Meet Ashley Williams: Salon owner/ Hair stylist

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

Hi Ashley, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
To me, the most important factor behind my success has been staying true to myself and my values. I know that sounds so cliche but I strongly believe that. I have always envisioned my salon as one where EVERYONE has the ability to be themselves. Your past, sexual orientation, the amount of money you make, etc. shouldn’t matter when you walk into ANY business. My clients come to me for salon services, but during that time they know they can come to me for advice, to vent, or just to get their mind off things. THAT is the main source of success I strive for everyday.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a hairstylist and salon owner. I’m most proud of the connections I have made with all of my clients, the relationships that are built under our roof are hard to come by in ‘the real world’. I think were set apart because my clients know to reach out and talk WHENEVER they need an unbiased opinion. I got where I am today with a lot of hard work, education and patience. I’ve always surrounded myself with like minded people in our industry, the ‘do-ers’ not the just ‘talkers’ or ‘dreamers’. Patience has never came easy to me, and I think that’s one of the biggest things I have learned being behind the chair. Patience in the actual craft of color, patience in practicing certain haircuts or color techniques, and even patience with dealing with other humans. I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, but the biggest one being “the universe doesn’t allow you to have a dream you are unable to fulfill”. Meaning, if your brain came up with the idea, and it gave you that SPARK you’ve needed, it is possible. But only hard work and determination actually make these dreams come true. The thing I want the world to know about me? I’m determined. If there’s something new on the market, i’ll research or take a class to master it. I’ll never do anything behind the chair I don’t have the confidence or knowledge to do. I’ll go above and beyond to make sure you feel valued as a client of mine, and it truly is genuine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
MY MAMA!!! She hands down deserves all of the shout outs! Other than her unconditional support, she spent hours helping me turn my salon into what is it now (yes, even the psychical labor). She let me move home when I first opened to make sure I didn’t have any added stress and I could focus on the behind the scenes work for a salon. June will be my 3 year anniversary and shes always been there as a shoulder to cry on whenever there is a bump in the road, gives me advice if I ever feel stuck, and most importantly she listens to the dreams I have for my company and encourages me to shoot for them even when they seem unattainable. Other than my mama, I would shout out Oprah Winfrey. Her podcast has inspired me so much the past year, it has introduced me to a handful of books (business and personal) that have guided me through the decisions I’ve made, as well as countless of motivational mentors.