Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ealasia Stafford.
Hi Ashley Ealasia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the world of hair and beauty began as a creative calling from the moment I can remember. As a little girl, I was captivated by the artistry in music videos, the bold looks of ’80s and early 90’s icons, and the power of hair, nails, makeup, and fashion to convey personality. Hair, to me, is the ultimate storyteller, a vital element in expressing one’s entire aesthetic and character. That early fascination solidified in 1995 I was seven. Like most girls, I played with dolls, but I was obsessively styling their hair and even bravely cut my own bangs in pursuit of the perfect look. Watching those music videos, I felt a deep, instinctive certainty knowing in every fiber that I would one day be a part of the entertainment industry. In high school, that passion turned into my first entrepreneurial venture. I started doing my friends’ hair just for fun, until I realized I could make extra money by charging them $2 to curl their hair before the bell rang! My sister and I made a ritual of styling my hair every Sunday, ensuring I had a fresh look for the week. Hair has always been essential to how I present my fashion sense and personality to the world. Now, as I head into my nineteenth year as a professional hairstylist, my passion has only deepened. Through the ups and downs, I have never once considered giving up. This is the only career path I continue to choose. Early in my career, working in the early 2000s, I coined the saying: ‘Creating Hollywood stars in Houston.’ This phrase encapsulated my belief in where I was destined to be. I’ve always understood the power of manifestation, often repeating, ‘Harvest time is on the way.’ It’s an incredibly profound full-circle moment that I was on set as my son’s momager and met film producers of a short film titled Harvest. Meeting and keeping contact led to the opportunity to be hairstylist for my first feature film. The opportunity to be the Department Head Hairstylist the only hairstylist on the set of the feature film #worstchristmasever is the culmination of nearly two decades of dedication. I made sure to leave it all on the table, giving my absolute best work on set. It was truly surreal to be vibing and doing the hair for talented individuals like Tamela Jones, and to work with Bill Bellamy, a performer I grew up watching on TV in those very music videos that first inspired me—like Foxy Brown’s “Bad Mama Jama and the host of MTV jams.” It’s an amazing, humbling reminder of how life sometimes comes full circle. I’m incredibly optimistic and excited for the future. Reaching this significant career goal after almost 20 years proves that it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get to the dream, if God places the desire on your heart, it’s for a reason. Harvest time is definitely here.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I gained invaluable experience during cosmetology school, and while in school working as a shampoo apprentice at the highly reputable salon, The Root of you”. of who I have immense respect and love for the owners and my former coworkers there; I was soaking up knowledge and witnessing what true teamwork looked like in a thriving salon environment.
But facing personal adversity- the death of my father who was my only parent so early on solidified my drive to control my own destiny. I found myself instinctively gravitating toward entrepreneurship. Instead of seeking traditional employment, I chose to immediately build my own brand.
Just one year of graduating cosmetology school, I opened my own salon. This rapid transition was a testament to my determination—I was fueled by the need to create, to hustle, and to keep moving forward. I never quite allowed myself to be just an employee; I was always learning, but with an eye toward building my own vision. That early adversity is what instilled the intense work ethic and independence that defines my professional career to this day.”
But I do regret that. I don’t feel like I had anyone to tell me to crawl before I walk.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When a client steps into my salon, they are stepping into their personal sanctuary. My focus is always on healthy hair and scalp it’s what I’m known for, especially my signature shampoo service. I believe the start of beautiful hair is a clean, healthy foundation. Every appointment is a one-on-one experience I custom set the lighting and music to create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. We don’t do gossip here; we focus on uplifting each other and discussing our goals and future. I want every client leaving my chair feeling beautiful, refreshed, and restored. As I’m back home in Spring, Texas, after my time in Los Angeles, I am happily welcoming new clients to come and experience my unique approach.
How do you define success?
Success is what you want it to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyealasia.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulbeautifulashley/
Image Credits
Taja V Simpson, Shanti Lowry
