Shand’s Journey

When I began my journey in the hair, beauty, human industry I had no idea where I would end up or how far this industry would take me. Starting in the early years of Facebook, following and likes were NOT a thing I worried about. I made sure the humans I came into contact with always had something to remember me by; normally the service I provided, or sometimes my bad comedy routines, hahaha... Whichever the case, I slowly, but surely grew my talent behind the chair. I.e. hair coloring technique, cutting techniques, new trends, just all in all refining my craft. (which by the way, is never ending).

While exploring different niches behind the chair, I realized quickly the “traditional” salon setting was not one where I thrived in. I felt trapped, personality types clashing everywhere, (Check out my Blog post on ¨leaving the salon). 5 years into my professional hair career, (5 years in the traditional salon) I decided I would venture off, and see if I could make it work on my own in a private studio. I built a makeshift salon in a spare bedroom in my mother's house. I had a mirror, a high chair (NOT A SALON CHAIR), some shelves and my hands, Ashly’s Hands had no idea what would come from this. 

I connected with my clients in ways I never could in the traditional salon setting. I tapped into different parts of their needs, my clients were able to speak freely about their concerns. We would dissect any problems, and intern, become lifelong homies. My clients are truly the gas to the Ashly’s Hands machine. YOU guys fuel my want to keep you looking 100%. 

While working for myself, I decided I wanted to tap into the productions, photography, and videography world. I reached out to a few contacts I had, and began the journey into this crazy freelance production world. I worked FOR FREE for a solid 2 years, “TFP” meaning - Trade for Picture. Building my portfolio and making connections. I still am connected to many  beautiful humans I came to work with in the beginning of my career. 

I was fortunate enough to be referred as an assistant (fortunate and trustworthy let’s be real) to some real deal productions, early on in my career with, Whileminia, a talent agency and various other agencies. In 2012  I was hired to assist the Hair Stylist for the 2012 Champion Sports Campaign, a major production for the 1st time ever. I learned so much! That experience gave me that little taste in my mouth. I fell in love with the adrenaline that came hand in hand with production. So much pressure and a deadline, normally an almost impossible one, and only YOU, that can extinguish that fire. In my case, hair/glam. This world I have created for myself of beauty, wellness and badassness has come from many and I repeat MANY years of trial and error, humaning, and the love of growth. 

Welcome to my world. 
It's a shit show but a fun one...

“Even in these trying times, things are rapidly changing but the basic necessity to feel and look good will NEVER change.”

-Shands