Talent Business Alliance Welcomes Melissa Mitchell-Hooge to the Board of Directors

The Talent Business Alliance is thrilled to announce that Melissa Mitchell-Hooge has joined our Board of Directors as of July 2026, bringing small business experience and a deep passion for helping others chase their dreams.

Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Melissa holds a degree in English and American Literature from U.C. Santa Cruz. She and her partner, John, settled in Oregon to raise their two sons, Nicholas and Jack. For 22 years, Melissa has managed the administrative operations for John's construction business, Reliable Property Services, which is the business venture that led them to a historic building in the heart of downtown Talent - the Skye Salon Building! That was 20 years ago.

That connection with the historic building and their love for the community of Talent culminated in December 2025 with the opening of Bloomie's Boutique. The boutique features a small and thoughtfully curated art gallery supporting local artists and hosts the Bloomie's Boutique Gives Back Literacy Program, which donates 10-12 new K-2 books to Talent Elementary School every month.

Melissa also previously led a nonprofit effort for preserving school parks at two former Ashland elementary schools, Briscoe and Lincoln. This experience sharpened her skills in community organizing, marketing, and public speaking, and deepened her belief in the healing power of nature and community connection.

"I'm excited to serve on the TBA Board because it will give me the opportunity to cheer on other people and their businesses," Melissa shared, "which is very much in alignment with Bloomie's Boutique's mission to believe in others, to support their dreams, and to serve others in as many different ways that we can, big ways and small."

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys forest walks with John, time with friends and family, reading, gardening, and relaxing with her beloved pets, Daisy, Barley, and Gary.

"I'm beyond excited to join the TBA Board and to get started in earnest supporting local artists and business owners," she said. "Thank you so much for the opportunity!"

Please join us in welcoming Melissa Mitchell-Hooge to the Talent Business Alliance Board of Directors!