Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Christman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Becoming a successful hairstylist has been an amazing journey. I have loved the process each step of the way. when I was in high school I absolutely loved getting my hair done.
We had a stylist that all the blondes loved going to. When we had the money after working at the local high school sandwich shop, we would always book with Rio for fresh blonde highlights. The times I couldn’t afford it, I would do my own hair and my friends. Rio started to pick up on that’s what was happening and at my next appointment in offered me an apprenticeship job with her and one of her colleagues.
For two years I apprenticed 40 hours a week, learning all of their tricks of the trade. It was amazing, exhilarating, and just came naturally. I loved stepping in and greeting their clients, mixing color, styling, and pre-booking of each client. Learning from the best helped me to be the best with each and every client. This way of learning gave me the tools to truly have the confidence, education, and skills to stand out in my field.
During this process, I was also able to take clients, and build a business of my own. My next salon where I continued to build my clientele and have my own station was in Mission Hills, SD. By year two I had an amazing following and an amazing gig. My paper books were filling up and I was young so I could work all hours, taking as many as 10 clients a day.
I worked in Mission Hills and also Hillcrest over the course of 10 years. Always renting under the umbrella of a bigger salon but learning the whole time and creating my own business identity. With time I learned I loved private space, intimate settings, and a salon space the client could come in and truly relax. I saw the value in non-cramped stations, where clients could open up and talk, and find peace from there day and other people. The sola concept, private studios for salon stylists became my future.
For 5 years I worked for a salon that had private offices that each stylist could decorate, customize, and make their own. The ability to shut the door and drown out blow dryers and multiple conversations were pretty amazing. I went with the rustic modern decor, shelves full of products to grow my retail side of the business, and also had two chairs so I could have an assistant and multiple clients coming in at once. Now with online booking and square card readers, all was lining up pretty perfectly so I could spend my free time with my family, and not answering calls or going to the bank.
After this experience, I could feel my heart telling me it was time to have my own salon. I knew the ins and outs of running a space, I had the business end, decor was my other passion, and customer service was one of my biggest priorities. How great to completely own something of your own, and grow in more ways than just a bigger clientele. My long time friend and fellow stylist of ten years agreed. Patrick Figger created a vision together and we decided it’s time. We found a loft space in Point Loma and Blonden Drake Salon was born, January 1st, 2018.
A fun story from this journey is meeting my husband. A rule I always had was “I never date clients” many good looking men came in for haircuts and I never dated them as my professional attribute was key. I met my client Greg in 2008 and for two-plus years, he was a client and friend. Fast forward to 2011 when he told me he thought something was there between us and he wanted to date me.
Long story short, we have been married for almost seven years, have a four-year-old boy and a baby girl on the way. He must have liked the way I cut hair!!
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say for the most part being a stylist is beyond rewarding. The day to day interaction with clients leaves you feeling loved, appreciated, and stoked that you have a talent that keeps on giving. I like to say, I feel like I have two-hour lunches with friends multiple times a day. Catching up on each other’s lives, offering advice at times, giving suggestions, recommending my favorite hot spots for dinners or activities on the weekends.
From time to time outside influence can make the road a tad bumpier. As I say customer service is a big priority of mine so whether it be other employees, a receptionist or even construction outside. I would find myself concerned with the clients best interest. Did they receive the proper welcome, was everything clean and professional up front, did they circle looking for parking or have to pay a meter. Through the years people would mention I could be in a personal conversation up front but a soon as my client entered I stop talking welcomed them and make it only about them. Professionalism, friendliness, and confidence can be really comforting to new clients and old.
Through the years I had to “fire” a handful of people. Sounds harsh but in any job, you can’t always pick the people that want your services. If for some reason I couldn’t give the client what they wanted, or our morals didn’t align, I would have to make that call. Those challenges were very few and far between in the 16 years, I’ve been doing hair.
I would say my biggest obstacle to date was a flood in our brand new salon. After being open for 7 months, with only the best furnishings, custom cabinets that we ourselves sanded and stained. I got a phone call that water was rushing down the hall from our suite. Pure panic takes over as you expect the worse. I thought for sure I was canceling the rest of my day as I stood in an inch of water. Sure enough, it was all dry and cleaned up within hours so I could work and new floors were installed within weeks.
In the grand scheme of things, all the things mentioned were minor. The joy I feel from financial success, the ability to make my own schedule from week to week, the notes and reviews from happy clients, make the journey so worth it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Blonden Drake Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
For most of my career, I have been known as a blonde specialist. Myself being blonde and always wanting the best blonde, created a following for my services. Being able to relate to a customer’s needs, giving the right consultation, and listening, are all big factors when working with a client. Also attaining the specific tone the client desires, the hilite placement, is a game changer in retaining someone’s business.
Other stylists would joke if there was a blonde in the lobby, most likely they were waiting for me. New Clients would mention they googled best blonde stylist in San Diego and that’s how they found me. All music to my ears as this is what I loved doing. A dream of mine was to have my own salon and have the name “scream” blondes. When Patrick and I started our new space Blonden came to mind as so many want this final look, and Blonden Drake stuck. Drake being a family name of Patrick’s, and him also specializing in color, logos were created.
Our salon is also a gallery space. In many places I have worked the walls in a salon were the perfect showcase for local artists. Patrick’s other passion being metal artwork led him to be our artist and his masterpieces our featured throughout Blonden Drake Salon. The Ash collection, currently for sale, features rustic wood and metal work, and the most amazing chandelier. We also sell only the best haircare products, Virtue, Loreal Professional, and Loma are all professional products that can be picked up anytime, to complete the perfect hair we aim to create. Blonden Drake is a full-service salon, I not only do Blonde hair color, I create all colors.
Multidimensional lived in gorgeous colors that last and turn heads. Also, I specialize in Dreamcatchers Hair Extensions. Permanent microcylinders, non-glue, human hair extensions that come in every color, customized for fullness and length. I like to offer the tools to complete the client’s vision and get them to their happy place with their hair.
I also specialize in bridal hair and have done many of my clients weddings. I go on location with my dream team Nancy Jones (makeup artist) and my assistant Hayley Hedrich, delivering the whole package, customizing a beautiful look for the entire wedding party!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the hair industry only getting bigger and better. With social media as the number one marketing tool for these small business’, each stylist has the power to get their name out there and show their talents. This can be such a huge tool and a factor as your work speaks volumes. It speaks to new clients, they see the transformations and envision it on themselves.
Education will also be a huge factor as styles and techniques are changing. You need to offer the latest and greatest methods, and the same old foiling patterns may leave many clients bored. Balayage, Ombre’s, multi-tonal hair that creates more time in between appointments and overall hair health make clients very excited. New ways of creating these looks, new formulas, and placement is something us stylists and salon owners can be very excited about!
Retail has been huge for me. Clients want the best for their hair, and you are the one to show them what’s best. After using professional products and seeing those benefits, almost all clients are ready to pick up products at their next appointment. Staying current on your retail, and teaching your clients how to use it are all important factors.
I see scalp heath being a thing of the future. So many are washing less and using dry shampoo, but what about the build up? The scalp and follicles also benefit from a good scrub and cleanse. Apple Cider Vinegar rinse products are on the rise preventing weighed down hair and gunky build up. I have a new service launching that will include an actual head scrub, cleansing treatment, and blowout. Leaving the hair super rejuvenated and bouncy!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3405 Kenyon St, Suite 211-4, San Diego, CA 92110
- Website: Blondendrakesalon.com
- Phone: (619) 757-4080
- Email: blondensalon@gmail.com
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