Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Smith.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always wanted to do hair ever since I was younger but I kept running from it because of how people tried to get over. I went to school in New Orleans and Dallas, I went thru a rough time and lost everything (I was even a water girl at lowes), picking myself up was one of the hardest things in my life. So, I got a job at Ulta and decided ill b here forever, back in my head, I wanted to own my own shop but was scared so I just settled for management. But ownership has always been a passion so I decided to keep going, so I took the leap and just went for it. Best decision of my life and not just for me but I had to show my kids the meaning of a “go-getter” and to follow your dreams by any means necessary.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a lot of obstacles and many of them had me wanting to give up. One, in particular, as I originally started with two females I really thought of as sisters and it lasted for about a month, the business and friendship. So, I left and went solo, wanted to give up because it hurt so bad. I was terrified to be doing it alone but God said, I wasn’t alone and to just trust him. So, I did, having the support of family is serious, my kids and mother were amazing. So, my advice would be to never give up on ya dream, and keep positive people around you.
Please tell us about DevelopHER Hair Studio.
I am a healthy hair stylist, I absolutely love doing color and cuts which is a specialty of mines. It’s very liberating to turn the client around and see the joy on their face because u took the beauty to a whole nother level. Which is why I say I’m “enhancing beauty one chair turn at a time” I love the feeling and the smiles on their faces. I also created an oil which was named after my daughter called IRIR’ Oil, it helps with growth, dandruff, itchy scalp, lice, eyebrows, etc. and also it helps keep hair shiny and healthy. It’s for every ethnicity and men, kids and women can use it.
Who have you been inspired by?
My mother… she is my shero, my everything.
I have seen her take care of four kids alone and always gave us what we need. I’m pretty sure it was hard for her but she never showed it, she is a real champ and I love her so much.
Another one is Michelle Obama, I mean she is just wonderful, she showed us young ladies that anything is possible if you believe. Also, we are all beautiful and God loves us all.
Contact Info:
- Address: 17194 preston rd ste 151 studio 129 Dallas, TX 75248
- Website: www.developherhairstudio.com
- Phone: 2143171660
- Email: developherhairstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: Develop_herhairstudio
Image Credit:
Ashley Smith
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
