We recently connected with Sarah Swope and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I had the opportunity to start my own business, so much had to be done to start up! I had to place my first color order, buy furniture I needed to fit into my salon loft, reach out to my clients, and most importantly- choose a name for my business.

After being in the industry for over 16 years, I knew how important a name can be! Becoming a business owner was exciting and I wanted to feel that every time I walked into my loft!

Sarah Ashley is my first, and middle name. But even more monumental to me about my name, is my mom. I can vividly remember my mom saying how pretty “Sarah Ashley” sounded to her. Once I started my cosmetology career, we would drive past open store fronts and she would say “That could be a Sarah Ashley salon!”

Naming my salon loft, and my business, is dedicated to my mother. Every day when I walk into my personal studio I think of my mother. I think of all the support and love from her and it was my proudest moment to name my business after all of her hopes and dreams for me. I did it mom!

Sarah , 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?

I have been in the industry for over 16 years, receiving my education at CVCC. Shortly after starting cosmetology school, I became an assistant at a well-known salon with over 10 very educated stylists!

I credit where I am at in my career to these women who taught me not only how to execute services, but the little things which made me who I am behind the chair. It was a privilege to begin my journey next to these women. They helped me grow into the stylist I am today and I am forever grateful.

The thing I love most about my craft is that every guest brings a new challenge and a new experience! I love creating looks that give my clients ease in styling throughout the weeks between our visits. I love creating looks that are easy to manage for them at home!

Although I love all aspects behind the chair, I specialize in blonding services.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My current guests are the absolute best source of new clients for me! Referrals are the biggest compliment to receive! I have been very lucky to have several entire families be guests in my chair! It makes me feel like part of the gang!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Shortly after Covid, the salon I had been at where I established my clientele and grew into the stylist I am today, sadly shut its doors. It was truly an incredibly emotional time. I was searching salons to go to, all while questioning if I could become a small business owner.

Nothing was checking off all my boxes on a new place to call a salon home for myself, or my guests. Luckily, with support from my amazing husband, Jeremy, my family, and friends, I was able to make the decision to go into business for myself and open Sarah Ashley Studio!

Thinking back to over a year ago, I remember how scared I was to take this next step. Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! I am so thankful for the amazing support I received to push me into making this decision- it was one of the best ones I have ever made!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahashleystudio.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahashleystudiollc?igsh=c3p5enR3eDVsMXJw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahashleystudio?mibextid=ZbWKwL