Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Ashley.
Alana, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
So to start before going too off course as an artist I work in many mediums, starting with creative writing and spoken word in my early years, to visual mixed medium and photography throughout my teens, and now hair! You can find my hair journey and works on Instagram @witchesbrew_hair. After relocating to Miami, at seven years old with my mother and two brothers, we found ourselves in the heart of Coconut Grove where my grandfather had an established a heavy influence as an artist in the early 60’s and on. Transitioning into a state of healing from escaping an abusive marriage, my mother, found heart and home in the paintings left behind created by my late grandfather, and grandmother. It was at this age that my world became surrounded by a deep connection to my family, and a deeper understanding of art and the human body in a different way than the kids around me. There were beautiful depictions of the female body, nudity and abstract expressionist pieces of childhood, growth. and warmth all around me, more so than that, was then embedded in me- the desire to create and a form of identifying with the grandfather I had never met. From early on I knew I would not find myself in a formidably convention path in life, especially with my parents’ encouragement to do anything I set my mind to. In my early years, we moved a lot, and I experienced hardship with either of my parents, going to many schools and transitioning in many different environments, In 2012 I found myself in high school at Academy of Arts and Minds in Coconut Grove, where I focused on my art as a writer and photographer. However as a sub-product of this I also found myself exploring complete liberation, I first began modifying my body: hand poked tattoos and bathroom navel piercings, along with this form of body modification came my love of hair, experimenting with my own hair as well as others, cutting hair in edgy styles, in bathrooms at friends houses or school, stealing hair dye and recreating ourselves. Around the age of 15 I first became homeless due to hardship at home and actually lived in a park with fellow artists- some of which knew my grandfather, in this time and other points following , I would exchange hair cuts and braiding and stolen hair dye colors to my friends who would offer their homes or food to me, I also began to explore spirituality and witchcraft (my bartering also included wrapped stones) to get me through tough times, i.e. Witches Brew Hair. For a long time I felt I had more to share with the world, wanting to focus on healing and liberation of the human experience, either through my art, or psychology or botany, therefore denoting ever considering the path of cosmetology and beauty as an actual career, I didn’t identify with what I now recognize as misconceptions of the beauty industry and its stereotypes. Living on my own and having to grow up rather quickly, and working 3 jobs to pay my bills, put me in a different frame of mind, work constantly with little reward and struggling to support myself while in school or even finding time for it, or search for a creative outlet that allowed me to sustain, create, and have freedom as well as integrity. It was this that pushed me towards the beauty industry. Although I suffer from depression anxiety since a young age, I always knew since starting at my school, it was something I had to complete- I did not feel I had the choice to fail, with my fragile mental health and the investment it took, but I always had a wavering sense of desire and discipline, was this something I really wanted to do? In March 2018 my mother suffered from a stroke while I was out of the house, and was bed bound in recover for up to two months (a blessing to have healed so quickly.) Taking that time off to take care of her really put my career into perspective, I was no longer going to waiver and feel as though i did not have a purpose, i had to get it done and with my whole heart. I searched for more purpose. I now realize that my desire for healing and human liberation very rightfully has a place in the beauty industry, I centered my attention on bringing people closer to their authentic selves and embracing their nature and culture. I’ve always strived for feeling most comfortable in my skin with curly hair that nobody knew what to do with, and unconventional Cuban- Italian features, that were either appreciated for uniqueness or ridiculed growing up. Everyone deserves to feel that they are perfect, and do not have to change for anyone, we are who are from our ancient blood to our new skin. So with that I now focus on heavily interacting cultural diversity, awareness and education into my sessions with every client, so they can feel more of a sense of knowing who they are, there is no need to run from this or hide from it, regardless of the imposed pressure of media and beauty standards. We are who we are because of our culture, and we have the right to express that through every aspect of ourselves vulnerably and unapologetically from head to toe, It’s been a very long road for me, and it will only keep going, but I hope to nourish souls all along the way, just as I have needed, and in the end its more than hair, its the expansion of your heart. I hope this path takes me many ways, even through art school, but all the while being my consistent gift to people who desire to exchange magic and come into themselves.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a culturally inclusive queer Miami Stylist. I work directly with owners of local businesses as well as new innovative artists that are elaborating to be strong roles in the community of arts and activism. In my art form, I combine multiple skills of media I am versed in. I often times work my career of beauty into my creation as a photographer, painter/ visual artist, and writer. I am currently engaged in a project combining all of these talents as well as those of other local artists and creatives to put together my first ever Look Book. In the beauty industry, there are many constructs in place to cage people in, whether it be in sexuality, weight, color, or culture. My intent in the coming years is to be a haven that breaks these barriers from the very source. I work every day to better my knowledge and be able to embrace people in their nature. Accommodating texture as well as creating a safe space every time someone comes to sit in my chair. All curl types, waves, and cultural backgrounds are accepted and encouraged to embrace their features, and leave the same hair they came in with, except for now improved in manageability, ease, and visual appeal, working with what you were given. Being able to do this is a major tool for self-love and healing, and if we’re being realistic, its healing of ancestral timelines of oppression, improving for generations to come as well. My method of coloring hair is also distinctly targeted towards preserving the natural integrity of one’s hair, getting you where you want to go, but keeping it healthy, nourished, and happy. As I said every day, I work to educate myself and further improve my skill for this goal. After all, sometimes health starts from the outside in.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I think for artists we are being more embraced, and opportunities are popping up more and more every day, we’re coming together and cultivating more opportunities for each other in the community. Starting out local in Miami’s economy especially I think there will always be a financial burden on the shoulders of those just looking to create. As long as we support each other and our art forms and understand that our arts are made as a labor of love and hard work and deserve to be respected as such we can find room for a lot more financial growth and progress, Aside from that I think we still deal every day with bigotry towards race, sexuality, and gender. Artists have to find their voice not just in creation but activism, and it can sound like a hard thing to do, but we just have to remain education, stay aware, be involved. The creative mind is complex, and if we wish to thrive, we have to protect each other in harsh environments and strive for a more welcoming and informed community.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find me on Instagram at @witchesbrew_beauty; Bruhairia for the Soul. There you will always be able to find my booking link in the bio or contact me directly via Email, or DM. Please leave a 24-hour window for response. Currently, you can find me at Sodada Salon in midtown, a small loft with a warm, welcoming environment, where I work as a Junior Stylist and Apprentice.
My service is welcome to all kind-hearted people, whether you’re non-conventional, or an artist, queer, gender non-conforming, with any national background or hair texture, as well as if you’re just looking for a stylist who will help you to be informed and cared for. If you’d like to support go ahead an follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my progress, as well as model calls, and content, share my information to friends, and book your consultations!
Contact Info:
- Address: 13884 sw 90th ave Miami FL 33176
- Phone: 7862466326
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witchesbrew_beauty/?hl=en
Image Credit:
All Photography done by Alana Ashley @Witchesbrew_beauty and Alexander Rubi @rubi_ronin
Blue hair photo sent to me by client Gianna Harum-Alvarez for person use
Make up artist for photos in pinky, bonde, and yellow – Marjory Harum-Alvarez @marjory_h_a
Makeup artist and model for nature photo of girl Lexi Leap @lexslook
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
