I started reading tarot cards in 2018, after a close friend encouraged me to do so.  My friend, Erika, a psychic tarot reader, pointed out to me during a session that I had strong intuition, and that reading cards would be a great way to further strengthen it.   Later that year, another friend of mine gifted me my very first tarot deck.

When I started on my journey, I primarily used tarot as a tool to better understand my relationships with friends, co-workers, and romantic partners.  In 2019, I started my Instagram page, @melissadolltarot (now EmpoweredGemsTarot), where my passion for pick-a-card readings began.  In 2020, I joined an online tarot community where I was able to connect with other readers, and practice performing readings for clients all across the globe.  This is also the year that I started my YouTube channel, Tarot by Melissa. (Now rebranded to Empowered Gems Tarot).

My ultimate goal with tarot is to help my clients to strengthen and trust their own intuition.  Rather than focusing on "what will happen in the future," I strive to provide readings that empower my clients to create their future, and to walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves.