Conversations with Ashlee Tyler-Lemos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Tyler-Lemos.

Hi Ashlee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a young girl, I had always loved hair and beauty. Always styling it MY way and trying new things within the rules allowed by my mom ( I never was allowed to color my hair, insert teenage eye roll). My Oma also did hair and always brought new products, hair accessories, etc. So when I divorced in my mid-twenties, I decided to go back to school and become a hairstylist. I was a single Mom who worked my booty off at school and bartended/served when I didn’t have my son or school. I started at the crossroads at a new salon as an associate when I finished. Unfortunately, I was only there a short while because of life situations. Given life demands, I could not primarily do hair, but I ALWAYS stuck with it in some way or fashion, mostly styling for weddings and photoshoots.
Once my younger son went to preschool, I took the opportunity to return full time. I landed at Stem Hair and Body in Merriam and was an associate for one of the owners. It was the best experience ever and helped me grow the confidence and knowledge I needed at the time. I so loved my Stem family. The education and learning I received there were fabulous. Not to mention just finding my strengths as a stylist and myself as a whole, and then Covid hit. Once we started getting an idea of what “work ” would look like for us back in the salon, I was limited to ONE day a week to work for 12 hours. I had two boys in online school with NO idea what that would look like or how to support myself and them with limited work hours. I am a single mom and had my boy part-time, so I needed to start looking at different options that allowed me to take care of my guests and have the flexibility to be there for the boys with online school. So I went to booth rent, where I found Fringe Salon. It was huge move for me and a lot of learning (still learning always). I have had to start all over growing my clientele. A good majority followed, but I felt the hit with Covid and people afraid of going out in public. Last year was rough, but with challenges comes growth. I’ve lived an entire life of ups and downs, and I like to think of myself as a survivor, always finding a way. And my passion for what I do pushes me through the challenges and brings opportunities. After my first year of booth renting, I was blessed with a chance to open my suite just down the way from Fringe. I was looking to do so, but it presented itself, and I had to take it. It’s been another new challenge, but I have so many ideas and things I want to accomplish this coming new year, and I am excited about them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Challenges ? what Challenges ?? ! I mean, the things worth having in life don’t come easy. Going to cosmetology school alone was hard. You pretty much pay to go to work for the majority of hair school. Working on strangers every day and praying you don’t screw someone’s hair up. And then trying to keep motivated as you watch the hours you complete tick down. I graduated and just wanted to become a badass hairstylist, thinking I knew it all. I KNEW nothing, lol. My real growth didn’t come until I went back to the salon full time as an associate; I was a full-time Mom and wife. Making, I think, less than minimum wage and working 12-hour shifts assisting. The Stem was a challenging associate program, and they mold you into a great hairstylist. Their program is fantastic, and they truly care about you know what you are doing and having a passion for what you do. They became my family. At the time, my NOW ex-husband was non-supportive in my job and career. It was hard not to feel supported, and Stem cared and helped me along with a handful of friends and my sister.

I hated leaving Stem, but their hands were tied with the restrictions after Covid, and it was just time for me to walk away. I still get in touch with the owners and thank them all the time for what they gave me. When I decided to open my Booth, it was terrifying and exciting. I needed to get back to work both for my financial sake and sanity. I thankfully had little money to help me from selling my home right before the Covid hit. I had other plans from that profit, but Covid had other plans. But thankfully, I had a little left and could invest in opening my Booth. Finding a place was difficult. I wanted to stay in my current market area, but life led me to Fringe. It was very different. We still were limited on hours and had a lot of restrictions. And everyone was scared, and I had some clients who didn’t even want me to wash their hair before a cut. We all just rolled with it. And I also had some crazy self-quarantine hair to tend to fun challenges, let me tell you. Last year was just a blur. There were weeks when I didn’t have any clients, and some I was so busy it was overwhelming. Prices in supplies went up crazy high, making adjustments financially were complex, and I still had to make adjustments and whatnot. But I keep pushing forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
This Spring, I focused on developing my business and target market. I realized I enjoy my blonde clients and grey coverage. And I strive to offer natural, lived-in looks. All while preserving the hair and longevity of my guest’s color. I also enjoy educating my clients about hair care and maintaining their investment. If you are new in my chair, I will overwhelm you with all things hair. It is a bad habit, and I am working on it. I get excited, and when a new guest asks questions, I dive in.

Doing someone’s hair takes trust and faith in an individual. That’s why I consult every visit with my guest, whether you are new or have seen me for years. I try to provide the best experience for my guest and have created some amazing bonds with my die-hard clients over the years. I always ask, “what’s your goal” are we happy with your current plan for your hair? Do you have any changes I need to know? We all get caught up with life, and when you sit in my chair, I want you to enjoy yourself, escape, and understand our goal every visit.

Being a hairstylist is a privilege, and I so enjoy seeing my guests leave with a smile and showcasing my creativity.

What do you think about luck?
I believe more in fate than luck. I feel any bad situation always brings a lesson. Sometimes we might not be aware of the lesson till it presents itself.

Pricing:

• Balayage -$135 and up
• Blonding Services-$96 and up
• Hair cut and Style-$43 and up
• Single Color retouch-$67 and up
• Global Color-$96 and up

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleekaydesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleekaydesigns

Image Credits
Wild Tribe Photography