Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Flores.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first opened up Gold on Grand Salon in the Spring of 2013. I was living in Downtown LA and loved how the area was rapidly shifting into a dynamic urban landscape. Even though there were plenty of restaurants and bars, Downtown had a lack of personal service businesses. I was looking for the perfect urban retreat for locals to pamper themselves without having to leave the city. I was fortunate enough to find the perfect space inside the historic Collection Building (formally the Brack Shops) which houses some amazing architecture and design groups. In the years leading up to opening the salon, I worked on the Davines national creative team, traveling and educating stylists on upcoming hair trends and techniques. I also had the opportunity to work alongside incredible directors and performers on a number of music videos and photoshoots.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the obvious answer to this question would be the Covid-19 pandemic. Couple that with signing a new lease and starting a salon expansion in February 2020, the build-out and our reopening took a lot longer than anticipated. All that aside, if I were to reflect upon the past nine years as a small business owner, I have to say I feel extremely lucky. I have the most talented and creative staff, a thriving and diverse clientele, and a bird’s eye view (literally and figuratively) of DTLA’s ever-changing landscape.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always had a passion for architecture and design. When I expanded the salon in 2020, my husband and I built the furniture and did all the interior design ourselves. It was a fun challenge to create a beautiful and functional space that also represented my style and personality. Hair, for me, is a lot like architecture. Lines, shadows and textures can create structure and balance. Producing an end product that fits our clients’ personality and aesthetic is challenging but rewarding work and I’m honored to be the one they trust to do it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve been so fortunate to work with some very successful and creative people along the way. The beauty industry is full of people who support one another and I love collaborating with other professionals in the industry who value creativity and inspire me to push my boundaries. As far as creating a successful network, finding others who share your vision and work ethic and collaborating on projects outside the salon can be very beneficial.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.goldongrandsalon.com
- Instagram: goldongrandsalon
