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

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was like most en entrepreneurs, very scared, nervous, and afraid. But I knew it had to be done. When the pandemic hit I was working as a Cosmetology Instructor and when the semester ended I was laid off. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 20+ years and I have always had a passion for hair. When the pandemic hit it seemed as if everything was turned upside down. Everything was just scary. In 2018 I took a wig certification class to learn how to construct wigs by sewing machine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a hard worker and have always loved to style hair which is why I pursued a career in cosmetology. I graduated from Bishop State Community College in 2000. I was determined and I had goals to set. Back then I was a single mother with a 6 year old son and a 3 month old daughter. After I finished school and took the test to become certified I started on my journey. I worked as a cosmetologist for years behind the chair. In 2013 I decided to future my career to become a certified Cosmetology Instructor. In 2018 I attended Modern Beauty wig certification class and that was the best decision ever. What set me apart from others is me there is no one like me. I am good at what I do. And I love helping other upcoming cosmetologist / wig artist achieve their best goals. My creations are beautiful! When I do hair it is always a masterpiece! I am confident in my work. I am most proud of my accomplishments and how far I have come in my career and all that I have learned from other artist in the game. I got to where I am today by working hard, investing in myself, and God! I believe in the power of prayer and if you ask God for it you shall receive it. Was it a easy ride no. Their has been many sleepless night and hard days but I persevered and pressed forward. I have had many obstacles that I faced and also days that I just felt like giving up. But God! And FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. You learn that when you get knocked down you have to get up and get up stomping hard. That is what makes you stronger. The lessons I’ve learned along the way is to never give up on your dreams. Always continue learning and listen. I have also learned to always help someone else rise to the top. I want the world to know that Sew QueenPin Luxury Wigs is on the rise. I am here to stay and I will be global. My brand will reach millions. Sew QueenPin Luxury Wigs will be world wide. My brand helps woman feel beautiful and it takes their confidence to another level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say New Orleans. We would go to Bourbon Street. If we were there for a week we would definitely visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum because it gives visitors insight into the hidden history of Mardi Gras Indian culture in New Orleans. We would definitely hang out in the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. We would do walking tours and swamp tours. You can’t go to New Orleans without going to listen to live music on Bourbon or Frenchmen Street. Now the food here in the south is everything. You have to eat the seafood and beignets. There are plenty of great places to eat in New Orleans Cafe du Monde, Landry’s Seafood House, Irene’s, Acme Oyster House just to name a few. The most fun and exciting people hang out are on Bourbon Street and the exciting places to check out would be the bars on Bourbon. And to end the week out we would do some good old second line. Nothing says New Orleans quite like a second line on a Sunday.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandma (momma) Mary V Battle. She raised me. She is my inspiration, the strength, and force behind my success. Growing up I watched how hard she worked to make sure my sister and I would have the best in life. She built a family of infinite love and kindness. She believed in me and supported me when I doubted my own abilities. And she always pushed me to go beyond my biggest dreams. She passed away in August 2021 at the age of 104. I will always remember the moral values and knowledge that she instilled in me. She is the reason behind my success. I will continue to make her proud.

Website: www.sew-queenpin.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sew_queenpin

Facebook: Sew QueenPin

Image Credits
Professional Shoot by Stella’s Photography

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