Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Johnson
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello My Name is Ashley the Owner of #ShèBraids, I am a now home based braider located in Fort Worth,TX from Shreveport Louisiana,I learned to braid at the age of 9,by the age of 12 I was braiding others hair,by 13 they were paying me to braid their hair. Over the years I randomly braided here and there but by the year of 2014 I tried to take it on full time,it didn’t work out too well,I started back in 2016 the year my mom passed. With my mothers death and my determination to make others feel beautiful I chose entrepreneurship in 2018 and left my job to take on braiding full time.Ove rather years i learned new styles and techniques and my business grew abundantly. By the year of 2020 I opened a braiding shop me and my business partner and went on there until we moved here to the state of Texas.Im still thriving but im trying to grow and spread my wings a bit wider here in Texas
Alright, 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?
Definitely not smooth,from building you clientele you have to be on top of your communication skills so if your not a social person that may be something that youll work hard on. Working at home and having different people in your home and personal space.To owing your own shop and learning to control your earnings, learning strategic bill paying. The biggest challenge was the pandemic COVID, no earnings no potential earnings,and then having to shut down with no income was a scare.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional versatile braider I braid men,women and kids of a certain age. I specialize in the man bun style and desgin braiding. I’m most proud of what is attached to my name for referrals,determination my skillset they know ill ace the style,my communication skills I try my best to communicate appropriately with each person even those whom are just inquiring for the moment. I’m most proud of my growth within the industry all the wonderful people I’ve came in contact with. what sets me apart is i am a left handed braider. So some of my braid styles make look a tad bit different from others.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For mentorship as far as me I recommend getting with someone in the industry whom is a bit more experienced than you. Someone whom can guide you appropriately depending on what you may be trying to specialize in. Networking in general just get out and be yourself,networking can take place anywhere in a restaurant when your having dinner, in an outside event that you may be apart of but mostly keeping business cards on you or even making a digital business card people are different and you want to be able to reach all audiences. I’m a people person so being out works well for me,I network online also create you a business page for at least one social network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shebraids.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_she_br8ds
Image Credits
Dr Joslin is the to credit for this great opportunity in this magazine,,I thank you.
