Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Nichole White.
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?
It all started as a little girl. It’s like it was meant to be. I first watched my mom braid me and my little sister’s hair. From there it was my aunt who was a licensed cosmetologist and also a shop owner. I could remember traveling to her salon located near the NRG stadium off Stella Link. Of course, Saturday’s was a very busy day for any beauty shop, so you were liable to walk into anything. One thing that caught my eye was just the vibe, the conversations, the laughs, and most importantly the smell of the curling irons and spritz LOL! I can remember saying man I want to be just like my aunt when I grow up. In the 3rd grade is when I begin to fiddle and mess with my own hair, even having my first client in my apartment complex. I would go and shampoo Ms. Ella’s hair and grease her scalp afterwards. From there, I began to braid.
When I was in the 7th grade, I can remember charging to do freestyle braids. When I got to high school, I styled my hair all throughout while getting multiple compliments. While high school started off a little rocky for me, I was not able to take up cosmetology. Once I graduated, I attended Remington college years after and successfully obtained my cosmetology license in October of 2014. I am now CEO of The ashSLAYsuite and Wig’n With Ash Wigs. I am now attending Houston Community College to receive my AAS degree In Social Science and Human Services and Cosmetology Instructor License. I plan to go back to my Alma Mater Douglas MacArthur High School to be their cosmetology instructor.
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?
This has definitely not been a smooth road. I have wanted to give up multiple times but with the love and support from family and friends to keep going is what pushed me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a stylist that specializes in weaves, quick-weaves, coloring, but most of all my machine-sewn wigs. My wigs started off being hand sewn to now being made on the sewing machine, which creates longevity for your wig. I believe being affordable is what sets me apart from others. I’ve always said I wanted to be able to cater to everyone’s pockets. Growing up, I was one that was not able to sit in a stylist chair very often, only for special occasions. So my goal was to be able to offer prices that was comfortable for everyone’s pockets.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Instagram is a social media platform that keeps my undivided attention. It keeps me on my toes. Some of the best stylists are there from @iamalonzoarnold @thehairdiagram and the oh so talented @theofficialrazorchic. They keep me up on the latest and greatest. It’s where I get a lot of my creativity from.
Contact Info:
- Email: Wignwithash@gmail.com
- Website: https://wignwithashley.as.me/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_ashslay_suite
