Conversations with Ashley Gilani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gilani. 

Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always been the kind of girl who enjoys vanity, it’s been a passion of mine throughout my entire life. Growing up, I would make my friends and family sit down so I can do their nails, hair, makeup, and massages because I enjoyed helping people look and feel their best. The same still holds true to this day. I am currently a hairstylist in Highlands Ranch where my top priority is to make my clients feel confident when they leave my chair. 

Alright, 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?
Just like many people, I’ve struggled with mental health over periods of time where it’s affected my work, relationships, and happiness. Along with my career as a hairstylist, I make it a mission to share what helped me overcome my struggles with anyone who will listen, I only hope that it can in some small way help one other person. I advocate for my favorite saying which is “Look good, feel good, do better.” I strongly believe if you look your best, you will feel better and therefore perform better in your day-to-day life. My career as a hairstylist has solely helped me to come out of my shell and grow with confidence in general. I used to be a very shy, quiet, and reserved person but by getting out in the public and having no choice but to communicate with people, I was able to grow my people skills and confidence and for that, I will be forever grateful. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a professional hairstylist, I currently specialize in blondes! It’s my absolute favorite thing to do at work as I can do them all day long. Making each client feel like their hair is unique and beautiful makes my job more enjoyable. I also enjoy Brazilian Blowouts (a hair smoothing system) as I personally get them myself and swear by them. I believe it’s important to joke around with clients and be there for them emotionally as well. By treating them like a friend, they are able to rely on you in more ways than one and trust you with not only their hair but their lives. I take so much pride in the fact that people come to me every day to get their hair done, have a laugh, and get something off their chest. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I am a huge believer in practice makes perfect so if you’re starting in a creative field in which you’re nervous to practice on work you’d potentially be getting paid for, I think it would be great to shadow a professional in the business, regardless of what the business is. Luckily, I was blessed with having a mom who was already in the hairstyling business and she was able to teach me everything she knew and then some! We enjoy learning new things together every day and sharing with each other how each of our days went at work. It really does help to be able to have someone in your corner who believes in you and what you’re capable of. 

Pricing:

• Highlights start at $110
• Brazilian Blowouts start at $225
• Women haircuts $55

Contact Info:

• Email: ashleygilani1@gmail.com
• Website: https://ashley-gilani-hairstylist-makeup-artist.business.site/#testimonials
• Instagram: @hairbyashgrace
• Other: Personal Instagram @ashleygilani

Image Credits:
Ashley Gilani