We recently connected with Ashley Sánchez-Minaya and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
In pursuit of your dreams, some people will project their insecurities and fears onto you, causing you to question your aspirations. You may even have people laugh at your face because what you’re saying seems impossible to them.
When you start to gain attention for your hard work, some people will want to drag you down by saying bad things about you or creating rumors to tarnish your image. Naturally, we get emotional and get upset or cry because what people say can be hurtful.
We are human, and it is easy to want to address people or say something publicly, but if that ever happens to you, you can not entertain it and let it distract you from your goals. When you play at a different level than others, there will be attempts to bring you down, but you should never stoop to their level because that can affect your reputation or any future opportunities.
When you know yourself and have people around you who know your character, the impact of lies and rumors diminishes. If you find yourself worrying about the opinions of others, it’s a sign that they may not be the right individuals to have in your circle. Instead of engaging with those who speak negatively about you, it’s best to let their words fade into the background. Those who decide to believe such lies/rumors are likely not operating on the same level as you.
Take note of the negativity, but view it as validation that you’re on the right path. Let it serve as fuel to propel you forward on your journey, demonstrating through your actions that their words hold no power over you.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Curl Stylist/Educator and owner of Haus of Rizos Studio. I specialize in working with all curl textures – wavy, curly, and coily – providing customized shape and color services to enhance each client’s natural curls. My primary focus lies in education. Many people struggle with confidence in their natural hair. So many people with textured hair grow up hating their curls or believing it’s unmanageable, unprofessional, or ‘bad’ hair. I understand how they feel, and my goal is to remove that stigma because curly hair is beautiful and can be professional. I offer one-on-one focus and have in-depth consultations to find customized solutions based on their hair texture, current lifestyle, and environmental factors. It is the best feeling to have clients trust me with cutting and coloring their hair and providing tips they can take home. I love being a part of my client’s journey and seeing the transformation in their confidence and happiness when they see their curls live after service and at home when they are styling their hair.
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?
Ambition, Resilience, and Always being a student.
Ambition has always been a driving force in my life. I’ve consistently sought more for myself, believing in my potential to make an impact. While I may not have always known what that entailed, my relentless desire to grow and reach new heights has remained consistent. I’ve never been afraid of the amount of effort required and always been willing to put the work in.
Remaining a student has been crucial in shaping my journey. If I had thought I knew it all. I would have remained stagnant for years. Instead, I’ve consistently sought help and guidance from experts in the beauty industry and throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
In anything you do, setbacks, challenges, and failures are inevitable. Being resilient has enabled me to find solutions to the challenges that come my way and to persevere despite setbacks, refusing to let them bring me down.
Advice for those starting their journey that can help develop or improve on these: Utilize available resources to their fullest extent. Whether it’s mentorship, educational programs, or online resources, make the most of what’s available. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from experienced individuals. Developing a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving will contribute to your growth and success.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
It’s hard to choose just one thing because my parents have done many impactful things in my life that have helped shape me into the woman I am today. One such thing is teaching me the value of hard work. While they always provided me with what I needed, they also instilled in me the importance of working hard. They set expectations for me to accomplish to receive the things I wanted. If I didn’t meet those expectations, there were consequences, and I had to work hard to prove that I deserved what I wanted back or to overcome the punishment, whatever the case may be. Another impactful aspect of my parents’ influence is their belief in me and unwavering support for my journey. While they may not always agree with me, they have always supported my decisions and rooted for me. Whenever something doesn’t go right, or I need their help, they are there, ready to assist me. They have always kept their door open for me and have done their part to support me in any way they can. I am deeply grateful for my parents, and I never take their support for granted. Thank you mom and pops!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hausofrizosstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hausofrizosstudio?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hausofrizos?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-s%C3%A1nchez-75ab09293?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQX8Wxt_aiTS5i34H5fM2Rw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hausofrizos?_t=8itczUap2b8&_r=1
Image Credits
Instagram: Cidx00.3 Instagram: aestheticcaptures
