Special Ashford shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Special, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being a MOM!!! I have one that is a freshman in college and one that just started fifth grade. Both are boys. They run me low but I absolutely love every minute of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the owner of A_SpecialUnits, a world-wide, celebrity wig maker from Memphis, Tn. Ive been fortunate enough to work with some really beautiful celebrities and collaborate with some amazing partnerships. I provide luxury affordable wigs with quality raw extensions. I have been a full time business owner since 2018.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Before becoming a wig-maker, I was a middle school English teacher for 15 years. Walking in a classroom daily, teaching and inspiring teenagers to become the best they can be, has to be the most powerful thing I’ve ever done. To see them become successful and positive in their adult lives always makes me feel like I did something right and I made the impact.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are AMAZING!!!!! You have endured so much and were afraid of what would be, but you remained focused and driven and everything your heart desired has come to life. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for believing in yourself. Thank you for fighting for what you deserved. You’re so resilient. The best is yet to come.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That the market is over-saturated. There are millions of people doing what I do. Yet none of us does it the same. Every one has their own “special” thing that they offer, which sets them apart from everyone else. Find what sets you apart from the others and capitalize on it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
Probably just living in the moment. Everything in my life has to be so planned and so detailed. Rarely ever am I just an “at the spare of the moment” type person. Being spontaneous is something that I always say I want to be, but rarely happens. I’m tending to lean more with going with the flow, letting things just happen organically and one day at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aspecialunits.com
- Instagram: @a_specialunits
- Facebook: #A_SpecialUnits
