Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ferguson.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My mother is a hairstylist and people would always tell me I’d be a hairstylist one day! I told them no, I’d do my own thing! I graduated from high school, then went to college at UNT in Denton. After I finished college I went to the Navy. I served for eight yrs! I came home and wanted to work for the FBI! They rejected me due to student loan debt increasing my debt to income ratio! I was crushed! Along the way from high school, through college and even in the military I always styled hair! It was a talent and a hobby! I guess you could say I was bred for it… it’s in my blood! I never wanted to make it a career because I thought I’d get burned out!
One day, after getting fired from like a 3rd job my boyfriend at the time suggested I go to beauty school since I could never be on time for our dates due to doing hair out of my apartment! I scoffed at the idea and about a month later he had convinced me to enroll. From there I fell in love all over again! I worked at a couple salons that taught me the do’s and don’ts of running a salon. God gave me a dream upon my departure of the last salon.
In this dream he gave me a name and a vision for my salon. Then I ventured out on my own to brand my mini salon! I centered it around education because I love sharing knowledge about my craft! It was very hard learning everything practically on my own after being let down by other salon owners who promised to invest in my continuing education while I worked commission for them! So, I wanted to pay it forward and spread what I know and have learned from this industry! It’s been ten hrs and I am working diligently to make the entire vision come to pass! I can’t wait to reveal it all in the very near future!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Financing has been a struggle but I’ve learned to reinvest in myself and my brand instead of trying to look the part. Another struggle has been being a single mom. My mother missed a lot of my games and activities due to working late nights. I now see why but I have a great support system and I’m sure to schedule off for my daughter’s extracurricular activities!
Lastly, the beauty industry can be very cliquey and vain… I have worked to separate myself from drama. I want to network but I find that there aren’t many genuine peers out there! I do have a few stylists that are close to my heart and have built healthy relationships with.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The YOUniversity of Hair – what should we know?
The YOUniversity of Hair is an educational, full-service mini salon! I specialize in healthy hair above all else, wigs, weaves, natural hair, braids and color! I think I’m known for educating my clients! This is what I’m most proud of and what sets me apart! No question goes unanswered! If I don’t know the answer, which rarely happens because I stay up countless hours studying and reading, I will go find it! My clients always say they were lead to me by God and I solidified the selection by how knowledgeable I am about my craft! I do weekly bell ringers on my IG page to educate my clients, potential clients and other stylists!
Oh, and when I say full service I mean you DO NOT have to come shampooed! I like working in a fresh canvas I have prepped!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I haven’t had any formal mentors but I like to think of my stylist friends as my support system/mentors we give each other advice and cheer each other on!
They are my mother, Portia Lacy.
Latoya Logan of the Latoya Logan Collection and owner of LSL Hair Studio.
Jasmine McClelland owner of Safari Beauty Lab.
And many more.
My daughter Wynter is my biggest fan and cheerleader! Her father, Marcus. makes sure that when I’m not available he is right there with the assist! My aunt is the head of my village…
My friend Thomas who is always available to bounce ideas off of.
My friend and business partner Dyneisha Bell for always expecting better from me!
All my friends who believe in me and show me with their money!
Without the push from my ex, I may not be on this path. He knows who he is.
Every single last one of my clients!
I’d like to give special thanks to my client Jessica German who designed my logos, forms and any other digital media.
Pricing:
- Sew-ins start are $175
- Wig installs start at $149
- Braids start at $150
- Color starts at $75
- Natural styles start at $65
Contact Info:
- Address: 4909 W Park Blvd
Ste 157
Plano, TX 75903 - Website: www.theyouniversityofhair.com
- Phone: 4699702758
- Email: info@theyouniversityofhair.com
Image Credit:
Tasha Ochuru
Lorenzo Wallace
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