Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ortega.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been doing all of my friends and families’s hair since I was a little girl and always enjoyed doing my hair throughout my childhood. I went to college for a little bit and knew that I would never be happy working at a 9 to 5 or have a career where I don’t have any personal/ financial freedom. I knew from a young age that being a hairstylist was my calling. When I finally decided to tune out the noise of people’s opinion my life changed forever.
I started cosmetology school in 2017 and I went to San Diego City College and it was the best decision I made for myself. While being in school, I waitress in La Jolla and networked to secure a job for when I was licensed. I landed an assisting position with Courtney & Mia (shout out OG Ashen Babes) and moved my way to a stylist and now I co-own our second location with Courtney! We had an amazing opportunity to open up a second location in La Jolla and the cards lined up and we decided to go for it. & now we’re here! I co-own Ashen Salon On Herschel with Courtney & it’s going to be a year in September. Its been a wild ride and so much has happened in a year I can’t believe were already a year in. We have the best team and I can’t wait to see what they all accomplish and the beautiful hair they create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The best destinations always have a bumpy road! Being a co-owner of Ashen Salon On Herschel happened really quick without much time to prepare. It was one of those moments where you just take the leap and figure it out along the way.
This past year has been a crash course in entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-discovery. I’ve always been driven, hustling for myself to reach the next level, but stepping into this role meant shifting my focus to building up the people around me.
Balancing a full client schedule while leading our stylists has taught me how to juggle multiple responsibilities, allowing me to support and guide them so they can continue to grow and thrive. It’s not always easy.. I make mistakes and learn every day! Taking accountability, lifting up our team, and helping them feel supported reminds me that even on the hard days, we’re moving in the right direction!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a hairstylist and coowner of Ashen Salon on Herschel and color is my thing! I specialize in dimensional brunettes and blondes.. think rich, glossy healthy shiny hair. That effortlessly lived-in vibe… That’s what people usually know me for.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the hair I create… it’s the team around me. Every stylist treats the salon like it’s their own, and that’s the best feeling in the world as an co owner. My leadership style is very much about putting them front and center. I like to support from behind the scenes and give them the space to shine. Watching them grow and treat the salon like it’s theirs fills me with so much pride.
I’m also a first generation business owner in my family so stepping into this role has been a wild, beautiful challenge. Stepping into ownership hasn’t always been easy, every challenge teaches me something new and I wouldn’t trade the growth for anything. The good and bad problems are all apart of the process. Every mistake, every win, every moment of growth is shaping me into the leader I want to be. Hair is what I do, being apart of building a team and a brand that feels like home is what sets the Ashen Brand apart.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
LOL…. um… honestly my life feels like one big simulation of luck. I am extremely big on manifesting and believe whatever I desire I will have and it’s already mine. My work ethic, sense of self sprinkled in with my hustle mentality has gotten me this far. Ive also learned that it’s less about the cards you’re dealt with and more about how you play them in life & in business. For me it’s all about taking the opportunities that are presented to me and not being scared to take the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashensalon.com
- Instagram: Sunkissedlocks_
