Conversations with Ashley Forest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Forest.

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for creativity has always been intertwined with my love for hair styling, a journey that began early in middle school. Back then, I would style my French rolls and install crochet braids styles in my little cousin’s hair. As I moved into high school, my skills expanded to include weave ponytails, straw roller sets, wrap sets, and hair trimming and cutting. Over the years, I continued to style both my hair and others’, constantly honing my craft. In 2017, I took a significant step by getting Sisterlocks™ installed, and by 2020, I was attending the certification course to add to my belt the Sisterlocks™ technique—a decision that deepened my passion for this art form. This led to the creation of Tresses of Ascension, a venture that brings me immense joy and fulfillment. For many of my clients, our sessions go beyond hair styling; they become therapeutic. Being part of their journeys is profoundly rewarding. The trust in styling someone’s hair goes beyond mere aesthetics—it’s about the exchange of energy, making me more than just a loctician or stylist.

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to building my business has been a rollercoaster ride, far from straightforward. Learning to run and operate a business came with its fair share of challenges, but my previous corporate experience in networking, marketing, and process management proved invaluable. The real game-changer came when I attended Sisterlocks™ training and met a fellow entrepreneur who was already established in the field. She was there simply for a refresher course, but for me, she became a mentor.

Shortly after the training, I spent two days at her home in Palm Coast, eager to learn and gain hands-on experience. Her guidance was crucial; she shared her knowledge and crafted a marketing package for me, boosting my confidence and professionalism during client consultations. Additionally, I connected with a local loctician who further enriched my practical skills and helped me enhance my social media presence with quality images. My loctician persuaded me to enroll in the Sisterlocks™ Certification Course, a decision that profoundly shaped my career.

Networking has undeniably been a cornerstone of my success. Early on, a loctician from Orlando, whom I had never personally met, referred my first client after seeing my work online. This experience taught me the power of connections and the value of a supportive network. I am immensely thankful for my network—through a mutual exchange of referrals, we support each other’s growth. There is ample work for everyone, and our specialization in various types of locs allows us to thrive collectively in this industry.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Registered Sisterlocks™ practitioner, I specialize primarily in Sisterlocks™ but have recently expanded my offerings to include Microlocks. It’s become clear that the market has several locticians who, despite their enthusiasm, lack the necessary training and expertise. This often leaves clients needing corrective severe work, which I can provide, transforming what might seem like a disastrous journey into a rewarding experience. After being laid off in March of last year, I was fortunate enough to reopen my business, which I had previously closed in 2021. Since then, my client base has flourished, growing from one client to over fifty, with a steady stream of thirty regulars. Clients’ trust in me when they choose my services is significant. Our city is full of talented stylists, and I am honored each time someone decides to sit in my chair. I take a genuine interest in their lives, ensuring consistent follow-up and support. Each day, I energetically cleanse our space to ensure that clients leave feeling lighter than when they arrived. We’re all striving to live to our fullest potential, and while my clients may be working through various challenges, I aim to ensure they feel their best externally. After all, our outward appearance often reflects how we feel inside, and I’m here to ensure their locs are impeccably maintained. I plan to expand my business further by creating specialized products, apparel, and educational programs. I also hope to secure a new location by year-end to accommodate this growth and continue serving my clients and community at a higher level.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In addition to my primary business, I also manage three other ventures, each dedicated to enhancing different aspects of well-being and personal growth:

• Celestial Forest offers various natural skincare products, ensuring you receive the quality and care your skin deserves.
• A Forest of Potential Consulting provides comprehensive career development tools to propel your professional journey forward.
• Indigo Innergy Holistic Health and Wellness focuses on holistic healing, offering services that nurture the mind, body, and soul, promoting overall wellness and balance.

It has been placed on my heart to offer some words of encouragement to anyone who might need them. Remember that you will be okay no matter how challenging the journey, how dark the days, or how tough the struggles may seem! Sometimes, our minds can deceive us with the darkest thoughts—believing that no one cares, feeling utterly alone, or thinking that we are unloved. In these moments, step back and ask yourself: How do I view myself? Do I care for myself? Am I there for myself? Do I love myself? Self-love is the starting point. From there, we attract people, places, and experiences that mirror how we see and treat ourselves. Remember, it all starts with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tressesofascension.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tressesofascension/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tressesofascension/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tressesofascension9314

Image Credits
Professional Branding Pictures: wellsandcophotography