We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karina & Ashley Sugar & Shears a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karina & Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Although Ashley and Karina grew up in different states, and in completely different ways, they grew up with the similarity that there was never a question if we were loved. They feel so lucky to have parents that always made an effort to put them first and create the best life, they possibly could for them in each and every moment.
Karina’s parents are immigrants from Nicaragua. They came to the United States to create a life for their daughter that would have no limits. To create opportunities that she could grab and take hold off. She is so grateful for them and respects them more than anything.
Ashley grew up with a close-knit family. They have the motto that it takes a village. Everyone is always welcomed and each household is filled with love and compassion. Although Ashley’s parents were young when they had her they made sure she knew that life was whatever she needed and wanted it to be. They never told her how to live or what to believe, instead they help guide her in the direction she knew she needed to go. They grew with her and love having a friendship to this day.
Karina & Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Ashley and Karina met while renting space at another salon. They had such a devoted clientele, similar outlooks on business, and customer service styles that they decided to open a space of their own! That’s when Sugar & Shears Salon and Organic Spa came to be.
What gives Sugar & Shears a competitive edge is the inclusion of a full service organic spa in conjunction with high end salon services. The location and the space are ideal for the vision Ashley and Karina have and they are excited to be a part of the neighborhood.
Karina is originally from Nicaragua but grew up in LA and has been living in WA state for 10 years.
Karina has been in the industry for 9 years and is always looking for what new treatments she can bring in to wow her clients. She had extensive training as an esthetician and was an Arch Expert with Benefit Cosmetics for 3 years at the start of her career. She can transform any brows into beautiful arches that frame and accentuate your eyes and face. Through continuing education and updated training she keeps her skill set fresh and will always seek those opportunities. She specializes in both the art of brow shaping and facials which include Hydrafacial and dermaplaning as her prefered methods of exfoliation. She uses all medical grade natural products to promote the best and most healthy skin possible.
Karina always recommends treatments to her clients that are specifically targeted at their specific skin goals.
Her desire is to guide her clients by educating them about their skin and implementing a personalized skin care routine. Having a solid routine and using the right products designed for your skin is the key to healthy skin and she would love to guide you in achieving your best skin!
Ashley has been in the beauty industry for almost two decades now and has never once looked back. It’s right where she belongs; she loves helping her clients reveal their true beauty, inside and out. Although outer beauty is only one small dimension of a person’s true character, the boost in confidence a good hair cut can bring can really make your inner beauty shine! That’s why Ashley doesn’t just focus on the art of cutting hair, she also builds strong relationships with her clients. She loves sharing time with them, getting to know their concerns, fears and flaws as well as their strengths, loves, and inspirations. Hearing so many stories and voices every day is a part of her job that she truly treasures, and those stories and voices have helped shape the person she is today. Ashley feels so lucky to be able to work every day to enhance each client’s inner beauty by reflecting it on the outside.
Established in 2018
Sugar & Shears Salon and Organic Spa is the culmination of Ashley and Karina, two strong women, paving their own way in the ever growing beauty industry.
Our mission is to mindfully tailor our client experience to every individual’s needs, expectations, and goals using the finest in-demand products in both hair and skin care. Sugar & Shears offers high end hair care and high quality organic skin care with the philosophy that at-home care is the root of great skin and hair.
We carry Oribe haircare & Davines. We offer custom colors, extensions & cuts. Plus great hair treatments.
Skincare we carry Eminence & do all facial treatments including HydraFacials. We also offer Sugaring services.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Not only do all service providers here at sugar and shears, take their education seriously, and constantly further their skills with in-depth educational opportunities, but they know the heart of the business is the relationships they create with the people that come through the door. There’s nothing better then when you can make somebody feel the way they feel in the inside. Whether they just want to be pampered or if they’re going through something serious like medical issues, there’s something about having that personal experience with them, that raw moment. The anticipation, the vulnerability, the space given to us to create something beautiful. That’s why we do it. That’s what makes our job not just a job. That’s what makes our space so special and safe space for all.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Well, this one is always an ever evolving door. You are never done learning, you are never done growing and you are never going to find perfection. Both Karina and Ashley strive on leading by example. They are constantly trying to better themselves through classes, business coaches, and book after book. They go to their team with as much vulnerability as possible and listen to their concerns. Not every day is going to be perfect because like they said there’s no such thing as perfection but they aim to be better every single day and better from the day before. Its’ important to have a clear, mission statement, vision statement, career path, and same common ground with every team member to make the big dream can come true. Without those staples, your doomed.
Contact Info:
- Website: SugarandShearsSeattle.com
- Instagram: SugarandShears