Meet Long Beach / Lakewood Area Hairstylist: Ashley Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Brown.

Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve wanted to be a hairstylist since the age of seven years old. I was raised by a single father, so at some point doing my own hair came natural to me. I often made my own money as a teen, braiding hair after school and on weekends. My father did not encourage me to be a stylist. He actually thought I should have become a lawyer, but my love for styling at never died.

Becoming an adult came with adult responsibilities. I worked as medical biller. I got married & shortly after, became a mommy. All the while, I styled all of my friends & family’s hair, for extra money and to feed my passion.

My daughter gave me a strong sense of inspiration. At 25, I made the decision that anything I ever wanted to do, whether I succeeded, or whether I failed, I was going to try! I wanted to make a great life because I had her. I went into cosmetology school at 25 years old. I worked 8 hours a day Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 p.m. and I went to school for three years, part time, from 5:30 to 10:30 at night Monday thru Thursday. I was spread so thin. I had a very busy schedule and I had to be very focused & dedicated. I learned a valuable lesson in keeping momentum, and I would say that is the most important thing in a career like this is. Being stagnant will be your demise. You have to keep up; its easier to keep up than it is to catch up (wise words of my father). For that reason, I’m always willing to learn, always having a open mind, and invest in myself through education. I love to keep creating and I do so through testing with other professionals, like photographers and makeup artists, to keep my creative juices flowing. Creativity is a very important part of who I am.

I am now 31, and I’ve been fully self employed for 2 years. In that time, my styles have been featured on blogs, I’ve organized great photo shoots, I’ve been a key hair stylist on a motion picture, and worked with a several well known celebrities on that project.

All because I saw the vision, and stepped out on faith….

Has it been a smooth road?
It wasn’t smooth at all. I wish I had started in the industry straight out if high school. Reason being, I became accustom to bring paid bi-weekly. I relied on my job to pay me without fail. It was difficult to transition into being self employed. I didn’t want to fail my household. I couldn’t build a clientele working part time. I guess it was the fear of the unknown. So in reality, my challenge was my own fear.

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
Ironically, I was a Tom-boy. Being raised by a hard working, single father, naturally I was a little more rough than the average girl (or boy Lol). But for this same reason, I was more independent, and I’ve always been a go better. I knew at an early age, that I had to work hard like my dad, and make things happen, like my dad.

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
I used to love when my dad took me to carnivals. My favorite memory was going down this huge yellow slide.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to use my social media platforms to open a couple successful, self-sustaining businesses. Ideally, I could use the additional income to start a great investment portfolio for my future and to leave my imprint on the industry. I’d also like to host annual women empowerment events to encourage women to love themselves, support one another, network with one another, and build successful careers. Because I know, apart of my willingness to persevere, was the result of a more seasoned women planting a seed in my spirit. A seed that told me, that “I could.” That kept me going, and I want to do the same for others.

Pricing:

• Press & Flat Iron $60
• Cornrow Braids $70 & up
• Weave $200

Contact Info:

• Website:StyleSeat.com/ashleybrownprostylist
• Phone:424-266-8440
• Email:[email protected]
• Instagram:Ashley_brown_pro_stylist
• Facebook:Ashley Brown Professional Stylist