Melissa Locke’s journey to Los Angeles is the kind of story that could only happen in L.A. Raised in Indiana, Melissa was on stage from a young age, classically trained in ballet and various dance styles. Driven by her love of performing, she packed her Mitsubishi Eclipse in the mid-90s, left Chicago with $4,000 she had saved from working at a nightclub and headed west.
When she hit the end of the ten freeway, a left turn into Venice landed her in the middle of a creative circus where opportunity was everywhere. Her landlord, a soap opera actor, suggested she try extra and stand-in work to get her SAG card, and she dove right in, driving all over town with her trusty Thomas Guide.
Reinventing Herself in L.A.
Realizing that waiting tables and extra work wouldn’t cut it long-term, Melissa pivoted to skincare, enrolling in esthetic school. Working in dark, quiet rooms became a form of performance—intimate, therapeutic, and flexible enough to keep up with auditions and side gigs. It was in this phase that she met her husband, Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip started working at his practice, adding another layer to her evolving L.A. story.
Making Her Mark in Acting and Modeling
Melissa’s career has evolved in exciting ways over the years. She’s appeared in short films and is currently working on a biopic about Elizabeth Taylor. On the modeling side, she’s walked in both Los Angeles and New York Fashion Weeks, and this year she’s hosting red carpets for the Los Angeles Fashion Show. Melissa’s also an ambassador for the event, which is a role she’s thrilled about.
Giving back is close to Melissa’s heart. She volunteers with organizations that focus on feeding children who face food insecurity, both locally and in Africa. She also sponsors a young man named Vincent at the River Jordan Orphanage in Kenya and hopes to visit him someday.
Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip: The Art and Science of Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip’s path to becoming a plastic surgeon was driven by his love for both art and science. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Ip runs practices on Park Avenue in Manhattan, Beverly Hills, and Newport Beach, focusing on facial rejuvenation and breast and body surgery. He’s often featured in the media, from Entertainment Tonight to Page Six, for his expert take on the latest trends in plastic surgery.
Leading in Aesthetic Innovations
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Ip serves as the medical director of one of the busiest medspas in Southern California, offering the latest in non-surgical aesthetic treatments. His newest venture, the Fashion Island Surgery Center, is the largest outpatient plastic surgery center in Orange County and a training ground for future plastic surgeons—a clear sign of his commitment to the field.
A Dynamic Duo: Passion, Purpose, and Philanthropy
Together, Melissa and Dr. Ip form a powerhouse couple that blends creativity, medical expertise, and a deep commitment to giving back. They support various animal and medical charities and are currently working on several pre-production projects, reflecting their shared passion for fashion, acting, and philanthropy.
Courage and Creativity at the Heart of Their Success
Melissa and Dr. Ip’s journey is a reminder that L.A. is still the place where dreams can come true if you’re willing to put in the work. From Melissa’s creative projects to Dr. Ip’s surgical innovations, they’ve carved out a life that’s as inspiring as it is unique. As Melissa likes to say, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.”
With their drive, dedication, and generous spirit, Melissa Locke and Dr. T.Y. Steven Ip shows that the classic L.A. story is still very much alive—and theirs is just getting started.
Published by: Holy Minoza
