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An Inspired Chat with ASHLEY Beck of Mesa

We recently had the chance to connect with ASHLEY Beck and have shared our conversation below.

Hi ASHLEY, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
One thing I’ve really learned on my journey is the value of observing and learning from the people around me. Some of the best mentors aren’t necessarily the ones giving you advice directly — they’re your peers, your friends, the people in your circle making moves and showing up every day.

There are three people or businesses I follow closely and draw inspiration from:
1. My tattoo shop – Their video content is absolutely next level. It’s engaging, funny, and incredibly well done. I find myself constantly inspired by their creativity and how they connect with their audience. It pushes me to step up my own content game.

2. My Botox girl – I’ve learned so much just by watching her growth. She’s built a successful business and even grown a team in a short amount of time. It’s been inspiring to see what’s possible when you stay consistent and have a clear vision.

3. My friend who started a mobile cocktail bar – Watching her launch and grow her business with so much confidence has been amazing. She’s made big moves and carried herself with so much grace and boldness. It motivates me to be more fearless in my own path.

Each of these people has taught me something different — whether it’s how to show up online, scale a business, or carry yourself as a leader. I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come from formal education or big mentors — sometimes it’s right in front of you in your own community.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashley, the creator of Cosmic Hippie Beauty, a cozy, plant-filled salon suite in Mesa, Arizona where I specialize in nails and lash extensions. I actually started doing beauty services back in 2012, mostly nails, and over time it became something I truly loved. In 2019, I started offering mobile services while still juggling a full-time job. Right before COVID hit, I realized I wanted to go independent — but like many people, I got set back for a couple of years.
It wasn’t until 2024 that I hit a breaking point and knew it was time to finally bet on myself. That’s when Cosmic Hippie Beauty was born.

I’m all about clean, high-quality services, creative expression, and giving people a space where they can unwind, laugh, and feel good. My salon is filled with plants, color, good energy, and personality — and I bring that into everything I do, whether it’s through sparkly lash tinsel, fun nail designs, or seasonal specials inspired by astrology and celestial events.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my business even more. I’m getting ready to celebrate my one-year anniversary, roll out new services, launch an online shop, and eventually bring on staff. This next year is really about dialing in my brand and turning Cosmic Hippie Beauty into something bigger — something that not only reflects me, but also builds a real community around it.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For me, the part that has served its purpose and needs to be released is the version of myself that felt like I had to survive instead of thrive. I went through a lot early in life — things that made me feel like I had to always stay small, stay safe, and stay in survival mode. I held onto a lot of fear, self-doubt, and the feeling that I had to do everything alone or prove myself in order to be enough.

That mindset protected me for a long time — it kept me going. But it also held me back from fully stepping into the life and career I really wanted. In 2024, when I finally went independent with Cosmic Hippie Beauty, it was like shedding that old version of myself. I was tired of playing it safe.

Now, I’m learning to trust myself more. I’m letting go of the fear that I’m too much or not enough, and I’m starting to take up space — as a business owner, a creative, and a human being who gets to feel joy, success, and peace. That survival mode got me here, but it doesn’t get to drive anymore.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds in my life has been abuse — both physical and emotional. I experienced it in relationships and in my upbringing, and it left deep impacts on my sense of worth, confidence, and ability to move forward. There was a lot of emotional manipulation, generational trauma, and negativity that I carried with me for years.

For a long time, it kept me small. It stopped me from going after things I wanted, made me second-guess my choices, and filled my head with voices that weren’t even mine. But the turning point came when I finally made the decision to cut out those abusive relationships and start healing — really, fully healing.

That’s when I was able to start seeing who I actually was underneath all that pain. Once the noise was gone, I found clarity. I realized I was capable, creative, and ready to build something of my own. That healing process is what gave me the courage to finally step out on my own and create Cosmic Hippie Beauty.
I’m still healing, always evolving, but now I move with self-trust. I don’t let those old voices define me anymore.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I’m a Cancer, so being an open book is kind of second nature. I don’t really know how to be anything but myself. The way I show up online is the same way I show up in real life — whether I’m with clients, friends, or just hanging out at home.

I try really hard to keep everything I do authentic, especially when it comes to my brand. There’s no fake energy, no pretending. Lately, I’ve been making more of an effort to share the behind-the-scenes stuff — the real-life moments, even on the tough days — because I think that’s what people actually connect with.

That kind of transparency has really helped me build trust with my clients. They know what to expect from me, and I think that honesty creates a deeper connection — not just in business, but as real people.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, what my clients would miss the most is me — the energy I bring into the space, the vibe I’ve created, and the way I make them feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Cosmic Hippie Beauty isn’t just a salon — it’s a whole experience. My clients come for the nails or the lashes, but they stay because of the connection, the comfort, and the energy they get when they walk through the door. It’s the laughter, the real talk, the plants, the playlists, and just being able to fully relax and be themselves.

That’s why I’m working so hard to build something bigger than just me. I know I can’t do this forever — but I can create a brand that lives on. And when the time comes, I want other amazing artists to carry the Cosmic Hippie name and keep that energy alive. Because it’s not just about beauty — it’s about the feeling people leave with.

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Image Credits
All photos taken by me

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