We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Williamson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

My daughter was born when I was 16 yrs old, one month before my 17th birthday. I faced criticism from all angles, being told I had ruined my life and would never amount to much. That is where I hope my legacy begans. I was determined to care for her, prove the masses wrong, and create a life that she could not only be comfortable in but proud of.

In the last twenty years I have graduated with a Master’s Degree in Management with a minor in HR and a minor in Healthcare Administration. I have a personal training certificate, dental assisting certificate, several marketing certifications, and most recently I became a Licensed Esthetician in my late 30s. My mother always told me that education was something no one could take from you! I have taught my daughter to never stop learning by being an eternal student myself.

I have been a jet mechanic in the US Air Force, a Senior Manager overseeing multi-location gyms, and an Executive Manager for a Broker. I now own my own business in private spa suite where I provide esthetic services.

I hope my legacy is one of female empowerment, one that shows the beauty on the other side of the struggle. I now also have a son and just as much as I want my daughter to have a strong female role model, I want him to understand that women are not to be underestimated. We are strong and resilient. A mother’s determination truly knows no bounds. I hope at least one person says her story from teen mom to business owner gave me hope and inspired me to keep growing striving for my dreams.

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

Hey! I’m Ashley. I’m a mother of two human children and five furry children. I’m married to my soulmate of 14 years.
I worked a lot of stressful jobs that didn’t lend to work/life balance and knew that one day I wanted to own my own business. I decided to go back to school one last time in my late 30s and become a licensed esthetician. I was looking for an industry that would accept me with my tattoos and nose ring in the clothes that I feel most comfortable in and I found it! Being an Esthetician allows me to work independently, make my own schedule, and do things my way. All while helping people relax and find confidence in the skin that they’re in! I absolutely live for the client’s smile at the end of a relaxing facial or the gasp from shock in the incredible change in their appearance!
My business sits in a very saturated market but what sets me apart is my constant need for continuing education, the way I study and practice my craft, and the care that I put into each and every service. Unlike franchised or big-box spas, as a solo-esthetician, I am able to personalize each and every service. I can provide the care that my clients need without being confined to a protocol because skin isn’t one-size fits all!
While I provide in house, hands on services, I also provide virtual skincare consultations, and I have my own private label, clean, and conscious skincare line! I truly love what I do!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I set out to have my own business, I had zero capital and no investments. My husband and I worked very hard to build our personal credit from subpar to outstanding over the last 13yrs and I was able to secure a credit card with no interest for a year! I was smart with my start up fees, using coupons and discounts, thrifting and hitting up Facebook Marketplace as well. I created an Amazon wishlist early on and asked friends and family shop from it for holidays and special occasions and I even provided services in exchange for items off the list while I was still an apprentice!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Just before I decided to go back to school to be an Esthetician, I was working for a broker as an Executive Manager. I loved my job, I was in a hybrid position, and the salary was good. A little over a year into my employment I received an email stating my position had been dissolved and I was only given a days notice. There was no severance or time to find a new position. This was the hard push that forced me to pivot and ultimately decide to open my own business! At the time I was devastated but now I know that it was a favor bestowed upon me! When one door closes, another will open!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sevenandtenaesthetics.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: @ https://www.instagram.com/sevenandtenaesthetics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sevenandtenaesthetics
• Other: My booking site:

  https://pocketsuite.io/link/sevenandtenaesthetics

Image Credits

Kimberly Byram