We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Bustamante and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Having a plan and waiting for the right moment to execute it. It’s okay to feel unsure or insecure about what your next step may be. For the longest time, I was completely clueless about what my next step was going to be, until it sort of just stumbled in my lap.

In reality, there isn’t a right or wrong time to start whatever it is you truly set out to. So many people start over in their late age because they discovered far too late that what they initially chose out of this life was wasn’t for them. And that’s completely fine! Take that plunge and do what you’ve been setting your heart out to do, regardless of whether or not you know the next step. The fear of failing is often times the only thing holding us back from actually succeeding, where as if you were to just shoot that shot, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you’re able to accomplish. Knock that self doubt out the window.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a hobby hoarder, but my truest passion is my business in which I am a Lash Artist. It’s the art of enhancing one’s eyes and lashes with synthetic hairs to create unique and one of a kind looks.

I always say I wasn’t the most creative kid growing up, so becoming an artist of sorts was something completely new and uncharted territory for me. When I initially enrolled in classes and got down to the basics, I was fully convinced I had just made the worst investment of my life. Fast forward a couple years, and it still blows my mind how much my creativity has grow since beginning my venture into becoming a lash artist.

Another thing that made me really nervous was the saturation of the market. I felt, “well shoot, there’s a 100 others doing the exact skill same as myself, why would anyone see me any differently?” And then I remembered a photo I saw a while ago about the bread aisle at the grocery store, and how if everyone thought the same way, you’d only see one of two brands there. It’s not about what you do, but how you do it differently. I focused on what would set me apart versus how I was like the rest.

Coming from a background of hospitality, I made sure to use that as my central focus of my business. Making the experience unique so that each client feels like they are having a one of a kind experience. When you make someone feel like they are the only thing in the room that matters, people remember that feeling. Also, I quickly learned that everyone isn’t for you, and you aren’t for everyone. You will draw a certain crowd that fits and aligns with you and understand that not everyone will see the art in your work, but those that do value it truly. I feel most proud whenever I hear a client tell me how comfortable, relaxed and at ease they feel simply upon entering the studio. That is what I ultimately strive for.

One thing I’d want the world to know about myself is that I do what I do because of the passion. I live and breathe my business because I built it to the point that I dreamed of and only wish to keep climbing. I feel like my business is still only in its infancy but I can’t wait for all of the visions I have manifested to transpire.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I swear I could go on for days about some amazing spots to hit in the city, but I’ll give a short itinerary on a few of my go to spots to hit in Atlanta!

Breakfast: Homegrown for the Comfy Chicken Biscuit + Fried Green Tomatoes. Enough said.
Lunch: Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a Rack and Mac. Don’t forget the pecan pie.
Dinner: Botica is a great fusion of amazing food and good vibes.

You can’t miss the Beltline for Art, Music and all around bustling creativity.
Piedmont Park for an afternoon to unwind and soak in the city.

Top off the night with some drinks and dancing at either Tongue and Groove or MJQ and you definitely did a day + night in Atlanta the right way. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a general Shoutout to the incredible number of young female entrepreneurs I see grinding and putting all their dedication into what they do. Building themselves and their brands from crumbs into their visions come to life.

From the small businesses to the women making strides in Forbes and building empires, it is incredibly empowering and refreshing to see women chasing after their dreams so unapologetically. As a mother to a daughter, I cannot wait for my child to grow in a world that leads by example and shows her she can truly accomplish anything she dedicates herself to.

Website: Vibraartistry.square.site

Instagram: @vibraartistrylash

Facebook: Facebook.com/vibraartistry

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.