Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Mcgrath.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I found my hair journey while I was lost trying to find myself. Hair became an outlet for my creativity in 2012. I started my education at Bellas Academy in Poway, CA. It is where I learned the foundation to hair techniques and skills. Naturally being a competitive person, I wanted to compete and show off the skills I had worked hard to acquire. So, I entered my first hair competition! STAR Precision Cutting and Coloring hosted by Bellus Academy, in competition with all four other Bellas Academy’s campuses. I placed 3rd, awarded by Nick Berardi and Diego Raviglone! It was my first big moment in the hair industry! After completing my time at Bellus academy and passing my state board exams it was on to finding my first salon, The Loft, formerly in Escondido, It was my home away from home! I started their rigorous assist program in 2013 shortly after graduating! Where I continued my education for another year. It was at the Loft where I really learned the realism of the salon life. I took haircut models in the morning before the salon opened and stayed late for color classes. During the day living the assistant lifestyle, I made sure things ran smoothly for clients and stylists in the salon. My journey at the loft was an amazing three years, I took classes for Bumble & Bumble, Sebastian, Wella Color, and Unite Styling & Cutting. I also entered in my first Wella Trend Vision hair competition. While at the Loft I met my favorite educator Gary Baker, he’s the creative director for Unite Hair Products. Gary became like a mentor to me! I assisted him on his work around San Diego. Between Bellas academy, The Loft and my mentor Gary Baker, I would not be where I am today. For the last 2 1/2 years, I’ve been at Sola Salons in San Marcos where I run my own hair business! The time I have with my clients is personal and fun! I have a space that I’m comfortable to create in and be myself with no limitations! My journey hasn’t always been easy but its been worth it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest struggle was when my first salon went out of business. But whenever there is crisis there is opportunity. It was my opportunity to blossom into the business owner I never knew I could be! I’m sure a lot of stylists can relate to this! It’s very scary to jump into a business owner role along with the stylist role. It’s so much more technical than creative. But, the freedom of owning my own salon and seeing the clients happy is far more rewarding.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hair by Ashley Mcgrath story. Tell us more about the business.
Hair by Ashley Mcgrath is a business about enhancing your natural beauty! I love doing natural hair color! Blondes are my favorite! Highlights, babylights, and balayage! I also love showcasing the technical side of a haircut! Bobs, pixie cuts, and those 70s shag haircuts and fringe! Anything to get me thinking outside of the box!
My most proudest moments as a stylist are when I get to participate in photoshoots collaborating with photographers to create a look and vibe! Its very rewarding seeing the hair, make up, styling, and everything else that goes into creating a cohesive end result.
I think what sets me apart is my passion to create and be creative in whatever I do.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work. 🙂
Pricing:
- $50 Haircut
- $150 Balayage
- $100 Partial Highlight
- $125 Full Highlight
- $200 Balayge and Highlight
- $115 Full color
Contact Info:
- Address: 720 South Rancho Sante Fe Road, San Marcos, CA
suite 6 - Phone: 8587763966
- Email: asheymcgrathhairandmakeup@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @hairbyashleymcgrath
Image Credit:
Photographers;
Madison Parker
Niki Cram
Models:
Charli Burnett
Emily Garcia
Tanner Johnson
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
