Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wichman.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was never really good in school, struggled with ADD and Dyslexia. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school when I stated the cosmetology program at the career center. I found my love and passion for hair. I had perfect attendance my senior year until I delivered my daughter a week before spring break. I graduated top of my class with a 98%. I worked in several different salons trying to find what kind of hairstylist I wanted to be. I also loved learning from everyone. I got married and had two more children and stoped working for 4 years. I then decided to go back to school and get my license to teach cosmetology. After that I stared work at Salon 130 in Mason just down the street from my house. While working part time for Paul Mitchell before they closed. I worked at salon 130 for 4 yeas and was very successful. I have always had a dream to own my own salon. When sola came to Lansing I thought that was a perfect opportunity to start The Color Bar by Ashley Antoinette. I was there in a little suit for 4 years. I wanted something bigger. That’s were I ended up in okemos a year ago. I went from one room to 4 rooms. I’m currently setting up a class room in one of the rooms to teach my daughter cosmetology. I love working alone but I think she will make a good partner!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not even close! Marriages, divorces, kids. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and in 2023 he moved home with me and I had to take care of him. When he passed away I was not emotionally or physically healthy. I was head of his estate, trying to navigate all that and run my salon was the most challenging thing I have ever done. I also lost a lot of clients that year.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I absolutely love my job! It’s more of a hobby I get paid to do what I love . I enjoy making people laugh, smile, throw up,(vent). Most of all I love making them feel beautiful. Seeing their confidence boost is priceless. My clients are my best friends, I know everything about them and they know everything about me.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Doing your best everyday! Not being afraid to fail but learning from your failures. Quitting never being an option!
Pricing:
- 45$ women’s haircut
- 35$ men cuts
- Highlights 175$
- Brazilian Blowout 300$
- All over color 135$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheColorBar19.GlossGenius.com
- Instagram: @ashleyantoinette85
- Facebook: Ashley Antoinette Wichman
