We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Romanowski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

When it comes to the best boss I’ve ever had, I count myself incredibly lucky to have not one, but two extraordinary women who have shaped my career and touched my life in countless ways. Shannon and Madison are not your average boss duo; they are a force of nature, my biggest hype women and two of the strongest women I know.

These incredible women have not only shaped my professional journey but have also become a significant part of my personal growth.

Shannon, my Financial Fairy Godmother, transformed the way I think about money. Not only did she provide invaluable budget meetings, but she also helped me build my credit and savings. With her help and knowledge I have grown my credit, savings and recently started building my first home!

Shannon and Madison are not just bosses to me; they are my mentors, my role models, and my friends. They have not only shaped my career as a hairstylist, but they have also shaped me as a person. Their guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my potential have made all the difference. I am forever grateful to have them by my side, cheering me on every step of the way.

Ashley , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m 31, a mother to an amazing daughter Zoey. When i’m not behind the chair, I enjoy exploring new restaurants, going on hikes with my husky Nyla while listening to a true crime podcast!

I took a bit of a non-traditional path to enter the hairstyling industry. Initially, I pursued the traditional college route, but it didn’t feel like the right fit for me. I’ve always enjoyed changing my hair color, and I was that go-to friend who would work their magic on everyone’s hair before a night out. So, I decided to explore my passion further and discovered a local cosmetology school. They offered a shadow day, where I had the opportunity to step into the salon environment and see how things worked. It was an incredible experience, and within minutes of being there, I knew deep down that this was exactly what I wanted to do.

The services I enjoy the most are Blonding and Vivids. I love creating a lived-in balayage for my clients who can’t make it into the salon but only 2-3 times a year. I also enjoy the creativity of vivid colors. Whether you want to become a unicorn or a mermaid, I’ve got you!

What sets me apart from others in the hair industry is my ability to build meaningful connections with my clients. My clients trust my judgment and expertise, which allows me to make personalized recommendations for their hair. Whether it’s suggesting a new color, haircut, or style, they feel comfortable and open to trying something different based on my professional advice. Beyond just providing a service, I have cultivated a loyal clientele that has evolved into genuine friendships. Over time, I have been there for them through both the positive and challenging moments in their lives.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a hairstylist is the incredible opportunity to make a positive impact on my clients’ lives. Beyond just creating beautiful hair, I have the privilege of helping people feel confident, empowered, and their best selves.

Witnessing the smile on a client’s face when I turn them around and they see their new look in the mirror for the first time is priceless. It’s an amazing feeling to know that my skills and creativity have played a part in boosting their self-esteem.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One aspect that non-hairstylists may struggle to understand about my journey as a stylist is the emotional investment I have in my clients and their hair. As a stylist, I’ve developed a unique connection with each client, and their hair becomes more than just a canvas to work on. I’ve become invested in their personal stories, their challenges, and their success..

Non-hairstylists might not fully grasp the level of trust and responsibility that comes with being a stylist. I carry the weight of my clients’ expectations and rely on my expertise and education to deliver their hair dreams. This sense of responsibility is exciting but can bring a degree of pressure.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.poppysalondurham.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hairbyashleyr