’re disciplined, you’ll find your way. And don’t forget to stay true to yourself. There’s a lot of pressure to fit into certain molds, but the people who really make it are the ones who aren’t afraid to stand out. Oh, and always have a backup plan! Whether it’s a side hustle or another skill, having something else to fall back on can make all the difference.
Q: Looking back, is there a moment that stands out as a turning point for you?
Melissa Locke: Moving to LA was huge, but I think deciding to go to esthetician school was just as important. It gave me stability and allowed me to keep pursuing my dreams without constantly worrying about money. And there have been countless little moments along the way—meeting the right people, making the right connections—that have all added up to where I am now. It’s never just one thing; it’s all these little decisions that shape your path.
Q: What’s next for you?
Melissa Locke: I’m really focused on the Elizabeth Taylor project right now, but I’m always open to new opportunities. I’d love to do more work in fashion, maybe even develop my own skincare line someday. And I’m definitely looking to expand my philanthropy work, especially around food insecurity. There’s so much need out there, and I want to do more to help. But really, I’m just taking it one day at a time, staying open to whatever comes my way.
