Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Crafter
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi everyone, my name is Ashley Crafter. I’m a 20 year old Sophomore in college who’s from Atlanta, Ga. I’ve attended Savannah State University since August of 2023 and also majoring in business marketing.
Growing up, through middle and high school I’ve always loved doing my own hair and trying new styles on myself constantly. Once I got in high school, I started thinking about ways to make money other than having a job and doing hair was one. I used to look at hair videos on YouTube, Tik Tok, and Instagram and that’s when I realized I could do faux locs. I started out on myself and then on to my friend’s hair. During the summer of Covid in 2020, and also my 10th grade year in high school back in Atlanta, I took pictures and videos of all my work and created my Instagram page for my business.
I am now a sophomore in college at Savannah State University and once I started my freshmen year in August of 2023, is when I gained way more clientele at school and started taking my hair business more seriously. This led to where I am now.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Most of the challenges I’ve experienced are mostly dealing with multiple types of people and personalities as a service provider. I’ve learned to have more patience than what I used to. Also living in a college dorm my freshmen year it was hard to have certain accommodations for clients due to being in such a smaller space but somehow I made it work out!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a home-based hairstylist on Savannah State University’s campus, that specializes in doing faux locs. Which is crochet loc extensions added on to your hair through individual braids. I feel like my time and efficiency is what sets me apart from others because the styles that I’m known for doing takes almost a whole day and I can do them in about 4-5hrs. I also have monthly specials for most or all styles.
I am most proud of myself for one but also two, just all the love and support I’ve gained from my school and others as well to help my business grow.
You should know that I make sure each client is happy and satisfied with their hair and make them feel as comfortable as possible.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During covid 19 my parents were super strict and I wasn’t allowed to go out and do much for about a year once it started. I’m not sure I learned any lessons from covid. Like I stated before it impacted my social life big time and around that time with me being in the house so much, I realized I needed to start working and making money. I wasn’t allowed to bring clients in the house and my dad had a shed in our backyard. So I was out there doing hair for the most and made my clients wear masks, until school started back and I got a part time job as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleynicoleelocs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-crafter-03388432a
