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

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Funny story—I actually came up with the name Tresses of Ascension in the shower! I get a lot of my ideas while showering (hopefully that’s not TMI, but hey, we all shower, right?). I wanted a name that represented transformation, the significance of a woman’s hair, and the symbolism of a crown. There were already so many names that included “crown” or “glory” or incorporated “locs.” Then one day, Tresses of Ascension just came to me, and I instantly fell in love with it and everything it symbolically represents.

Tresses of Ascension embodies the transformative journey of personal growth and self-expression through natural hair care. The word “tresses” celebrates the beauty and individuality of hair, while “ascension” signifies rising, leveling up, and connecting more deeply with one’s authentic self. Together, the name evokes a sense of empowerment and evolution—not just in appearance, but also in confidence, identity, and spirit.

It’s more than just hair; it’s about embracing natural beauty, honoring heritage, and building a supportive community that uplifts and celebrates each individual’s unique journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

About Me and How I Got Into This Industry:

I am the founder of Tresses of Ascension, and my journey into the world of locs began as a deeply personal one. In 2017, I embarked on my own loc journey with the help of a local loctician. This experience ignited a profound desire to embrace my natural beauty while honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of locs. What began as a personal passion has since evolved into a professional calling.

My connection to natural hair runs deep. I learned to style my own hair in middle school, and this skill quickly became a way to support myself by styling for family, friends, and even strangers. As an adult, I was loose natural for over ten years before I decided to loc my hair. Once I started to care for my Sisterlocks, I noticed a gap in the resources and guidance available to those starting their natural hair and loc journeys. This realization inspired me to dive deeper, gain expertise, and create services that not only help clients achieve their hair goals but also foster confidence, self-love, and pride in their natural beauty.

After completing the Sisterlocks certification course in 2020, I dedicated myself to mastering the interlocking method and the intricate art of loc styling and maintenance. Today, Tresses of Ascension reflects years of hands-on experience, continued education, and a heartfelt commitment to uplifting others through hair care.

What I Offer:

At Tresses of Ascension, I provide a range of services and educational resources tailored to clients at different stages of their loc journey. These include:

Microlocks Installations: From consultations to full installations, I specialize in creating personalized grid patterns and offering styles that enhance hair texture and density.

Maintenance and Repairs: I guide clients on how to maintain healthy locs, including retightening, repair work, and addressing any loc-specific challenges like thinning or breakage.

Education & Mentorship: I now offer one- and two-day intensive Microlocks courses tailored for aspiring locticians. Depending on the course selected, participants will receive mentorship, hands-on training, essential tools, and comprehensive education. These courses are designed to build confidence and provide the practical skills necessary to excel in the loc care industry.

Self-Retightening Courses: For clients who wish to take control of their loc journey, I provide DIY courses complete with starter kits and personal guidance.

Event-Ready Styling: I help clients prepare for special moments, including weddings, photoshoots, and other milestones, ensuring they look and feel their best.

Problems I Solve:

I address several common challenges that clients face when it comes to locs:

Helping clients embrace their natural hair and feel confident in their appearance.

Educating individuals on proper maintenance techniques to promote healthy hair growth.

Creating solutions for clients with unique hair types or densities, ensuring their locs are tailored to their specific needs.

Offering mentorship for aspiring locticians who want to master their craft and build a successful business.

What Sets Me Apart:

What makes Tresses of Ascension unique is my commitment to creating a holistic and empowering experience for clients. My approach goes beyond hair care—it’s about nurturing self-confidence, celebrating individuality, and fostering a sense of community. I take the time to listen to each client’s needs, crafting personalized solutions that reflect their goals and lifestyle.

In addition, my mentorship program for aspiring locticians is one of a kind, offering not just technical training but also insights into marketing, client management, and pricing strategies. I believe in sharing my knowledge and helping others succeed, which is why I’ve built a supportive network for those starting out in the industry.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

One of my greatest achievements is helping over 20 women in my community start their loc journeys through installations, education, and continued support. Witnessing their growth and confidence flourish over time has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, seeing my mentorship students launch their own businesses and thrive as locticians fills me with pride.

What I Want Clients and Followers to Know:

Tresses of Ascension is more than just a business; it’s a safe space for transformation and growth. Whether you’re a client starting/continuing your loc journey or a student learning the craft, my mission is to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reach your goals.

