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

Hi Ashonti, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My goal in creating my business was to celebrate the unique beauty in all people and build an empowering community that lifts up marginalized individuals. I strive to make services accessible, comfortable, and safe while upholding my core values of inclusivity and diversity. This meant prioritizing the representation and celebrating BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ people in my work. Maintaining these values has been crucial to building an authentic brand that resonates with my diverse client base!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The biggest lessons have been to believe in myself and stay consistent. As a solo artist in a competitive space, I had to have tremendous conviction in my vision to push past all the doubt and rejection. Whenever I got discouraged, I remembered why I started this journey in the first place – to inspire confidence and self-expression through beauty!

Ever since I was young, I’ve been obsessed with art and expressing myself through different forms of aesthetics. After struggling for years to find professional yet comfortable spaces for people like me, I realized I could fill that gap in the market.

Bringing this business to life has been far from easy. As a first-time entrepreneur straight out of beauty school, I had to learn everything from scratch. I poured endless energy into perfecting my skills, investing into my continued education, and building up a loyal client base. The biggest challenge was securing the financing needed to get out of a salon and having a private studio of my own. And since opening my space in the summer of 2023, I am continuing to improve each and every one of my clients’ experiences.

What I want people to know is that my business isn’t just doing makeup or providing skin treatments – it’s about building community. A community for people (business professionals, creatives, and clients) of all backgrounds and styles to come together, lift each other up, and connect. I’ve poured my heart and soul into creating a brand that makes people feel safe, seen, comfortable, pampered, and celebrated for everything that makes them unique. Making that vision a reality is what I’m most proud of!

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.
To be honest, I’m not an early riser, so to start, I’d take my girlfriends for brunch at one of my favorite spots, La Provence. They have amazing dishes, mimosa flights, and their in-house baked croissants are simply divine!

Being a lover of shopping and supporting local businesses, after fueling up from our meal, we’d visit our farmers’ market to explore all the local boutiques and artisanal goods. I’d give them a tour of the new waterfront and ensure we check out any cool events or festivals happening that week, like free concerts at the park or art walks.

I’m a big fan of nightlife, so we’d rotate throughout Portland, starting at Janken for some Asian fusion eats and cocktails. Then, we’d visit Mermosa for its beautiful space and amazing vibes, followed by a change of scenery at the rooftop bar Xport, where we’d enjoy the city lights and night views. Finally, we’d cap off the night with a movie, laughter, and face masks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my gratitude to all of my amazing supporters, especially my mother. She has been my rock and biggest supporter and advocate throughout my life. As a single mom, she worked tirelessly to provide me with every opportunity possible. She nurtured my passions, believed in my abilities, and encouraged me to dream big. Her unconditional love and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. I would not be where I am without her, and I am forever grateful for everything she has done for me. This success is as much hers as it is mine!

Website: www.makeupshonti.com

Instagram: instagram.com/makeupshonti

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashontiturner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scream.Shonti/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/makeupshonti-vancouver

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashonti.turner

Image Credits
Rachel Hadiashar: Portland Photographer Christine Shields: Photographer Jesse Richmond: Photographer Xavier Mitchell: Photographer Zenna: Photographer Bunny B: Model Biliny Redbull: Model Evina Westbrook: Athlete Sha’Carri Richardson: Athlete Medina Gedi: Model

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