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

Ashli, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Ashli, 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 Ashli Shells also known as Crowned by Ashli. Today I go by Big A. I’m doing bigger things and reaching for better experiences in this hair industry. I started with this passion as a desire to make people feel good like I watched my father do as a hairstylist himself when I was a kid. Before he passed while I was in the 7th grade we worked together on a client because flat twist had just been introduced and he had to learn. She was so happy how it turned out. My dad was so proud. That was a great feeling. Although I never got to be in business with him every satisfied client helps recreate that feeling. I really set the bar high and aim to take care of every head I touch. I provide color services, cuts, straightening treatments, natural hair styles also quick weaves and sew ins. I’ve also been told regularly and will testify that I have growing hands! I’m a big advocate for treatments. I’m always making sure to provide moisture and protein treatments because healthy hair is key to growth. Me and olaplex go together real bad lol. I also love the kearatin repair treatment K18. For my true naturals I’ve done herbal hair baths as well. Outside of topical treatments, my clients will tell you I’m always asking what are they consuming because it’s not just about what we put on our scalp and hair but what we’re putting into our bodies that come out in our hair. So I try to promote healthy eating and good water intake and herbs. I’m always wanting more. So I have more to provide. Right now I’m focused on education and networking so that I can be of better service behind the chair and running my salon(Crowned Essentials Beauty Bar in Raytown,MO). Before I was able to provide a experience of what I can do behind the chair but now I can give a whole experience that’s memorable and desired consistently; because that’ s what life is about, our experiences. As an extension, Beauty is a way to express those experiences. Rather to recreate them or to create new ones and I want to be a part of that in a good and major way.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I came into the industry thinking that I had to do discount deals, or take my service prices down to less than my competitors in order to gain more clientele, and that was completely incorrect. I learned that it tells others to under value your work. Instead, I had to learn how to offer a better service, a better experience for a value that’s well worth it, because people like things of value. A discount once in awhile or a complimentary service make people feel special to be able to participate when we give those opportunities.

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

I first thought I had to stay on social media to grow clientele but realized my clients bring me more clients. Word or mouth is my biggest advertisement. So ideally I want more people talking about the service I provide but if I give that one person such an amazing experience that they go tell everybody that works too. So I really focus on the client in my chair at that moment and be a a great experience. I now ask them to add me on social media and share so that can grow as well. Instead of a tip I ask for their participation for reviews and referrals and that’s the magic right there. Also wherever I’m at, I’m leaving business cards and flyers and talking to people about my business all the time.

Contact Info:

• Website: mycrownedessentials.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/crowned_essentials?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crownedbyashli?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: Crownedbyashli on TikTok

Image Credits
Derick Roberts -Drokc Photography