Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Brown.
Sasha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my journey back in 2007, where I attended Ogles School of Hair, Skin, and Nails in Arlington, Texas. At the time, I was working full time and going to school for nursing. I have always been into art and being creative, it was something no one in my family at the time did. My mom would always joke and say, “Well, you didn’t get that from my side of the family.” Since I worked and lived on my own, I went to school part time in the evenings for two years. It was a long two years, but definitely worth the sacrifices.
It wasn’t until 2013 that I actually started working in a salon. I was comfortable in my then job and was not confident in the career I wanted to pursue. I took a leap of faith and followed after my passion – all things hair and makeup. I’m very grateful towards the salon manager who hired me at the time, willing to teach and guide me.
I’ve now been in the industry for five years and love it. I love the challenges I face because it makes me a better Cosmetologist. I truly have a passion for growing in this field and building relationships with my clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
This path I’ve commenced on has not been easy. It does take a few years to really build up a steady, well-established clientele. I’ll be honest, there have been times when I’ve thought about switching careers so I could make more money. But there is something my husband said to me and it’s always stuck with me. He said, “Love what you do first and the money will follow.” My goal is not necessarily to make X amount of money, but more so to invest it in my children’s future and to help better our family.
I’ve had to learn a lot of patience throughout the struggles I’ve faced during my journey. I’ve had two children in the last five years and each time I’ve come back from maternity leave, I lost clients. There were times I got discouraged and wanted to give up, but I stayed positive and worked hard. Now I have gained so many new clients and still continue to take on new clientele.
When life happens and is busy, do not give up. Stay focused on your goal. Find a good personal and career life balance. It makes all the difference. There will be challenges along the way, it’s not a matter of how many we face, but how we deal with them. Use the struggles to advance yourself and allow any feedback to further your career. Do not allow your passion to wither away. This has been my biggest struggle. Remember why you want to be here. Surround yourself with other passionate and positive people in the industry. I’m grateful to work with an awesome, super talented team who helps and encourages one another.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Artistry By Sasha Marie story. Tell us more about the business.
I offer any type of hair coloring service. For example, highlights, balayage, all over colors, and fashion/vibrant colors. I love doing haircuts, whether they are short and textured, long and layered, or asymmetrical and fun. I also offer tape in extensions, makeup services, and Keratin Complex smoothing service.
My area of expertise would be hair coloring, haircuts, and bridal makeup.
I am most proud of the relationships I build with my clients as well as being an expert on what is best for their hair or what will compliment their features for their big day. It is important to me to build that with them so they feel special every time they sit in my chair. I don’t want myself to get into a monotonous routine of shuffling clients in and out and losing that passion of why I am there. Without those loyal clients, I would not be where I am today.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Network through social media or find someone in your industry that is willing to teach and guide you. Social media is a great platform to find other motivated women in the same career field. I recently started an Instagram page to showcase my work and have also networked with other stylists, which motivates me to advance further.
Do not be afraid to reach out to others and ask for help or advice. I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything about everything in my career. I love learning and growing as a stylist and I always take something from each person who has been willing to help me grow. As women, we need to encourage and empower one another, especially in a world where we can be so competitive and negative. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals.
Pricing:
- Haircut & Style $50
- Full Highlights/Balayage starting at $140
- Full face makeup applications $60
- All over color starting at $75
- Smoothing Keratin treatment starting at $179
Contact Info:
- Address: The Salon at Ulta Beauty
3000 S. Hulen St. Suite 130
Fort Worth, TX 76109 - Website: https://www.ulta.com/bookonline/?siteid=fe65d291-1b12-dd11-a234-0050563fff01
- Phone: 817-292-9575
- Email: ArtistrybySashaMarie@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artistrybysashamarie
Image Credit:
Sarah Powell Photography, Liesl Claire Photography, Lion Heart Image
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