Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Opoku

Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My name is Ashley Opoku, CEO and Founder of Akua Ashley, LLC and Beauty & Cosmetics Enterprise. My mission is to empower women with insights on beauty trends, courses, and product recommendations, and to host dropshipping workshops that highlight the wealth of opportunities in the beauty industry. My journey began with a childhood dream of becoming a fashion editor-in-chief, which evolved into a passion for makeup artistry. This passion led me to expand into wholesaling and dropshipping, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2018, I founded Akua Ashley Beauty in New York, NY. Through my online beauty supply store, Akua Ashley Beauty has become a powerhouse supplier of hair, cosmetics, and spa supplies, offering a diverse range of online products and services. Balancing work and life has been a significant challenge. As a mother, I had to learn how to manage my time effectively. Dropshipping allowed me to establish a stream of passive income, giving me the flexibility to spend quality time with my kids while growing my business. My commitment to continuous learning and innovation, combined with my dedication to empowering others, sets Akua Ashley Beauty apart in the industry.

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 road to building Akua Ashley Beauty has not been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting people who were accustomed to shopping in brick-and-mortar stores to transition to online shopping. This required a lot of effort in educating potential customers about the convenience and benefits of purchasing beauty supplies online. Building trust in an online platform took time and required consistent delivery of high-quality products and excellent customer service.

Finding business funding was another hurdle. Securing the necessary capital to start and grow my business was a hassle. From setting up my makeup studio to expanding into wholesaling and dropshipping, each step demanded financial investment. Navigating through loan applications, investor pitches, and financial planning was stressful, especially in the early stages when cash flow was tight.

Balancing roles as a makeup artist, business owner, and mother added another layer of complexity. Managing client services, marketing, inventory, and bookkeeping required unique time management and prioritization. Learning to balance work and life, particularly as a mother, was challenging but crucial. Leveraging the dropshipping model helped by providing a stream of passive income, allowing me to spend quality time with my kids while growing my business. Despite these struggles, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve, making the journey all the more rewarding.

As you know, we’re big fans of Akua Ashley LLC Beauty & Cosmetics . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

My business is called Akua Ashley LLC Beauty & Cosmetics. At Akua Ashley, we specialize in providing wholesale beauty supplies for makeup artists, braiders, and cosmetologists. Our mission is to empower beauty professionals with high-quality products and resources that help them excel in their craft.

We are known for our extensive range of human hair products, premium cosmetics, and specialized spa supplies. Our wholesale model is tailored to meet the unique needs of artists, braiders, and cosmetologists, ensuring they have access to the best products at competitive prices. We also offer educational workshops and resources to help our clients stay ahead of industry trends and techniques. What sets Akua Ashley apart is our commitment to quality and innovation. Unlike many other suppliers available worldwide, we offer a curated selection of products that meet stringent quality standards. Our dropshipping model allows us to keep our inventory fresh and up-to-date with the latest trends, providing our customers with the newest and most popular items quickly and efficiently.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of our reputation for excellence and reliability. Since our founding in 2018, we have built a strong, trusted brand known for supporting beauty professionals in their journey to success. To our readers, Akua Ashley LLC Beauty & Cosmetics is your go-to source for high-quality wholesale beauty supplies. Whether you are a makeup artist, braider, or cosmetologist, we are here to provide you with the tools and resources you need to thrive in the beauty industry.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

Throughout my journey with Akua Ashley Beauty & Cosmetics LLC, there have been several key influences and supporters who have played significant roles in my success. Initially, I did not have mentors or teammates to guide me. However, during the pandemic, I realized the importance of mentorship and began seeking outshore mentors after being financially struck.

First and foremost, God has been my unwavering source of strength and inspiration. In times of doubt and challenge, my faith provided me with the resilience and courage to keep pushing forward. My journey has been guided and supported by a higher power, giving me the fortitude to overcome obstacles and pursue my vision. My clients have also been crucial to my success. Their loyalty, feedback, and word-of-mouth recommendations have helped build and sustain Akua Ashley Beauty. They are not just customers but advocates who believe in the quality and value of my products and services. Their trust and support have been invaluable, driving me to improve and innovate continually.

The pandemic was a challenging time for many businesses, including mine. During this period, I sought out mentors who could provide guidance and support. These mentors offered invaluable advice on navigating the financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic, helping me to stabilize and eventually grow my business. Their expertise and experience were instrumental in shaping my strategies and decisions during this critical period.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.akuaashley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akuaashleybeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akuaashleysbeautysupply

Image Credits

Sam Elto Photography