Meet Ashley Kukay of Olathe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Kukay

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey doing hair started in 2015, after I moved to florida to figure out what exactly I wanted to do with my life.
I worked at countless jobs and couldn’t pinpoint what I wanted to do. I always loved doing hair so I began to really learn about my natural hair and I started a YouTube channel. After that I began work at Saloncentric which is a professional beauty supply store. I was able to connect with lots of salon owners who encouraged me to go to school.
After I graduated, my bf at the time who is my husband now, we decided to move back to Kansas to focus on our careers and be close to family.
I give all the props to working at Bijin Salon and their apprentice program really prepared me to do all types of hair.
I saw that there was a market for curly specialists and I stepped into it and never looked back. I have been focusing on textured hair ever since!
I started a family and that was a good time to really start my own business and from there I booth rented at a couple salons and really built my curly haired clientele.
After about 3 years as a booth renter I had a very large following and only saw an opportunity for growth and decided to open my own salon.
I felt an obligation really because I couldn’t see everyone on my waitlist so I wanted to build a team that focused on curly hair.
I’ve had my salon now going on three years and we have helped hundreds of women and men learn and embrace their natural hair.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it hasn’t. You never know what you’re going to get into as a business owner.
Balancing and juggling work and home life is hard. Turning into the Manager, janitor, social media influencer, handy woman, HR, receptionist, designer is not something I prepared for, all the while doing great hair! It can be overwhelming but with time you learn how to try to juggle it all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Curly hair Specialist. I help people learn and embrace their natural hair.
I would say I’m known for educating my clients, and cutting and styling curly hair. There’s very few curly hairstylist in Kansas City so I would say I’m one of the few in KC!
I’m most proud of where I started and where I am now. I would have never imagined being in this position to help so many people.
I’ve touched a lot of lives. Growing up I always wanted someone to help me on my natural journey so now I can be that person for others.

The thing that sets me apart from other stylists or salons is that I can do all hair types. Yes my focus is on textured hair but I can also work with all textures.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was shy and quiet. I had my few friends and was happy with a small circle. I actually liked doing my friends hair in school and always had a little creativity in me. I always loved singing growing up!
I knew whatever I did I wasn’t going to be sitting behind a desk 9-5.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ashleycurlskc.com
• Instagram: @Ashleycurlskc
• Facebook: Ashleycurlskc