Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hendry.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ashley, and my journey in the beauty world started when I was just 16 years old. What began as doing nails for friends and family quickly grew into a true passion. At 19, I took the next step and enrolled in cosmetology school, where I spent a year sharpening my skills and discovering my love for detail, creativity, and the confidence a fresh set can give someone.
After graduating, I worked in a salon for a year, gaining hands-on experience and learning the ins and outs of the industry. But deep down, I knew I wanted more freedom, more creativity, and a space that truly represented me. So I took a leap of faith and launched my own business — Nailz By Ash.
For the past three years, I’ve been building a brand that blends artistry with professionalism, offering clients a place where they can feel comfortable, confident, and taken care of. Every set I create is a reflection of my growth, dedication, and love for this craft.
And this is just the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey hasn’t been simple or perfect. In the beginning, one of my biggest struggles was working in a salon where I didn’t fully fit in. I often felt out of place, like my creativity and personality didn’t match the environment around me. It made me question myself, my talent, and whether I truly belonged in this industry.
Another challenge was learning to believe in myself as an artist. Confidence doesn’t show up overnight — it’s something I had to build with every set, every client, and every moment I pushed myself to get better. There were days I doubted my work, but those moments taught me resilience and pushed me to grow.
When I decided to start NAILZ BY Ash, a whole new set of struggles appeared. Becoming a business owner meant figuring out everything on my own — scheduling, branding, finances, client experience, and how to keep people coming back. It was overwhelming at times, but it taught me responsibility, discipline, and the importance of staying consistent.
Through all of it, these struggles shaped me into the artist and business owner I am today. They pushed me to grow, to trust myself, and to build a career I’m proud of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Creativity has always been the heart of my work. I specialize in acrylics and gel structured manicures, but my true passion lives in the art itself — especially the cartoon and character designs that have become my signature. Watching my skills grow over the years has been one of my proudest achievements. The detail, the precision, the personality behind every set… it all shows how far I’ve come as an artist.
What truly sets me apart is how open I am with my clients and their ideas. I love taking someone’s vision — even the wild or unusual ones — and turning it into something real, wearable, and beautiful. Whether it’s a simple concept or a full cartoon scene across ten nails, I bring it to life with intention and personality.
My creativity isn’t just about what I create with my hands, but the connection I build with the people sitting in my chair. Their trust fuels my inspiration, and their reactions remind me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.
How do you think about happiness?
What truly makes me happy is having God at the center of my life and being surrounded by a real support system. Knowing I have people who believe in me — and a purpose bigger than myself — keeps me grounded and grateful.
At home, my happiness comes from simple things: my dogs, the comfort of being in my own space, and cooking meals that make my house feel warm. Those quiet moments recharge me and remind me how blessed I am.
And of course, my art will always be one of my biggest sources of joy. Anything that lets me be creative — whether it’s a detailed nail design or a new idea I’m experimenting with — brings me peace, excitement, and purpose. Creating isn’t just something I do… it’s something that fills me with happiness.
Pricing:
- Acrylic starts at $65
- Gel structured manis $60+
- Cartoon art $30+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailz.by_ash?igsh=c2U5Y2V0cDY0dG00&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://nailzbyash33.booksy.com/a/
