We recently had the chance to connect with Ashlee Noriega and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashlee, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me so much joy is taking my dog to a nearby park and enjoying the beauty and stillness in nature. I’ve always been the type of person to enjoy audio books and podcasts, but lately, the simple act of enjoying moments with stillness, has brought me an unexpected joy!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Ashlee Noriega, founder of Beauty by Ashlee.
I started this journey out of a genuine love for beauty, and it quickly turned into a passion for serving people. While hair is the craft, what truly lights me up is connecting with incredible women, sharing stories, laughing through appointments, and watching them light up when they see themselves in the mirror.
Right now, I’m building something really exciting! Alongside my in-studio services, I’m launching a new edition of my website—ashleehair.com
—making it super easy for clients to book, browse services, and get inspired. I’m also adding a brand new blog tab, where I’ll be sharing hair tips, behind-the-scenes, and all the things I love when it comes to beauty, business, and beyond.
✨ And as a little gift—if you’re reading this, take $20 off your first appointment when you inquire through the site! Just mention this interview in your message. I can’t wait to meet you!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Definitely my community. My entire career would look so different without the people who have surrounded me, supported me, and inspired me along the way.
There have been seasons where I felt inadequate, insecure, or just completely uninspired—but it’s always been my community that reminds me of what’s true: that this passion of mine was never just for me. It’s meant to be shared. It’s bigger when it’s done hand in hand with others, and truly, the weight becomes lighter when it’s carried together!
I’ve always loved the quote, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” And I feel that deep in my core. My community has made all the difference!
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
It’s kind of a cliché to say “I turned my pain into purpose,” but honestly… it’s true.
There was a time I really struggled with insecurity. I thought if my books were full, if I was busy all the time, then I’d feel secure. And eventually, I got to that point when booked out weeks in advance, too busy to breathe. I quickly realized that version of “success” still didn’t fill me the way I thought it would.
That’s when I started digging deeper. I learned that I had to find my security on the inside to sustain what I was building on the outside. I gave myself permission to rest, to set boundaries, to create space for both work and peace.
I started to learn that many people struggle with the same feeling!
I began to use that as an opportunity to pour more love and care into the experience I provide my guests. Knowing everyone carries their own burdens, I want to ensure that every time they step foot into my space, they feel loved and encouraged. There’s a beautiful opportunity to pour into others when we take the time to truly empathize with them. That is where the true power lies.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Dawncheré Wilkerson. A beautiful friend of mine who I look up to dearly. She wrote a book with the title Slow Burn, the work and wonder of the wait. I have chills just writing this! She created such a beautiful outlook of life that I now carry. Life is filled with waiting, waiting to find your love, waiting to be engaged, waiting to get married.. then waiting to have KIDS! Truly the wait does not end! We all are guaranteed to be waiting on something, but what do you do while you wait?
Her beautiful messaged struck deep in my soul. At the end of the day- even if I don’t receive what I’m waiting for, God has already been so good to me! That this life I’m not meant to carry alone. I have Jesus Christ on my side! Who a son sets free is free indeed- if God is for me who can be against me- His perfect love cast out all fear – I am made in the image of God!
There’s no better news than the good news of Jesus Christ!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I would absolutely regret not fully stepping into my calling. I think many people can relate when I say this—it’s often easier to stay within our comfort zone. But I truly believe that taking risks is the only way to unlock our fullest potential.
I think of it like the gym: when I start lifting heavier weights, I’m able to tap into a deeper level of strength I didn’t know I had. It’s fulfilling to know that each day I show up, my capacity grows—both in strength and in what I’m able to carry. The same goes for business. Growth doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from stretching ourselves beyond what feels easy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleehair.com
- Instagram: @ashleehair
- Other: Tiktok: @ashleehair
LTK: @ashleehair
