Meet Ashley Townsend

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Townsend. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from lived experience. Becoming a mother taught me how to keep going even when I’m tired, uncertain, or carrying more than people see. I’ve learned how to show up anyway — for my child, for my clients, and for myself.

Building LashBabe from the ground up also shaped that resilience. Running a business isn’t just about creativity; it’s about consistency, discipline, and trusting yourself when there’s no blueprint. I’ve faced slow seasons, self-doubt, and moments where quitting felt easier — but each challenge strengthened my belief that I’m capable of creating the life and career I want.

At the core, my resilience comes from purpose. Knowing that I’m helping other women feel confident and cared for gives meaning to the long days. I remind myself that growth isn’t always loud or visible — sometimes it’s simply choosing not to give up. And that choice, made repeatedly, is what keeps me moving forward.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a licensed esthetician and certified lash artist, and through LashBabe by Ash I provide customized lash services that are intentionally designed around each client—not trends, not shortcuts. What excites me most about what I do is the transformation that happens beyond the lashes. Clients come in for a beauty service, but they leave feeling more confident, relaxed, and taken care of. Creating that experience is just as important to me as the final result.

What makes LashBabe special is the attention to detail and the emphasis on lash health, education, and consistency. I believe retention is a shared responsibility—my application matters, and my clients’ aftercare matters just as much. That mutual respect creates long-term results and real trust. LashBabe is rooted in self-care, not rush culture, and every appointment is treated as an experience rather than a transaction.

As the brand continues to grow, I’m expanding LashBabe beyond lash services. I’m introducing classic signature facials to the menu, developing membership options for loyal clients, and laying the groundwork for additional services like lash lifts, brow treatments, and educational content. My goal is to build LashBabe into a beauty destination that supports women at every stage of their self-care journey—while staying true to quality, intention, and community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The first is consistency. Talent and passion matter, but consistency is what builds trust—with clients and with yourself. Showing up even during slow seasons, staying disciplined with your schedule, and continuing to refine your craft made the biggest difference for me. My advice is to create routines that support your goals and commit to them before motivation fades.

The second is self-trust and confidence in decision-making. Early on, it’s easy to look for validation from others or compare your journey to someone else’s. Learning to trust my instincts allowed me to build a brand that felt aligned instead of forced. For anyone starting out, give yourself permission to learn as you go. Not every decision will be perfect, but each one will teach you something valuable.

The third is understanding the business side of your craft. Mastering your skill is only part of the journey—knowing your worth, setting boundaries, pricing confidently, and creating policies that protect your time are just as important. My advice is to treat your passion like a business from day one. Learn about systems, structure, and client experience early; it will save you burnout later.

Overall, growth comes from patience and persistence. Focus on progress, not perfection, and remember that building something meaningful takes time.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth has been strengthening the business side of my brand. I’ve become more intentional with systems, pricing, policies, and time management, and I’ve learned how important structure is for sustainability. On a personal level, I’ve also grown in confidence—trusting my decisions, honoring my boundaries, and understanding that protecting my energy allows me to show up better for my clients and my business.

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