We recently had the chance to connect with Ashley Ponce and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Wooo! A normal day for me right now is hectic. I wake up around 7:30am because I have a 1 year old baby girl that is up ready for the day. We wake up make breakfast, let the dogs out, eat, get dressed and out the door to drop her off at her sitter and be on my way to work by 11am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley P. and I am one of the founders of TRU Studios a growing beauty hub based in the Dallas/Richardson area. I specialize in creating elevated, modern, and professional workspaces for beauty professionals including lash artists, nail techs, estheticians, MUAs, barbers, and more to build, scale, and showcase their brands.
What makes ourbrand unique is our commitment to more than just renting suites—we cultivate an environment of luxury, community, and opportunity. I’ve experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to break into the beauty industry without support, so I built a space that not only feels good to work in, but also makes our tenants feel seen, valued, and empowered. Our studios are intentionally designed to inspire creativity, encourage collaboration, and give beauty professionals the confidence and resources to grow their clientele and income.
My journey started as a lash artist 9 years ago with a vision much bigger than the chair I was working from. Over time, that vision transformed into opening full-service beauty locations, expanding opportunities for others, and creating a brand that represents quality, consistency, and elevation. Today, I’m continuing to build a community where beauty professionals can thrive whether they’re just starting out or ready to take their business to the next level.
We’re currently expanding our studio offerings, enhancing our training opportunities, and building a network that supports beauty entrepreneurs in every stage of their journey. TRU Studios is more than a place to work it’s a place to grow and glow.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mom and my aunt Yvonne. The most hardworking, single mothers, independent women I’ve ever known, they worked and got stuff done no matter the circumstances.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! In 2020 when one of my ex boyfriends passed, I lost my drive to want to do lashes. Again in 2023 I saw some of the darkest days in my life, I was reconsidering what I really wanted to do, business started slowing down as well, with the economy being so bad.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that what matters to me most is growth, loyalty, and purpose. They know I’m someone who doesn’t just dream I execute. They’d say I care deeply about creating a better life for myself and my family, and that I put my heart into everything I build.
They’d probably mention that I’m passionate about elevating others, especially women in business, and that I’m always pushing the people around me to believe in themselves, think bigger, and refuse to settle. They see how much I value independence, stability, and having something of my own, and how I don’t take shortcuts I’d rather build it brick by brick and do it the right way.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people will most misunderstand about my legacy is that they’ll assume it was built on aesthetics, ambition, or “wanting more,” when in reality, it’s always been about purpose, survival, and transformation. From the outside, it may look like I’m focused on business moves, beauty studios, and creating a luxury experience but those things are simply the vehicles. The true mission is much deeper.
Some will think my legacy is about success or money, but what they may not realize is that my drive was never about proving anything to the world it was about proving to myself that I could take every setback, every no, every door that was never opened for me, and build my own. My legacy isn’t about being self-made it’s about being self-determined
Contact Info:
- Website: https://richgirllashes.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trustudios?igsh=MTBwMDB3aWgzOW4wOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cs2V9RwZF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
