We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Stevens recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

For the last 15 years, I’ve been in the beauty industry—starting in North Carolina, working as a licensed cosmetologist. I spent over a decade at one of the most successful high-end salons in the area. I had built a great reputation, a loyal clientele, and what many would consider a dream job. But deep down, I knew I wanted something more—something of my own.

So I took a huge risk and walked away from all of it to open my own studio. It was one of the scariest, most unexpected moves of my life—but also one of the most rewarding. I put everything I had into building my business from the ground up, and to my surprise, it became even more successful than I imagined. But after a few years, even with all that growth, I still felt like something was missing.

That’s when I started shifting my focus to spray tanning. I realized it wasn’t just about a tan—it was about helping people feel confident in their own skin. Glowing, healthy skin can change how you show up in the world, and I became obsessed with that idea. I dove deep into researching ingredients, skincare, and even CBD—looking for ways to make the experience not just luxurious, but actually good for your skin and body.

Eventually, I reached a point where I knew I had peaked in North Carolina. I could’ve stayed comfortable, but I wanted more. So I took the biggest risk of all—I closed down my studios, sold almost everything I owned, and moved to California as a single mom with nothing but a vision and a ton of passion.

My goal now is to provide a truly elevated, luxury spray tan experience—something that goes beyond beauty. I want every person who walks into my studio to leave feeling confident, cared for, and seen. I believe in what I do wholeheartedly. I’ve poured my soul into this journey, taken crazy risks, and followed my gut every step of the way.

And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.

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

About Me & House of Shade

I didn’t always have a clear direction. I was a single parent just trying to figure things out when I walked into cosmetology school for the first time—and something clicked. It was like the angels spoke (literally), and in that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. That was the beginning of a lifelong passion for beauty, connection, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves.

Over the years, I’ve learned that being in this industry is about so much more than what’s on the surface. Your hairdresser—or spray tan artist—isn’t just someone behind the chair. We’re therapists, hype women, safe spaces, confidence boosters… sometimes all in the same appointment. And honestly, I love that. I love building relationships, making people laugh, lifting spirits, and reminding every client how beautiful they already are.

I created House of Shade as a luxury spray tan studio because I believe everyone deserves a little “extra.” Not everyone has hours to spend in a spa or a full day to devote to self-care. So when you come to me—even if it’s just for a quick session—I want you to feel pampered, seen, and treated like a VIP. This isn’t just about a tan. It’s about confidence, glow, energy, and stepping back into the world feeling like you again—just with a little more shimmer.

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

What started as a total side hustle quickly turned into something way more. I had spent the majority of my career—like 90% of it—behind the chair doing hair. Then one day, I started helping a fellow stylist who was also a spray tan artist. I’d spray her after work, just as a favor… and to be honest, I got hooked. There was something about the detail, the process, and most of all, watching that instant confidence glow-up happen. I loved it.

I sprayed just her for almost a year before it finally clicked—why wasn’t I offering this to my clients too? So I started super small, doing a few tans here and there, some mobile appointments, nothing major. But after I left the big salon and had the freedom to refocus, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to open a studio—and that little side hustle officially became House of Shade.

Now it’s my passion, my business, and my purpose all rolled into one.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A major turning point in my life came when I attended Tony Robbins’ Life Mastery seminar. It was like a mental reset. I walked away from that experience with a new sense of direction—not just in business, but in how I live my life day to day. It helped me refocus on my health, my purpose, and what truly matters. Since then, I’ve continued taking his seminars because they keep me aligned with the version of myself I’m working to become.

Around the same time, I read The Well-Lived Life by Gladys McGarey, and it completely resonated with me. The message that you can build health and happiness at any age lit a fire in me. I realized success isn’t just about achievements—it’s about feeling good in your body, staying connected to your purpose, and living with intention.

At the center of it all is my daughter. She’s always been my why, my motivation. Every risk I take, every goal I chase, I do it with her in mind. I want her to see firsthand what it looks like to build something meaningful and never stop growing—personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hausofshadela.com
• Instagram: Hausofshade_la