Exploring Life & Business with Ashlee Mckinnon of ERA Extensions Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Mckinnon

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got started in the hair industry almost 20 years ago now. I saw the opportunity to have a career I could do anywhere, have flexible hours and meet people from all walks of life.
I quickly realized being a hairstylist was so much more than just doing hair.
People sit in my chair and share their lives with me and trust me with their self image.
Hair extensions aren’t just a vanity measure. Hair loss occurs for many reasons, a lot of which I can’t fix and can’t be fixed quickly.
I’ve focused my career on not only giving my guests the hair of their dreams but the hair they used to have.
About 10 years I’d become disenchanted with the extension hair brands that were available to me. The quality of hair was inconsistent, it was hard to find, the colors were very limited, and they weren’t made for people with delicate hair.
The people who needed/wanted them most and the product didn’t fit their needs.
When I was approached to work with a start up extension brand that aimed to solve the clients needs and be more accessible to stylists, I jumped on it.
During my time there I learned the process of making extensions pieces, learned how to maintain quality standards, assist in building a curriculum to teach other stylists how to use the extension piece’s, and traveled training stylists and raising brand awareness.
From there I worked with other brands to build their education platforms and traveled across the US teaching salons, suite owners, and doing private lessons.
This soon evolved into mentoring and coaching individual stylists how to grow and build flourishing extension clientele’s and understanding their numbers to become more financially profitable.
After sustaining a significant injury last summer I thought my hair career was over. I realized I falsely thought I’d be able to work behind the chair forever. This forced me to reevaluate my goals and a way to stay in the industry without being physically behind the chair full time.
I’m currently working on a project that will help stylist make more money with hair extensions and invest in their future.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was diagnosed with the begining stages of uterine cancer when I was 16 years old. My doctors told me I had the fertility of a 35 yr old and if children was apart of my plan I should start sooner than later.
Fortunately I met my husband when I was 18 and were married within the year. That first year we were married I had to have 4 surgeries. Several surgeries later and years of infertility we welcomed our first child. Between the hormonal imbalances, stresses of my continued failing health, and being an ambitious wife and mother of 3 beautiful busy children, I silently suffered from crippling depression and anxiety.
Having the salon gave me a creative outlet and a community of woman who were encouraging and caring. Many of whom were going through similar experiences.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ERA Extensions Salon ?
ERA Extensions Salon is a micro salon in Gilbert, Az. We specialize in maintaining the natural vitality and health of your hair. We offer high level blonding, low maintenance lived in color and naturally effortless extensions.
We offer alternatives to hair loss and micro current treatments for scalp and body treatments.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
When looking into getting to cosmetology school do your research. Not all schools are created equal. Invest in continuing education during and after school.

I wish I’d started working out sooner so my body could handle hours worth of blonding.
Take time off
Take the vacation
Make the memories
Take care of your mental and physical wellbeing
.

Pricing:

• New ERA Extensions starting at $100+ per bundle
• Full blonding starting at $325
• Extension Install $175- $700 (not including hair)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.ErasalonAz.com
• Instagram: @My_erahair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7QKeRWZC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.fresha.com/book-now/dusty-rose-extensions-r85gebop/all-offer?share&pId=91318

Image Credits
Jaryd Neibauer