Conversations with Ashley Schaeffer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Schaeffer

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Right after high school I began studying music in college. While in school, I started a job as a receptionist for a salon. I was immediately fascinated by how everything worked and the artistic parts of my brain started firing up. This led to me eventually shifting my education to cosmetology.

While I was finishing cosmetology school, I worked as an assistant for a salon owner that taught me SO MUCH about hair in the real world. She was incredibly kind and insightful, someone I’ll never forget.

Shortly after that, I built my clientele from the ground up, starting my career fresh out of school in a booth rental salon immediately after graduating. Social media was an amazing tool at the time and it allowed me to share my work with the local community. I barely broke even that first year, it wasn’t easy.

I’ve worked in a few small salons over the course of my career, and now happy to say I’m a small business owner and thriving.

Though I received some amazing education as a salon assistant while in school, I am a self-taught vivids specialist. Over the years, I have taken several continuing education classes, especially involving color.

I thrive best behind the chair when allowed creative freedom for my guests.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No journey is ever smooth. I’ve worked for some less than pleasant people. I’ve worked for some amazing people.

I’ve learned a lot throughout my career(and my life), some lessons more difficult than others.

You have to be comfortable making mistakes, and you need to allow yourself grace to accept that not every single guest is a perfect fit, and not every head of hair is going to go exactly as planned.

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?
I’m a vivids and blonding specialist.

My knowledge of creative coloring was self-taught and rather taboo given I was working in a small town at the time.

Now I’m locally known for creating the very magic that I love.

I’m proud to have received 3rd place in Wake Weekly’s Best of the Best in 2023, and now The Colour Crypt received 1st place in 2024!

Kathryn and myself like to provide a safe space for every person that walks through our door. You should feel welcome, heard, respected, appreciated, and never alone.

What are your plans for the future?
My number one goal has always been, and will always be, to continue helping others see the beauty within themselves. Too many people don’t realize just how magical they are.

I’d love to eventually expand our space and provide even more luxuries for our guests.

I always plan to never stop learning. Education never stops, and that means I can always offer more!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AshleyColorsMagic.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ashleycolorsmagic