We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashlee Berens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashlee below.

Ashlee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

My definition of what success is to me has radically changed over the course of my ten-year career as a hair stylist and professional makeup artist. In the beginning, I measured success by external markers such as the number of clients I had, my follower count, the prestige of the events I worked on, and the recognition I received within the industry.

As the years went by, however, my perspective on success began to shift. While external achievements still held value, I found myself placing more importance on the satisfaction and well-being of my clients, personal growth, and the meaningful connections I made within the industry. Success became about creating a positive impact on the people I worked with while also feeling fulfilled in my creative endeavors.

Balancing my professional life with personal fulfillment became a priority. Achieving a sense of peace and contentment in my work, while also having time for family, friends, and personal growth, redefined what success meant to me. This evolution has made my career more fulfilling and sustainable, allowing me to continue my passion with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.

I am so grateful for the clients and colleagues that have turned into lasting friendships, and I am proud of the work that we as a team have contributed to the industry. I truly believe in a community-over-competition mindset, and I believe that this self-growth and evolution are the true measures of success.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ashlee Berens and I am 29 years old from Polson, Montana. I am a hairstylist and professional makeup artist that often works film and commercial sets. I have owned my own salon for 10 years. My brand is @ashpaintshair and I strive to create a bespoke experience for my clients.

On film sets my true love is special effects with an emphasis on blood and gore.

In a salon setting I offer custom hair color. I also work for a color company and I get to educate other like minded stylists.

In my career, I am most proud of the lasting friendships and meaningful connections I have made with clients and colleagues. The shift from valuing external achievements to prioritizing the well-being of my clients and personal growth has led to a more fulfilling and sustainable career. I take great pride in creating a positive impact on the people I work with and fostering a community-over-competition mindset, which I believe is the true measure of success.

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

I am from Polson, Montana which is a very small (but beautiful!) town that’s always running late to current trends. Social Media has been the key to sourcing new clients and opportunities. Despite the charming, slower pace of life here, staying connected to the fast-evolving beauty industry has been crucial. Social media has been the key to sourcing new clients and opportunities, allowing me to bridge the gap between my small-town location and larger connections. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have enabled me to showcase my work, connect with potential clients, and stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. Through social media, I’ve been able to build a thriving business and create a network that extends far beyond the borders of Polson.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped build my reputation in the beauty and film industry is a combination of several key factors. First and foremost is the quality of my work. I’ve always prioritized delivering exceptional results for my clients, ensuring they feel confident and beautiful. To maintain this high standard, I continually seek further education and training to stay updated with the latest techniques and trends.

Showcasing quality photos of my work on social media has also played a crucial role. It allows potential clients and industry professionals to see my skills and the care I put into my craft. Additionally, I believe in the power of kindness and fostering a community-over-competition mindset. Building positive relationships has been fundamental in creating a strong, supportive network within the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashpaintshair.com
• Instagram: @ashpaintshair
• Facebook: @ashpaintshair

Image Credits

Lindsay Laws
Jaci Vigil
Kylie Farmer