We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
By day, I’m a registered dental hygienist with aspirations of becoming a dentist, and I’ve also fallen in love with the overall health and beauty of eyelashes. What started as an idea turned into pure exploration, which led me to develop a broader knowledge of lashes and how to care for them. Once I learned more, that turned into a full-blown passion for the lash industry and the various techniques of lash application – I haven’t stopped pursuing my passion for lashes since.
I launched Lashed By Ash in November 2017 as a way to expedite the process making my dentistry dreams come true. I needed a way to keep up or exceed my current lifestyle and still have free time for self care and studies. To create an income that could be productive and have longevity, hands on or off. I’m so proud to be in this space because Lashed By Ash offers great services, products and vibes. Our motto is “Redefining the Eyelash Experience,” and we are creating what we truly believe is needed in the eyelash industry. Everyone can benefit from our products – whether they wear lashes or not.
Starting my own business was not easy. There were sacrifices made but all for the greater good. I like to think of challenges as lessons, and that every mistake can also be a lesson. It’s important that I focus my energy in the right places and try not to stress about things. Being a one-woman show can become draining if I’m not properly prepared, so I try to make sure that I stay organized in order for me to be as efficient as possible. Learning how to separate my personal life from being an entrepreneur was tough for me, and I’m still learning how to strike that balance because I have to remember that I cannot pour from an empty cup. Overall, I learn something new every day when it comes to being a business owner, and that’s so exciting to me. The things I learn help me take Lashed By Ash to higher heights, and that’s a great feeling.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hello, I’m Ashley Sanders – ¬owner of Lashed By Ash, a boutique lash sanctuary located in my hometown Montgomery, Alabama. I’m married to my best friend, Jamarr, and we are the proud parents of the most creative 4-year-old little girl, Jailey. I am a master eyelash specialist, and I stan everything that has to do with eyelashes. At Lashed By Ash we offer mink eyelash extensions and lash lifts. We have top-quality mink eyelash strips, eyelash products, cleansers and lash supplies for lash specialists. We ship our products all over the world and can serve every eyelash need that comes to mind. Our products will either amplify your love for eyelash enhancements or ignite a passion you didn’t know existed. Every service and product that we offer is personalized and executed with love. We keep our facility clean and fully-stocked, and our same-to-next day shipping is a standard business practice that sets Lashed By Ash a part. We are very active in our community, to say the least, we donate, give annually scholarships and participate in empowerment drives.
I am most proud of my future and what is not yet. I affirm Lashed By Ash will continue to blow my mind. Most excited to see my future dental office and lash bar, side by side.
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.
If my best friend were to visit the Atlanta area we would definitely have a full on “girls week.” Laughter, relaxation, fun, party and business. Massage and facials reservations at Chateau Elan followed by a mid week visit to “Treat Your Feet” (The Buckhead location, to be exact). My girls and I love massages, spa aesthetics and a peace of mind. Dinner reservations are a must at a couple of my favorites, Little Alley Steakhouse and Old Lady Gang. The visit is not complete without a good ATL party night. A bike ride through Centennial Olympic Park and a great hike up Stone Mountain to burn those good and bad calories off. There are numerous of options in ATL for a good time. There would never be a dead moment; the visit will be one to remember for sure.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My encouragement goes out to my village. Without their participation, social media engagement and word of mouth there would be no Lashed By Ash. My village consists of my family, friends, sorority sisters and clients. I truly believe surrounding yourself with energy that can only uplift and motivate you to want more. My husband and best friend who listens to my ideas and helps me tweak them with constructive criticism. My aunt who packs and ships all orders when I am traveling overseas for at least 5 months of the year. My mother who makes sure appointments are ran smoothly and in a timely manner. It all works together and teaches me how to manage with a team. To have that support and trust is truly amazing and gives me the space to continue to push hard for my business.
Website: www.getlashedbyash.com
Instagram: _lashed.by.ash
Facebook: lashedbyash42
Other: www.lashedbyash.site (another way/website domain to Shop) www.lashedbyash42.as.me (booking site)
Image Credits
Photography: Michael Moorer and Ashley Sanders Graphic and Design: Tiara D. Caldwell