Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashly Pire. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

The moment I realized my love for everything and anything beauty was at a very young age. I never thought I would be good enough to do it as a business. I remember being in 6th grade and making my little sister (she was only 5 years old at the time) let me do her makeup. As the years passed, I started doing it on most of my family members (mom, sisters, cousins). When I turned 19 I decided to apply for MAC cosmetics. At the time, it was a really hard company to get into. They had a series of interviews and auditions to be able to even be considered for the company. Luckily, I got then job. One day, as I was working at the Saks in Bal Harbor counter, a client came and asked if I do makeup on the side, outside of the store. I hesitantly said that I do. Which, I did not. It was a very luxurious experience as she was a very wealthy client at Saks and for our counter specifically. She paid me very well and came back for my services a couple of times. I knew then I wanted this to be my career. Eventually, I took a break, but 13 years later, I decided to open my own company. I realized not many beauty service businesses offer after hours, in the comfort of your own home, services. It has been the best decision I have ever made.

Ashly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Bonita y Ashly was inspired by the beauty and culture of Miami. When I first became a mom 5 years ago, I found it so hard to be able to juggle work and self-care. Getting my makeup done, my eyelashes done, and my eyebrows done, all took so much time and by the time I had some time to myself, everything was closed for the day.

I decided to take what I do best, which is make people feel beautiful, and do it right in the comfort of their own home and office at any time. I chose to open a Mobile Beauty Service Company to provide beauty services to the working and stay-at-home moms with no breaks, the nurses/doctors with 12-18 hour days, and the attorneys that just spent all day in court.

The realtors that had a late-night showing, the teachers that just spent their evenings grading papers, really anyone who cannot make it to a salon during the regular business hours of 9-5. I started this business to make the already busy woman’s life, easier.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best way to obtain new clients is though hear say. Every client has been referred by a another client.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Education is key, after deciding to start my company and having to do things on my own, I felt the best way to truly understand and learn everything is through school. Not only for certification on the services I provide, but for running the business. I decided to go back and finish school and I have decided to major in Business Management. I will be graduating this year with my bachelors. I will not have known what I know about running a business without having gone back to school.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bonitabyash
• Facebook: facebook.com/bonitabyash