Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Reeves.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started when I moved to Arlington to be close to my ailing father at the age of 21. We were sitting together watching TV, and a commercial came on about being a hairdresser and it piqued my drop-out-of-college-lets-be-a-bartender-my-whole-life interest. I was going nowhere fast, but this seemed to give me new life and a new ‘want’ if you will. I attended OGLE here in Arlington Texas during the day, bartended at night, and managed to care for my dad with the help of my siblings and aunts. He ended up dying the day I passed my cosmetology test in Austin. I was in the middle of cutting my best friend’s hair after the test (she was my model) and I got a call from my mom that my dad was found. I drove the 3+ hours back to Arlington calling his phone and leaving message after message. That’s when my life and mindset changed. I knew no one was going to take care of me so I intended on taking care of myself. There is something about death that makes you want to live differently.
I ended up working at a little shop for the first 4 years as an hourly/assistant type position and learned my craft by one of the best here in Arlington, BJ Norwood at Norwood and Company. He mentored me, was my friend, and most importantly showed me that there is more than just the hair when someone sits in your chair and allows you in. Its life shared. It’s moments of joy and pain and allowing yourself and others to be close. It’s the detail work. It’s the conversation, the shampoo, the atmosphere, the CARE. The amazing hair is just a bonus. That’s how I was taught to be a hairdresser. That’s how I teach mine now – the detail work. The care of the guest. It makes all the difference.
When I met my husband some years later, he played golf professionally and the hourly 9-5 position didn’t work for me anymore, so I eventually ended up going to lease a space and did that for the past 12 years. I would work like crazy for 2 weeks only to take the 3rd week of every month off to travel to my husband and carry his golf bag in his tournaments. It was a crazy life, but something we treasured. Then kids came and we now have 2 gloriously wrecked humans – Wyatt, age 8, and Ellie, age 6. They are the reason 9 to 5’s hardly work in this industry. They are the reason hairdressing hours are during school hours. Being a working mom is a privilege and my clients have absolutely stood by me at all times when it ever came down to needing to move or cancel due to kids schedules etc. The clients are the real ones.
In 2020 the world changed. I was thankful to have been a part of this whole pandemic because it has changed everything and everyone around me. It has strengthened relationships and hurt others. To me, it’s almost been the fire of purification of what actually matters and what matters not. I started feeling like I wanted more out of my hair life for what seemed like many years ago. I’ve probably looked at over 25 spaces to try and see if I could make something work for an open concept/lease/hybrid space. I finally found that space in January of last year, 2021 in the heart of Arlington in a little town called Pantego and let me tell you, we are bringing LIFE to it. We are connecting, networking, and LOVING this little community. I know God has placed me here, will challenge me here, and will continue to show me the WHY of being here. It’s for the people. Because it’s always been about people. When it stops being about them, then you know you’re in it for the wrong reason.
So here we are full circle. Ash + company Hairdressing. a 12 chair, open concept lease/commission/hourly hybrid salon. I have hairdressers on hourly, commission, and some that lease. It’s the best of both worlds because I know how hard it can be to manage life, hair life, kid life, family life, and then need an oil change on top of it so flexibility is KEY. The key to my success and key to your success. We have to be able to interchange the hat-wearing at any time. Because going with the flow is really our only option here. And that’s what we do. We hairdressers are go-with-the-flow-ers. And we couldn’t have it any other way.
I thank God. Jesus. My Dad and his death. My family who put up with me during all these years. My husband. My in-laws. They have all been a part of this vision and dream. I’m excited for tomorrow and whatever hat it brings – I’ll wear it proudly.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
SMOOTH? heck no! There’s a bump every day. A deep sigh is a must. You must expect the bumps. That’s the secret.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In a hairdressing world of “specialists” – I really like to be a generalist. I like doing everything. Haircutting, Men’s cuts, balayage, grey hair, blonding, bronding, brunette-ing, vivids, extensions, etc. I feel like I have perfected all of these areas because if I’m going to offer it – I better be the best at it,
What sets me apart it the way I connect with guests. This industry is all about the finished product and how many likes it gets. That is absolutely fabulous and has value in its own way, but my aim is to make you feel like a damn King or Queen. Like you’re the only human in the room. It gets a little more tough to do this when there is SO MUCH to do around the salon, but there are ways in which you can connect without spending every moment with your guest as well. It’s also how I teach my assistants. The photo at the end is great and amazing – but the internet is a second-by-second scroll thru. The way you make someone feel is what keeps them in your chair decade after decade.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I watch a TON of videos from Anh Co Tran. His cuts are supreme. I feel like I can see something and copy it immediately. I also watch a lot of Johnny Ramirez videos as well and his lived-in coloring. We strive for modern-day hair, but also what ultimately works for one person, doesn’t work for the next so I like to change the way I color on almost every head of hair. All the in-person classes are fun as well
Pricing:
- lived in balayage starts at $250
- Cuts $80-$100
- full highlight $250
- assistant/new talent pricing as well
- other stylists pricing is lower
Contact Info:
- Email: ash.ashandco@outlook.com
- Instagram: @ash.and.company @ashdoesmyhair_
- Facebook: ash and company hairdressing
Image Credits:
Sarah Sherrill
