Art & Life with Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere.

Ahsaki, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am from Besh-be-toh (Iron Water), Arizona located on the Navajo Reservation. I grew up traditionally, practicing our Navajo traditions. Growing up on the Navajo Reservation others may think it would not be beneficial for a young entrepreneur. However, it was everything I needed and it truly molded me into the Native Boss Babe I am today.

It is not how you start is it how you finish. Regardless if I did not have all the resources, I had my family support in everything I do.

I started Ah-Shi Beauty six years ago, I had to do a lot of research and as you know the beauty industry is a very competitive industry so I had to be ready. From branding, formulas, manufactures and overall beginning capitol. Since I was a little girl and to this day there is no Major Beauty Brand owned or a brand who represents us Native/Indigenous People. I did not see a model who looks like me or my people. Now my future daughter and the future generation will have Ah-Shi Beauty. Soon more Native own beauty brands will share the spot light as well. Ah-Shi Beauty has two sections; Skin Care and Cosmetics. I first launched our Skin Care line that is 90 percent botanical based and targeting people with sensitive skin. Our life is already complicated and our skin care should not be complicated as well.

Simple is best, using natural extracts and our product that actually moisturizes, removes and cleanse your skin. Doing its job and not harming your skin. Our Cosmetics specializes in high quality products with an extensive color selection. Ah-Shi Beauty prides ourselves in using only the very highest standards of pigments and ingredients. We also have a Mineral based line is ideal for sensitive skins. Building this company is not just for me, it is for my people. Now a little girl can see models who looks like her and possible be from the same tribe. How long do we have to wait to be represented in the beauty industry? I built this company to help my people by creating jobs and showcasing our beauty Native Models and artist talents.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Ah-Shi means This is Me…..This is Mine in Navajo. Ah-Shi Beauty – This is my beauty. I am creating a brand that not only respectfully represents my tribe the Navajo Nation but other Native Nations. However, my brand mission is to encourage, embrace, and support one another. When you say Ah-Shi you are owning and embracing yourself. Before you can embrace, encourage or support another person you have to first start with yourself. Self-love and embracing your own beauty are the goal. When a woman can be proud and embrace her natural beauty, she is truly unstoppable. When we come together and work together, we as the people is unstoppable. I want to create a community where all Native Nations can come together through the Ah-Shi Beauty. Uplifting each other by working on ourselves by being a better person every day.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Stay focus, prepare to fall sometimes but get back up, and believe in your brand. Will it be hard….yes. Can it get done…..yes. So, put your all into company and keep working towards your goals. I believe we all have a special talent and we have to take the time to recognize it and work on it. Embrace your talent and never ever give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ahshibeauty.com
• Email: info@ahshibeauty.com
• Instagram: ahshibeauty
• Facebook: Ah-Shi Beauty
• Twitter: ahshibeauty
• Other: YouTube Ah-Shi Beauty

 
Image Credit:
Photographer: Katrina G Yazzie
Designer: Winston Paul
Makeup Artist: Autumn Mariie

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.