Meet Trailblazer Ashley Lawitz Filio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lawitz Filio.

Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was 16, I had the opportunity to attend EVIT. EVIT offered me a way to earn a trade while in high school so that I could support my brand new baby girl. I was very blessed to have the financial support from the Chandler school district to start my cosmetology career. My next two children both came before I was 19 but I’d had my license before my youngest was born, at the age of 18. I graduated high school and then started my career doing hair and makeup. I’ve loved doing hair since day one. I’ve never dreaded going to work, EVER. I’m genuinely excited and grateful for each client that sits in my chair, every day. I appreciate each one of them for allowing me to be creative and trusting me through the process. It’s what motivates me to be the best I can. I love what I do and I know my work shows that. I am extremely grateful that this path has allowed me to care for my three children as a single mother. Hair has saved us. Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. The flexibility of working for myself has been a great advantage as a soccer Mom!!! I get to be at all my boy’s games and practices. I couldn’t ask for a better life. Hair is my passion (after my kids, of course) and I absolutely LOVE what I do!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, things were tough getting started in this industry. People need to trust you with their hair. That takes time. Hair is everything. Ask any woman. I’d be so bold to say, hair defines most women. Having a good hair day? Odds are your day will be great too! When we feel good, good things happen, to us and around us. Having kids young and starting out in this career was hard. I worked two jobs up until I opened my own shop about 7 years ago. When I finally had enough clientele to make decent money to support my family I realized money wasn’t why I did hair. It was my passion for it. I realized I was working seven days a week and missing my kids growing up. So, I sold my salon about three years ago to a friend and have not regretted it, at all. I’m still behind the chair but now I choose my days and hours I work, and I get to spend as much time with my teenagers as they’ll allow me. My advice to other young people in this field is… education. Educate yourselves as much as you can. No matter how many years you’ve been behind the chair, you can still meet someone new in the hair game that can possibly teach you something you didn’t know. Be open. Be open to all possibilities and stay positive. Think good things. I really do believe it’s the way to persevere and succeed in any aspect of life.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My favorite service to do is the blowout after any service. I love to see my work. It’s where I can best see how the hair lays. I also love to cut and color hair as well. I’d say my second favorite thing is doing fun and bright hair colors. I love to do any types of color, really. I specialize in women’s hair. Most of my clients have long, thick, dark, curly hair. But I work on all hair types. I think I’m unique in the hair industry because I really do feel that when my client sees what I’ve been allowed to create, they feel good. It shows in my work. I’m proud and I want my client to feel proud to wear it as well. I think that comes across in my work.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I’ve said it already and I’ll keep saying it no matter how many years someone has in this industry… education is key. There is always something someone can teach you. Be open to knowledge. It’s how we grow and it’s how we evolve to be better in any area of life.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4805937319
• Email: ashleyLawitz@msn.com
• Instagram: AshleyLawitzFilio

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