Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Pearson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Pearson

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ashley Pearson, the Owner and Founder of Thoroughblends LLC. Thoroughblends was created during Covid. I moved to Kansas to be closer to family in January 2020. Prior to moving to Kansas, I was living in St. Louis, Missouri, the city where I was born and raised. I have been passionate about braiding hair since a very young age. Instead of playing with Barbie dolls, I would practice on their hair. As I grew older, I expanded my skills to include styling and braiding micro braids and natural hair.

I named my business Thoroughblends because I have always enjoyed creating color blends with my hair braiding techniques. I have been a trendsetter in braiding colorful hair, showing that you can elegantly wear colorful braids.

In 2020, with the trend of color blends becoming popular, I saw the perfect opportunity to start my business. I have been dedicated to exploring colors with braids and introducing my clients to new and exciting options. Now, almost every client I have prefers color over black. They come to me with a color combo, trusting me to blend it into the perfect fantasy color.

This has led me to venture into the hair show/editorial/hair art industry. On June 30th, I am participating in the Kansas City Intertwine hair show, where I will showcase a colorful segment representing the sports teams of the “SHOW ME” state, from the Cardinals to the Royals and KC Chiefs. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to the doors it will open for me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my biggest challenges has been internal. I used to feel inadequate compared to the amazing braiding skills I saw on social media. I struggled to think outside the box and felt like I was treating braiding as just a side hustle, despite having my LLC. However, I’ve come to realize that I want to see it as more than just a job or career; I want to enjoy it and express my creativity without feeling the pressure to make a lot of money. Despite having a full-time job and being a full-time mother, I’ve decided to focus more on my business, viewing it as an investment in something I love and letting it guide me. This shift in mindset led me to seize the opportunity for the hair show, and I’m excited to step out and try something new.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a braid stylist and creator, I aim to bring your braid fantasy to life and help you showcase your passion for style and fashion. This can help compliment your outfits or create a unique braid blend for a photo shoot. I also enjoy creating headpieces for memorable moments, from weddings to music videos. I want to bring your hair vision to life. Future plans would be to create garments and jewelry using braids.

My specialty is in creative, unique headpieces.

One day, I aspire to display my headpieces in museums, art galleries, music videos, celebrity photoshoots, and editorial magazines. The sky is the limit for me.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My friends and family have always wholeheartedly supported my dreams and goals. Both my mother and brother are incredibly talented and creative individuals. My brother is the proud owner of Blaquebarry Design, a successful graphic design business. His invaluable contributions include creating my striking logo, helping me conceive my business name, and skillfully designing various items such as shirts, outfits, flyers, and business cards. My mother, possessing an unwavering creative spirit, was a distinguished fashion designer known as Fashions by Alesia. I have cherished memories of spending time in her sewing room, watching her craft beautiful pieces for her clientele and for special events like my school plays and ballet shows. My remarkable friends continuously uplift me and propel me toward achieving my aspirations. And my son is my unwavering cheerleader and enthusiastic supporter, always eager to promote my endeavors. Every person and element in my life has played an invaluable role in shaping my current success.

Pricing:

• Box/Knotless Braid – Color Blend – starting at $130
• Faux Locs or all types – Starting at $130
• Kinky Twist – Color Blends – Starting at $100
• Braid/ Twist styles w/black hair – Starting at $75

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoroughblends/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoroughblends
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuCP7vkj91-vs1at0MKLSZw