We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Peters recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
Have you ever seen a cinematic masterpieces and just marveled at how effortlessly yet intentionally balanced it is as you’re emotionally and thoughtfully moved through the story? Or perhaps a fine dinning meal that simultaneously blows your mind with techniques you never knew existed and harkens feelings of homecoming that makes you melt? I tangibly remember experiences like this in my life and admire those who have created them I think about their dedication to their craft, diligence, persistence and borderline obsession to create something magical. It’s this feeling I strive to create as well.
There are so many very talented people who do well but that’s the plateau. It’s good, not great. And not to say they’re not great but their craft isn’t. They’re content with simply ok. I, however felt ok just wasn’t good enough for me. I grew up in a small town where many hard working people did what they needed to do to get by. People didn’t have dreams of elevating to cinematic masterpieces or fine dining. And those of us who did knew we had to make a plan to get there because there would be no magical elevator ride, no backdoor connections or magic wand to wish our way out of here. For me seeing these “masters of their craft” inspired me to have the discipline I do. If they could do it with dedication and discipline why couldn’t I?
I took this thought or loosely formed plan and then I dedicated myself to learn. Learn new skills, styles, techniques etc and then practice, perfect and grow. I still do. I’ve always wanted to be the best I could possibly be while simultaneously knowing that even when I reach “my best” there is space to grow and expand again at one point. Once when I was speaking to a platform artist saying I wanted to create a career like his he said , “Great. So do they {gestured to a large room over 50+ classmates}. You have to work harder and be better than everyone else if that’s what you want”. Some people may say that sounds harsh. I still turn to this core memory almost 10 years later.
This means a lot of practice and a lot of self critique. You can’t make excuses as to why a result didn’t turn out as well as you wanted. You have to take ownership over that and work to improve it. It can be a hard and uncomfortable thing to do but in the end it’s most beneficial for yourself (if excellence is your goal), and your client ( because they will receive the best). My discipline come from the desire to achieve this goal and deliver the best possible product for a memorable experience for my clients.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I grew up in a small town with big dream and a lot of stubborn determination to get where I am. I believe in always delivering the best of whatever you may have to offer. This excellence though should be authentic and not gatekeeping. It was with this though that I formed The Stylist Abroad, LLC. We are an on-location wedding hair and makeup team with home bases in Washington DC, Alabama and Central Texas though we travel all over the world for destination weddings. In our company we believe every person should be authentically celebrated. So our services are gender neutral, we don’t believe in binary or gender stereotypes and encourage all of our clients to do what makes them happy. We always say that we “create magic”. A client comes with an idea, needs and wants; then they let us take care of the rest. From their perspective – magic! We also believe that beauty begins with kindness. All of our professional products are both vegan and cruelty free.
As the founder ( Ashley) I also provide updo education services because many beauty schools gloss over it and people are left to figure it out on their own. This leads to a lot of frustration, mistakes and slower progress. I have created the Bridal Hairstyling Bootcamp to take any novice and teach them to style by the end of the day. I know it sounds lofty but I’ve broken down to the foundations of shifting the mindset approach, which is applicable to any style. No stylist should be afraid of styling and they shouldn’t write it off as “not for them” simply because they haven’t been exposed to education.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
This is tough ! I think first and foremost is determination. Determination to an almost delusional degree. There will be ample nay-sayers who don’t believe what you want to do is possible and even after you become successful will still question it’s legitimacy. While none of this is for them it can be hard to deal with in the beginning. You will face hurdles and bumps in the road . Determination will keep you going through all of this. Keep you eye on your dream and figure out a way there regardless of anything trying to hold you back.
Secondly, learn to market yourself. Specifically sales psychology. People underestimate it’s power but if bottle water companies are able to market city water in a plastic bottle to be a billion dollar industry you with your actual talent can definitely be successful, if packaged to the consumer in a way they feel is relatable, worthwhile and enjoyable. Determine their pain point and create a solution. My parents said I had to get a business minor in college which I reluctantly did but I focused in marketing. Best investment I never could have predicted.
Finally, enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy it you will begin to hate it and burn out. Yes, the process, journey, event can be stressful and frustrating and some days it will feel like it’s not worth it. But in those moments there has to be something you truly love about what you do. If you forget this, like I said you will end up out of the field before you know it. If you feel like it’s never made you happy then it may be time to pivot. That’s not inherently horrible because when you do things will align and you’ll feel far more enthusiastic to put in the work and make that dream a reality.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely ! So before my business I went to school for art and have always been a “creative”. Needless to say I think it’s been immensely beneficial to me but it also NEVER turns off. Some of the most brilliant, beautiful things come out of collaboration. There’s a few different ways I’d love to collaborate.
Creative projects: If you are looking to do a creative project and need hair and makeup, let’s chat. I love a good idea and will enthusiastically get on board as your best friend and biggest advocate if that idea strikes a cord with me. Projects that push conceptual boundaries and feel like fine art particularly pull my heart strings.
Salons & Stylist Education: If you’re looking to learn updo stylings please check out any of our educational courses. Our next in-person class will be April 7th 2024 in Austin TX ( Bridal Styling Bootcamp). Also open to salons hosting or even private education. I want to help stylists be their best and share the knowledge I have.
Stylists: If you’re a HMUA looking for a team that’s a bit unconventional we may be for you. While I don’t toss around the “family” bs pitch I do say we are a collaborative ecosystem where your talents are celebrated and we help you hone your skills in a safe supportive environment.
For any of these you can reach out on IG ( @thestylistabroad ) or send a direct email ( [email protected] ).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thestylistabroad.com
- Instagram: @thestylistabroad
- Facebook: @thestylistabroad
- Linkedin: Ashley Peters
- Youtube: @thestylistabroad
- Other: Tik Tok & Threads @thestylistabroad
Image Credits
White Rabbit Photography Brittanie Wichael Photography Alex Mari
