We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlynn Washington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashlynn, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
The biggest risk I have taken to date has to be starting a business and opening my salon. I cannot take full credit, because my business would not be where it is without the help of GOD. I am a firm believer in faith over fear, this is a mantra that has allowed me to persevere even during moments of doubt. I have always known my destiny was to become a business owner never knew I would be fortunate enough to manifest my dreams. I studied to be a doctor, and along that journey, I learned how the internal organs communicate with the skin, which led me to skincare. Throughout my journey in the industry, I’ve learned that estheticians are not always appreciated by larger companies. I decided to match my faith with my efforts and education and become a boss.
I have always created a plan b in any situation. This time around I was so sure in my faith that I never doubted Plan A. Starting my business has been the best decision I have ever made, I feel confident and optimistic about Thirty-Three Faces. I constantly receive signs that confirm I am doing the right thing at the right time. Timing is everything and when you know it’s your time, you must act on that feeling because it will never steer you wrong. I am here to encourage anyone unsure about an idea or a business venture, you can do anything you put your mind to as long as you believe in what you bring to the table. Taking a risk is not always easy, but I have quickly realized it is so rewarding!
Ashlynn, 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?
Thirty-Three Faces, was initially created amidst my stage of bad acne. I was desperate to figure out what was causing the inflammation in my skin. As I studied to become a doctor, I researched how internal triggers cause the skin to react in the form of breakouts. When you have an unhealthy liver or kidney, you will see signs of this in your skin as inflammation or breakouts. During my acne stage, I experienced depression. Which made me question my worth, and I lost my confidence overall. I sought to heal myself internally and externally. Amidst the journey, I learned how to love myself through every imperfection. After completing esthetician school, I knew I wanted to own a business that spoke to women and men who experience the same emotional weight that comes with acne. I dreamed of creating a safe space for people to achieve their desired skin goals, and feel safe to release the burden that acne causes.
My main goal is to connect corrective skin care and affordable skin care. In the midst of my acne journey, I spent a lot of money trying to correct my skin. During this time, I realized there was a missing piece between good skincare and affordable skincare. I aim to break the narrative around skincare. I want to educate my community about useful skincare tips and break myths like: “People of color do not need sunscreen.” My goal overall is to educate and encourage people to take better care of their skin. I offer many skin care services that target: skin discoloration, aging skin, dry skin, and acne skin types. I offer signature facials and customized facials, in which you can add enhancement treatments to target your overall skin goals.
I am constantly asked, “What is the meaning behind Thirty-Three Faces? 33 is an angel number that symbolizes encouragement, confidence, guidance, and support. These are pillars that I believe are needed during your journey with skincare. When I was thinking of a name for my business, I kept catching 3:33 or 333 or 33, I knew it was my angles speaking to me and confirming I was on the right path. I named my business after my favorite angel number. I am most proud of the impact that I leave on my clients. In just a short time, I have grown an incredible clientele. My clients often tell me that our sessions are therapeutic, they look forward to seeing me monthly. The secret is I look forward to every session with them as well. They encourage me just as much as I encourage them. I pride myself on being there for my clients physically but even more emotionally because having a skin condition can often take a toll on your mental health and I want to give my clients a shoulder to lean on.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
I originally started my business as a side hustle but never knew it would flourish into a full-time business. I began providing services in my living room for just family and friends. I was still working my 9-5, and I would take clients on Saturdays only. I started cutting my hours at work to accommodate my client’s requests. I went from taking clients on only Saturdays to taking clients Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays while still maintaining my full-time job. After juggling both for months, it became tough to balance. I prayed long and hard about the next steps and made a list that included every detail regarding my salon. I incorporated what services I would provide, picked out the paint for the walls, and even created a mood board that reflected what I wanted my salon to look like. I would pray over this list all the time, and within one year my business moved from my living room to my very own suite.
With faith and dedication, I have been able to grow an amazing clientele and open my very first salon suite within such a short amount of time. I am blessed because even after creating a list including every detail about my salon, it has surpassed anything I could have dreamed of. I can admit that manifestation has so much power behind it. If you’re in alignment with your purpose everything flows so easily. There will be bumps along the journey, but three years ago, I would have never imagined turning my side hustle into my MAIN HUSTLE.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been referrals. My clients constantly refer friends and family members to come in and get facials. That alone has been beneficial to my growth. Knowing that I have provided a service to someone that has left a mark in their heart, to share with someone else is a great feeling. When my clients refer a friend or family member, it confirms I am providing exceptional services, which makes all my hard work worth it. I am honored when a client comes to me and says “I was referred by.” Recently, I spoke to one of my clients and she shared with me that she went to her dermatologist to receive information about a cosmetic procedure. While there her doctor complimented her skin. She replied, “I have been consistent with my esthetician”. The doctor asked for my information, and she provided the doctor with my business card. The doctor stated she would add me to her referral list for her current clients. At that very moment, I knew I was walking in my purpose and providing services worth boasting about!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thirtythreefaces.com
- Instagram: @thirtythreefaces