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

Alright, Ashleigh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I worked at 4 different salons before making the decision to start my own business. I was afraid because I thought I would have a hard time gaining clients but the urge to be independent was stronger. I opened my business in November of 2019. In March 2020, the covid-forced salon shutdown happened. I spent most of my time making content for social media, which helped tremendously in finding potential clients. I started to think outside the box and created outrageous nail designs to get attention. I mixed that kind of content with wearable designs and was able to build up a demand. I think the timing was perfect and I can’t say I would have done anything different.

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 background and context?

I’ve always loved painting my nails. One day I was bored and drew a tree on my thumb and thought it was pretty fun. I did my own nails and manicures for my friends and family while working so many different dead-end jobs. It was in 2017 that I decided to go to school for something I actually liked to do. It took me a year to complete nail tech school (it usually takes about 6 months) because I had to work and take care of my child at the same time. Throughout the years, my art has evolved into something unique. My main services are gel extensions and nail art, and I’m at the point where I can choose my clients, which was a goal from the start. Every day, I think about how amazing it is to go to a job I love, where I’m my own boss and can have as much creative freedom as I like!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My advice for anyone just starting to build a social media presence is to be yourself and make the content that YOU enjoy. Have fun on these apps and don’t get discouraged. Remember that social media isn’t real life.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

A career goal that is driving my creative journey is to build a unique, art-focused nail salon. A personal goal that drives my mission is to give my son the best life I possibly can.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/fauxjacat

Image Credits
Photo of Ashleigh Owens by Andrew Morris