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

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

🖤 “The Making of a Businesswoman” — A Tribute to My Father
When I look at where I am today as a stylist, salon owner, and entrepreneur, I know without a doubt that my foundation was laid by my father—a proud U.S. Marine, a hardworking mailman, and a single father who rarely took a single day off.

During one summer in high school, while other kids were relaxing, my dad had me create a full business plan from scratch. At the time, I didn’t fully understand why—but now I realize he was planting the seeds of entrepreneurship early, instilling in me the mindset of a builder, not just a worker.

He used to drill mantras into our heads—quick-fire style, Marine Corps fashion:

“What’s the definition of integrity?”
— “Doing the right thing even when no one is looking.”

“Why do you go to college?”
— “Not to get a good job, but to learn how to think—to create your own business, product, or service.”

“Everyone can improve on everything, every day.”

These weren’t just sayings. They were affirmations that shaped my daily discipline, my work ethic, and my belief that growth and success are internal first, external second.

My father practiced positive mental conditioning before I ever knew that was a thing. He trained me to do things not for applause or validation, but because I had the will to be better.

So today, when clients sit in my chair, or I’m making tough decisions behind the scenes of Femme Do’Mane Salon, I do it with integrity, resilience, and vision—all values my father poured into me.

I owe so much of who I’ve become to him.
And I’m incredibly blessed to be his daughter.

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?

I’m Ashley Brown — licensed pro stylist, salon owner, creative, and confidence-builder. But really, I’m just a woman who turned her own journey with self-esteem and hair care into a full-blown calling.

I was raised by an amazing single father who did everything he could to raise a strong, self-sufficient daughter. But like a lot of girls, I grew up battling low self-esteem and struggling to feel beautiful — especially as a late bloomer who didn’t quite fit society’s mold.

My mom wasn’t always around, and because of that, I had to figure out how to do my own hair at a young age. Let’s just say there were some… interesting trial-and-error moments. But that’s really where my journey began. I learned how to care for myself, to be resourceful, and eventually, how to turn those skills into a passion.

Now, doing hair isn’t just a job for me — it’s personal. I know what it feels like not to feel beautiful. I know what it’s like to search for yourself in the mirror and not always like what you see. That’s why it means the world to me to help women — especially Black women — feel confident in their appearance. Because the truth is, when we feel good, we show up better. We smile more, we speak louder, we walk differently.

At Femme Do’Mane Salon, I specialize in helping women feel beautiful on purpose. From silk presses to braids, color services to repair treatments — I’m not just giving you a style, I’m giving you a moment to be poured into. And while you’re in my chair, you’ll get expert care, a safe space, and probably a few good laughs too.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time in my journey when I was a booth renter, moving through a few salons over the years — usually staying about three to four years at each one. But that last salon I was in? It really felt like home. I built deep bonds with my coworkers — we weren’t just colleagues, we were family. We did life together, met each other’s children, supported each other in and outside of the salon. It was a beautiful season, but it came with a powerful lesson: don’t be so loyal to others that you forget to be loyal to yourself.

Over time, a few uncomfortable things began to happen in that space, and eventually, I knew it was time to go. I left, but I didn’t leave untouched — I was hurt, truly. I bounced around to a couple other salons after that, and finally landed at a salon that felt good. Then… the pandemic hit.

As chaotic as that time was, it came with unexpected opportunity. The government was offering small business loans with unusually low interest rates. Now, under normal circumstances, I probably wouldn’t have even applied — I didn’t think I’d qualify, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I believed in myself enough to try. But something in me said, “Go for it.” So I did.

I applied, I got approved, and suddenly, I was standing in front of a door I never imagined would open for me: my own salon.

I hadn’t even been at my current salon for a full year yet, but I went to the owner — shoutout to Miss Yvette at Elysian Salon — and I told her how I felt. I expressed my guilt about leaving, especially during such uncertain times. But she gave me her blessing and said something I’ll never forget: “Go for the gusto.” And I did.

Looking back, I realize now that if I had still been at that previous salon when the pandemic hit, I might not have taken that leap. I was so loyal, I probably would’ve stayed just to avoid feeling like I was abandoning them. But God had other plans. I believe He removed me from that space before the pandemic so that I would be open to a new opportunity — one I might have otherwise missed out on.

That experience taught me that discomfort often comes before elevation. Sometimes the very thing that feels like a loss is actually divine redirection. It reminded me that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it.

And because of that shift — that painful, unexpected, uncomfortable shift — I now own my own salon. And I walk in my purpose every single day.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I actually started my professional career in a city I didn’t grow up in, which meant I didn’t have the luxury of relying on a built-in support system or familiar connections. In the beginning, I hit the ground running — literally. I was passing out flyers at the mall, meeting people face-to-face, and just putting myself out there. You can’t be afraid of rejection when you’re trying to build something from the ground up. And one important lesson I learned early on is that you can’t expect your friends and family to be your first clients — they’re usually the late believers. And that’s okay.

What really helped me stand out was letting my personality shine. I started off offering braiding services, and over time, my braid clients began trusting me with other services too. I was always honest about where I was in my skill level — and when there were styles I was still learning, I would often offer those services for free. It gave me the chance to sharpen my skills and, just as importantly, to take photos of my work to post on social media. Every client was a learning opportunity and a marketing opportunity.

I also joined StyleSeat, a directory where people go specifically to find beauty professionals. That platform really helped grow my clientele by putting me in front of people I hadn’t met yet — people who were actively looking for the services I offered.

Between internet listings and social media, my business found its legs. Those tools have been absolutely essential to my growth — especially since I started with no local network. But if there’s one thing I truly believe has sustained me, it’s not just my skillset — it’s my reliability.

Being consistent, dependable, and showing up for my clients goes just as far, if not further, than being “the best” stylist. People want to know they can count on you — and I’ve built a career on making sure they can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashleybrownprostylist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_brown_pro_stylist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybrownprostylist/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-brown-pro-stylist-388a9154/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleybrownprostylist
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ashley-brown-long-beach-5?osq=Ashley+Brown