We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success in this industry, and really in any service-based business, starts with how you treat people. I believe kindness is a lost art, especially in beauty and wellness where ego or burnout can sometimes take over. At Bleu Aesthetics, I lead with kindness—whether it’s a client, a student, a brand partner, or a stranger asking questions in my DMs. People remember how you make them feel long after they forget the exact service or technique.
Professionalism is equally important. I’ve had clients who’ve been with me for six years, and even though our relationship has grown into something more personal over time, I never let that compromise the level of professionalism they receive. Every appointment still starts on time, every step of the service is still explained, and every interaction reflects the standards I set from day one.
Consistency is another major key. I’ve refined my techniques so that the results I deliver aren’t just great—they’re reliable. Clients know exactly what to expect when they book with me, and that consistency builds trust. It’s the same with customer experience—whether someone is a first-time visitor or a long-time regular, they receive the same warmth, attention, and level of care.
Being proactive is something I take pride in. I try to stay two steps ahead, whether that’s preparing for industry shifts, client needs, or possible conflicts. I don’t wait for problems to arise—I anticipate them. That mindset has helped me stay grounded and responsive as I’ve grown the business.
I’d also say success requires resilience—especially as a full-time entrepreneur. There are long nights, moments of self-doubt, and times when things don’t go as planned. But I’ve learned that the ability to pivot, learn, and keep showing up—without compromising your values—is what really sustains long-term success.
Lastly, lifelong learning and strong systems behind the scenes are essential. I’m always studying, evolving, and tightening up my structure—whether it’s refining protocols, updating client forms, or creating better workflows. Success doesn’t just come from talent; it comes from constantly improving how you operate.
Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Ashley Lopez, a licensed esthetician, licensed esthetics instructor, and the founder of Bleu Aesthetics and Bleu Aesthetics Academy.
Bleu Aesthetics is a private beauty studio that specializes in all things brows and skin—from corrective skin treatments and acne programs to brow sculpting, tinting, and permanent makeup. My mission is to help clients feel confident and cared for in their own skin. What sets Bleu apart is not just the results, but the experience: clients consistently tell me how relaxed, safe, and welcomed they feel in my space—and that’s what I’m most proud of. I’ve created an environment where clinical skincare meets holistic care, where every appointment is both results-driven and rooted in genuine love, trust, and connection. Bleu is a judgment-free zone where clients are encouraged to prioritize their self-care without pressure or pretense.
In addition to providing services, I’m also the founder of Bleu Aesthetics Academy, where I train and mentor beauty professionals who are ready to elevate their skills and build thriving businesses. The Academy offers professional training in advanced esthetics techniques, business mentorship, and educational programs that combine real-world strategies with personal development. My goal is to raise the standard of our industry by teaching estheticians not only what to do—but how to do it with excellence, ethics, and heart.
Across both brands, I’ve built my businesses on kindness, professionalism, and intention. I want potential clients and students alike to know that Bleu is more than a beauty brand—it’s a space where you are seen, supported, and empowered to be your best self, whether you’re receiving a facial, perfecting your brows, or stepping into your role as a future beauty leader.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
One of the most effective—and honestly foolproof—strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele has been creating a seamless flow that starts with intentional online presence and ends with genuine word-of-mouth referrals. I started by making sure my website was clean, easy to navigate, and fully optimized for SEO. That step alone is so underrated but absolutely essential—especially for local visibility.
Because I’ve invested in SEO and consistently collect honest reviews on my Google My Business listing, Bleu Aesthetics ranks high when people search terms like “PMU near me” or “acne specialist McDonough.” With nearly 200 five-star reviews, new clients feel confident choosing my business over others—and that digital trust leads to real-life bookings.
But it doesn’t stop there. Once they visit, they receive a top-tier experience: real results, genuine care, and a peaceful environment that makes them want to come back. And the best part? They tell their friends, who tell their friends… and the cycle repeats.
It’s an organic system that works. So many people sleep on SEO and underestimate the power of creating a thoughtful client journey from the first Google search to the final mirror check—but that’s been the heart of my growth.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was feeling like I was racing against an invisible clock. In the beauty industry—especially on social media—it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. I used to see people with these massive, beautifully decorated spaces, the latest (very expensive) equipment, or taking luxury vacations every other month, and I’d wonder, “We offer the same services… why am I not there yet? What am I doing wrong?”
It was frustrating. I was fully booked, doing great work, pouring into my clients, staying professional and consistent—and still questioning why I didn’t feel as “popular” or seemingly successful as others.
Eventually, I realized that a lot of what we see online doesn’t reflect the full picture. Some people may have financial help from family, business loans, or even be deep in debt. And here I was—building my business from scratch, with zero handouts and no outside financial help. Once I let go of comparison and shifted my focus inward, I saw that I was exactly where I needed to be.
Now, I’m in a season where my foundation is solid, my vision is clear, and I’m expanding at my own pace. I’ve paved a path for myself that feels sustainable, intentional, and authentic. And when I do start traveling the world and reaching new heights in my business, it will be all the more rewarding—because I did it with integrity, hard work, and no shortcuts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BleuAesthetics.com / www.BleuAestheticsAcademy.com
- Instagram: @BleuAestheticsATL / @BleuAestheticsAcademy