With Tresses of Ascension, you can trust that every service is rooted in care, precision, and passion. My work is a reflection of my dedication to natural beauty, holistic hair care, and community building. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

This journey began as a side hustle in 2020, with plans to turn it into a full-time business. However, everything shifted when I found out I was expecting in August of 2020. At that point, I made the difficult decision to close my books and reduce my client list to just eight while continuing to work full-time as a Software Consultant. As my delivery date approached in 2021, I started to offload more clients to focus on a healthy delivery and prepare for life as a new mom. It was incredibly hard to let go of my growing clientele, but I knew it was the best choice for me and my family at the time.

Being a first-time mom, I wasn’t sure how life would change or how much time I would have to dedicate to my craft, so I chose to keep just one client—my aunt. For the next couple of years, my primary focus was on motherhood and my full-time career as a Quality Assurance Engineer.

In March 2023, I faced another life-altering moment when I was laid off from my job. It was a crushing blow, especially amidst other significant life changes happening at the time. But from that challenge came an opportunity. I realized I could reopen my hair business, and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.

Since relaunching Tresses of Ascension, my business has grown steadily, and I’ve proven to myself that it’s possible to thrive as a full-time entrepreneur while raising a child. I’ve learned how to scale and pivot based on both the economy and my personal goals. For example, I now offer payment plans for installs and maintenance to make my services accessible, mentorship and educational classes for aspiring locticians, and my own line of hair care products.

Today, I’m at a point where some months I earn more than I did as a salaried employee—a milestone I never thought I’d achieve. I’m incredibly grateful for this journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Every challenge has taught me resilience, and every success has reaffirmed my passion for this work.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of treating people the way I want to be treated, being authentically human, word-of-mouth referrals, leveraging social media, and providing exceptional service that keeps clients coming back.

Treating People the Way I Want to Be Treated & Being Authentically Human:
At the core of my business is the belief in treating every client with kindness, respect, and understanding. I strive to make every interaction genuine and heartfelt, ensuring clients feel valued and heard. By showing up as my authentic self, I’ve built trust and meaningful connections with my clients, which makes them feel comfortable and confident in their journey with me. Being humanly authentic means acknowledging challenges, celebrating successes, and creating a space where my clients feel safe and supported.

Word-of-Mouth Referrals:
Building strong, authentic relationships with my clients has been invaluable. When clients feel genuinely cared for and receive high-quality work, they naturally recommend my services to their friends, family, and colleagues. Additionally, I’ve cultivated meaningful connections with other locticians who respect my work and often refer clients to me when they’re unavailable or feel I may be a better fit. These professional relationships highlight the importance of collaboration and community within the industry and have become a significant source of new clientele.

Social Media Marketing:
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow me to showcase not just my work but also my personality and values. Sharing client transformations, milestones, and educational content while being authentically myself has attracted clients who align with my approach. Engaging content and real stories resonate deeply with potential clients, making social media a powerful tool for growth.

Consistency in Branding and Communication:
Staying true to who I am while maintaining a professional and approachable brand image has set me apart. My authenticity is reflected in everything from my social media posts to how I interact with clients directly. People appreciate that I’m not just selling a service but offering a real connection and passion for what I do.

Educational Offerings and Value-Added Services:
Providing mentorship programs, self-retightening courses, and detailed consultations has allowed me to establish myself as a trusted expert in the locs community. Offering accessible payment plans for installs and maintenance has also helped me reach a wider audience. Clients value the authenticity and care I bring to these additional services.

Client Retention and Follow-Up:
Staying in touch with clients, celebrating their milestones, and checking in on their progress has helped foster long-term relationships. Treating clients with the same care and attention I’d want for myself creates loyalty and keeps them coming back.

By combining authenticity, genuine care, and strategic marketing, I’ve built Tresses of Ascension into more than just a business—it’s a community. Treating people like I want to be treated, maintaining strong relationships within the locs industry, and showing up as my true self have been the foundation of my success. Clients and colleagues alike feel the difference, and that’s what keeps them coming back and spreading the word.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tressesofascension.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tressesofascension
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tressesofascension/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyforestmslcplc/

Image Credits

The front page photo is by wells & co photography