We recently connected with Ashley Brubaker and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Absolutely! It’s crucial to take breaks. Personally, I prioritize and cherish my time off, whether it’s a staycation or a trip out of town. Over my decade of business ownership, I’ve come to realize the essential need for balance. Without it, I tend to feel restless and lose motivation, which inevitably reflects in my interactions with both my team and guests.

Maintaining momentum in the business is directly tied to having a trustworthy team. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a team I can rely on, knowing that the salon is in capable hands when I’m away. Each member of the team treats the salon as if it were their own, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

While I do take extended breaks, I also actively encourage and support time off for everyone on the team. It’s my belief that hard work should be complemented by moments of leisure. I strive to create an environment where my team feels empowered to take breaks and enjoy their personal time. After all, a well-rested and rejuvenated team is not only happier but also more productive when they return.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As the proud owner of True North Salon & Spa for a decade, my journey has been a transformative one. Before diving into this venture, I dabbled in various jobs until I decided to take the plunge and attend beauty school. It turned out to be a pivotal decision, as my passion for the hair and beauty industry has only deepened over the course of fourteen years.

True North is all about offering a fresh perspective on beauty, emphasizing authenticity with our exclusive use of vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly products. Recognizing the confusion that can arise in the beauty industry, particularly with flawless models endorsing pricey products, we strive to redefine the narrative. Our philosophy is simple: be yourself. While we respect individual choices, providing alternatives for those who prefer to avoid harsh chemicals on their hair and skin, our primary goal is to assist our guests in embracing and maintaining the beauty they naturally possess.

In addition to our focus on holistic beauty, we celebrate the natural process of aging. True North encourages our guests to define their own standards of beauty and comfort, challenging societal norms, particularly those imposed on women. Our team is dedicated to guiding you in every aspect of beauty—be it hair, skin, or soul. Let True North be your compass on the journey to embracing and enhancing your unique beauty.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I’ve always placed a strong emphasis on networking. As a hairstylist, every person in my chair, the individual in line at the grocery store, even my dog groomer all contribute to my network. While I’ve explored traditional networking groups, my preferred approach is a bit more informal—I encourage my team to actively engage, We also have a strong commitment to giving back to the community, and doing it as a team not only strengthens our bond but also introduces us to new connections.

Our belief in the power of community engagement has proven effective. Leveraging everyday encounters in the community as networking opportunities has been a successful strategy for attracting new clients. It’s not just about expanding professional circles; it’s about fostering meaningful connections while making a positive impact on our community.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency. Every guest who walks through our door can expect the same level of professionalism, luxurious services and they can count us to be open! Our dedication extends to maintaining reliable and open hours. Frequent shifts in business hours can be frustrating, and we’ve made it a point to provide a steady and dependable experience.

Genuine Care. We treat each guest as if it is their first visit with us. A warm greeting, comforting tea, extra pamepering and lucious aromas! We’re all about embracing individuality, so everyone’s welcome here.

Community Involvemnt. Fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact in our community is a priorety.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.truenorthsalon.com
• Instagram: truenorthsalon
• Facebook: True North Salon and Spa Inc

Image Credits
Janna Salmela Photography