We recently had the chance to connect with Ashlyn Lea and have shared our conversation below.
Ashlyn, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I recently had a client come in for her routine appointment — she’s someone who always pre-books. During our time together, we ended up talking about her recent move and some personal milestones she had reached. It really made me appreciate the kind of relationships I’ve built with my clients. Moments like that remind me how special it is to have people who feel comfortable enough to share their lives with me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Ashlyn — a lived-in color specialist and stylist focused on effortless, low-maintenance hair that grows out beautifully. I’m all about creating a chill, intentional space where clients feel genuinely comfortable and confident — like the best version of themselves.
What makes my brand special is the connection I build with my clients. It’s more than just hair — it’s about trust, authenticity, and making people feel good from the inside out. Right now, I’m focused on refining my craft, growing my community, and creating a more balanced, intentional way of doing business.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In my first year as a hairstylist, a client came in for her usual cut and color. A few days after her appointment, she reached out and told me that her best friend had just passed away. Even though she was grieving, she said she really appreciated being in my chair — it gave her a moment of peace and a break from all the sorrow-filled conversations she’d been having. That moment has always stuck with me. It reminded me that what we do goes beyond hair — sometimes, we’re creating space for comfort, connection, and just a little bit of relief.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her, “You don’t have to have it all figured out right away — you’re doing better than you think.” When I first started doing hair, I was so hard on myself and constantly second-guessing if I was good enough. But every client, every mistake, and every win taught me something. I’d remind her that the growth will come — and one day, she’ll build something really special by just showing up, staying passionate, and trusting her path.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Honestly, one of the biggest lies in the hair industry is that fast, trendy services and flashy transformations are what clients really want. But from my experience, focusing on healthy, sustainable hair and really personalized care is way more important — even if it’s not the quickest or flashiest option. Another thing people forget is that hairstyling isn’t just about the final look. The whole experience matters — the trust, the vibe between stylist and client — because that’s what builds real confidence and keeps people coming back. If we ignore that, we’re missing the point.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I get so giddy when people find me on social media and tell me they trust my opinion and my work. That kind of trust means everything.
When I first started out, I was scared to fully trust my own judgment. I’d let overly picky clients control every little detail — even down to how I weaved or sliced a piece of hair. It was frustrating and made me second-guess myself constantly. But now, I have clients who truly value my expertise and trust me to do what I do best. That trust has completely changed how I show up for my work and how much joy I get from it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://niceashblonde.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niceashblonde/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BthahTnQY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Me and Raven Paulin! Her Instagram is @twelvedesign.co
