An Inspired Chat with Ashley Jade

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Jade. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Ashley Jade, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I love this question, because I’ve been into miniature crafts lately with my daughter. We have been completely submerged in the world of anything mini sized, and we have not yet found any willingness to get out of our current obsession with Polly pockets, mini brands, and creating tiny homes. It’s actually quite interesting that we’re so into it because my sister and the rest of my little nieces also love miniature things.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello everyone, my name is Ashley Jade. First of all, I am a mother to a bright and hilarious little girl named Ava. Second, I am a studio salon owner who specializes in blonding (balayage and highlights) as well as special event make up. I have just recently opened my hair and make up studio in Pasadena, California. My passion as a hair and make up artist is fueled by how I can help assist others on how to look and feel their absolute best every time they see their own reflection in the mirror.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment in my life that changed my perspective on how I see the world was the day I found out I was finally going to become a mother. It was a monumental moment which changed how I viewed myself and the world I lived in, mainly because it was difficult for me to have a child while the women in my life couldn’t relate. The journey to becoming a mother was a lonely road of silence, deep self reflection and isolation. Grieving the loss of my first child was a pain I thought I would never be able to heal from, let alone trying to find the light in me again felt impossible. While everyone around me was focused on their own day to day stressors, I was silently battling a deep fear of possibly never being able to become a mother in this lifetime. This moment in my life taught me how powerful our mind can be when we focus on healing and self acceptance. That the less we try to control an outcome, the more authentic our lives turn out to be. It was a dark time, it was life changing, and it was the most illuminating lesson that truly shaped how I now see the world, and how I choose to continuously nurture my mental health and physical health.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This is a loaded question, which in this case I have a loaded answer.

I think pain and suffering teaches us more about life than happiness ever could. It teaches us to slow down and reflect on how we want to pivot. I’ve had so many moments where I have had to ask myself; “Do I even WANT to pivot?”
It’s never a good feeling to feel bad about yourself, or have something upsetting happen to you. The real lesson is how you grow from the experience life is forcing you to overcome. Grief, betrayal, and loneliness has taught me that prayer and journaling is powerful. That the journey back to self is still possible. And that is by facing the pain and endings we don’t see coming head on. The audacity to sit still with yourself, in your own silence, while the world is constantly screaming for your attention, is an art all in itself. Suffering teaches us to slow down and be present with what our nervous system is asking us to notice in our bodies. How can we truly enjoy success in our lives when we aren’t capable of slowing down and processing those pivotal moments life throws, especially the ones that feel painful? Whether it be a positive or negative situation, suffering reoccurs when self reflection is swept under the rug. It may not be visible on the surface, but you know it’s waiting for you every time that rug shifts on the floor. Slow down, process, and reframe before pivoting – thats the lesson that suffering has taught me.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Quality time and being present matters so much to me. I am that one friend in the group who has food ready in the kitchen in the event anyone drops by. I’m ready to hear about your day. It could be anywhere from losing your mind in traffic, to celebrating your most recent achievement at work. I enjoy good conversation, and I can conversate well with anyone about almost anything. The gift of giving your undivided attention to the people in your life is so important, because connection can be a healing tool when you fully open yourself up to someone.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I would love for my clients and I to still keep in touch. That, or I befriend each and every one of them even after being their hairstylist. While I may be their hairdresser, we continuously exchange our life experiences with each other during every salon visit. Being a hairstylist doesn’t only mean doing the clients hair. We grow with our clients, and we share life’s ups and downs with each other. I would like to think that my clients would miss our deep conversations, be empowered by the tears we let each other witness during challenging times, and the overall authenticity of their salon visits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.ashleyjadeartistry.com
• Instagram: ashleyjadeartistry
• Facebook: ashleyjadeartistry
• Yelp: ashleyjadeartistry
• Other: Pintrest @ashleyjadeartistry
  Email: [email protected]