Rising Stars: Meet Ashley Alvarez of Whittier

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

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, my life was split between two worlds. I spent part of my childhood with my great-grandma, who was very strict and structured, and the other part with my mom’s mom, who worked long hours and was more laid back. My great-grandma believed in discipline, routine, and hard work, while my other grandma left early in the morning and came home late at night just trying to provide. That meant we mostly raised ourselves.

As the oldest, I naturally took on the “mother role” — keeping everyone together even when I was still a kid myself. The neighborhood I grew up in was surrounded by gang and drug activity. I saw a lot of things I didn’t want to be part of, and I learned early who I didn’t want to become. The biggest lessons came from watching my grandmas — they both worked long, hard hours without complaining. They taught me that if you want something, you work until you get it.

By the time I was 20, I had my son. Becoming a mom changed everything. I couldn’t just drift through life anymore — I had someone depending on me 24/7. I didn’t have a roadmap, no real role models to fall back on, but I knew I had to break the cycle and create something better for us.

When my son was about three, I decided to enroll in beauty school at Marinello. I had always loved doing hair — the creativity, the transformation, and the way it could make people feel good about themselves. It started with doing my own hair in fun colors, even before I knew the “right” way to do it. I loved how it made me feel, and I wanted others to feel that same confidence.

After beauty school, I juggled retail jobs, motherhood, and side hair clients. I took a refresher course in 2013 to build my confidence again and started doing house calls while working at Sephora. Eventually, I went all in — completing my barber crossover and returning to the salon full-time. That’s when my career truly started to grow.

Today, I’m proud of the woman I’ve become. My younger self would look at me and say, “Wow — she really made it through.” I’ve overcome so much and still show up every day doing what I love. My children are my biggest motivation; I tell them, “Keep going until you can’t anymore, and if it makes you happy, don’t stop.”

If someone from where I came from is reading this, I want them to know: You don’t have to be a product of your environment. You can write your own story. Where you came from doesn’t define where you’re going — and your story might be the one that inspires someone else to keep pushing. Don’t be embarrassed by your past, because your future is so much bigger. You got this

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been anything but a smooth road. I came from an environment where structure was rare and guidance was something you had to find on your own. I didn’t have role models showing me how to build a stable life — I had to teach myself everything, from how to be a mom to how to build a career and stay focused when life got tough.

Over the years, I became a mother of three — my oldest is 20, my middle child is 12, and my youngest is 5. Becoming a mom so young changed everything for me. I had to grow up fast and figure out how to build a better life for my family, even when I didn’t have all the answers. I went through marriage, love, heartbreak, and eventually a separation. My husband was once my biggest supporter and a huge influence on me, but when that chapter ended, I had to find my strength all over again.

There were times I struggled mentally, emotionally, and financially. Times I felt lost or like I was starting from zero. But quitting was never an option — not when I had three little faces looking up at me, depending on me. I kept going because I wanted them to see that even when life falls apart, you can rebuild it stronger than before.

Now, I share my story with my clients because I want them to know they’re not alone. Everyone goes through things — heartbreak, loss, setbacks — but it doesn’t have to define you. You can rewrite your story, rebuild your life, and still become everything you dreamed of being.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist crossover barber who loves helping people look and feel their best. I specialize in men’s hair, women’s extensions, and precision haircutting — basically, anything that involves transformation and confidence. I love the creative side of what I do, but what really drives me is the emotional part — the way someone’s whole energy can shift after sitting in my chair.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in this industry. I didn’t just fall into hair — I built my way here through hard work, late nights, and never giving up. I’ve learned to balance being a mom of three with growing my craft, teaching classes, and continuing to evolve as a stylist. Every client that sits in my chair gets more than a service — they get someone who genuinely cares about them, listens, and reminds them they’re worth feeling good about themselves.

What sets me apart is my connection to people. My clients don’t just come to me for a haircut or extensions; they come for an experience — a safe, positive space where they can relax and leave feeling renewed. I’m open about my own story because I want people to know that beauty isn’t just on the outside — it’s about growth, healing, and confidence. I take pride in giving people a reason to smile again.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by booking hair or makeup services, attending one of my styling or extension classes, or collaborating on creative projects like photoshoots or bridal events. I’m based at Salon Artistry Lounge in Whittier, California, where I offer men’s and women’s haircuts, color, makeup, and special event styling.

The best way to support me is by referring new clients, sharing my work, or connecting with me on Instagram to follow my journey and see my latest transformations. Every message, repost, or word of encouragement truly helps me grow and continue doing what I love — helping people feel confident and beautiful.

And any student or professional that would like to Collab can reach me by phone or on my Instagram @Hair_hustler_Jae

Pricing:

• Hair cut $75
• Full color $180
• Men’s cut $45

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Hair_hustler_Jae
• Other: https://salonartistrylounge.glossgenius.com/