Meet Ashley Jade | Hairstylist and special event makeup artist

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

Hi Ashley Jade, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose a creative career because deep down, I wanted to pursue a career that would give me the opportunity to express my creative thoughts and ideas. I also wanted to grow in the area of truly connecting with others around me. Luckily, I found hair and makeup to be the perfect fit for me to achieve these goals. As a young child, I was very much an introvert, and I was also very shy. My craft allows me to listen with intention, share vulnerability with others authentically, and create at the same time. I feel that with every person I have met in my chair and within the beauty industry, I have grown throughout the years of being a hairstylist, and makeup artist. I truly couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling creative career!

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.
It all started after highschool, when I took out a loan and applied as a student at a cosmetology school. At first I wanted to become an educator for hair and makeup. I have always had a passion for teaching others because I love learning new things. I also love the way learning can build a positive and uplifting community with like minded individuals. I thought that maybe after assisting and working behind the chair, I could then pursue teaching in the beauty industry. Although I did not end up pursuing this endeavor, I now apply my passion to teach others through my portfolio. I believe that providing accessible hair and makeup advice for those seeking my specialty can be so rewarding. This small act of kindness can help strengthen bonds between hairstylists and the client as it does build trust between both parties. After becoming a hair and makeup artist in Canada, I decided to take the plunge and plant roots on my own in California. Moving to another country was very exciting at that time (I was twenty-four). Now as I look back… I see it as I was a wild child! And of course, in a heart beat, I would do it all over again despite the challenges that came with the journey.

After working at a few hair salons while earning my cosmetology license in a new country, I quickly realized that I create better in my own space, when the salon isn’t crowded, and that I truly enjoyed getting to know each and every client at our own pace. Back then, I was taught that the beauty industry worked by volume. That speed was more important than the outcome. That we should be able to excel in every service a salon offers. I couldn’t envision myself rushing a process that requires ample amount of attention to detail, so I decided to specialize in three things – blonding, long haircuts, and makeup. Throughout the years, I dreamed of working for myself and having my own personalized space with my own brand. So I gave myself a goal within the span of 4 years – to open my own hair and makeup studio in the heart of Pasadena and never work for anyone again. All thanks to the podcast “Destroy The Hairdresser”, this dream slowly turned into reality. I learned so much from this single podcast when it came to setting boundaries as a commission stylist, as a booth renter, and as an owner. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone in the industry who is passionate about growth, and a more well-balanced up to date approach when it comes to owning your own beauty studio.

Something I take pride in that sets me apart when it comes to my art and my own brand, is how personable the experience has been for my clients throughout the years. I prioritize their level of haircare knowledge, how to make their hair work with them not against them, all while walking out more confident than ever because of their hair transformation that we created together! I also enjoy blending with extreme detail with every balayage or highlight service in my chair, because I know that the grow out will be seamless in between salon visits for my clients. Every client matters, and I do feel honored to be given the opportunity in my career to create a positive and lasting experience in their lives.

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?
This is a great question because one of my best friends is coming down to visit from Seattle! I would recommend a date at the Huntington library in San Marino, lunch at Bone Kettle located in Old Town Pasadena, followed by some nice light shopping at Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia.

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?
This shout out is dedicated to my family and close friends. Most importantly, my daughter. For every milestone I’ve reached, and every growing pain I’ve experienced to become the artist and salon owner I am today, she has been my greatest inspiration to keep evolving outside of my comfort zone. Last but not least, I also want to dedicate this shout out to my favorite podcast. I listen to this podcast every day while I do my hair and makeup, they are on Spotify called “Destroy The Hairdresser.” This podcast has taught me more than anyone I have ever worked for or assisted throughout my career. This podcast has also shown me how to value my work as an artist, and has helped guide me towards opening my own hair and makeup studio in Pasadena.

Website: https://Www.ashleyjadeartistry.com

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