Meet Ashley Yazzie-Ward | Hair Designer at Hainsworth & Company Salon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Yazzie-Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
At my core, I am a work horse. It feels both natural and gratifying to expend all my energy, and squeeze every opportunity to live vibrantly on the daily. There’s something to be said about the fulfillment I gain from a hard day’s work. Whether that is behind the chair as a hair designer at Hainsworth & Co. Salon, creating beautiful hair with my awesome clients. Or the impact I make at home being a wife and mother to my three free-ranged children.

In many points of my life I have over exerted myself, pushing my limits too far. Then my children slowly entered into our home. Quickly I discovered parenthood is the great equalizer. Little ones require maximum attention, heightened creativity, and oodles of stamina. My career fulfills me in such a massive way, and I enjoy all of the creative challenges that it throws at me. But I have to constantly circle back to my values, which are centered on my presence with my family coming first.

My daughter (Ambra 10) and sons (Hudson 9) and (Silas 5) deserve the best version of me. And that version is a mother who is well rested, peaceful, nourished, and has time for their unique needs-which are always in flux as they grow. I’m thankful for my kids and husband Nathan, who keep me reassessing my no’s so that I can say yes to me, them, and my career.

I feel fortunate that I am in the cosmetology industry, allowing me the freedom to create my own hours and be the architect of my work/life balance. I appreciate that I have this expanding career for me to see how far I can grow. When I invest in myself on work days, events, or education courses, I’m showing my kids the balance of having something for one’s self. It’s not selfish, it’s personal growth and development. I pattern for my kiddos that you can have both a family, and a flourishing career when creating boundaries and limits. The equilibrium changes with life, and it’s such a pleasure to have my feet in both landscapes of business and within the home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as a hair designer started in school learning the basics. I was the only graduate from my incoming class. Can you believe that everyone else dropped out?! I had to keep myself extra motivated, and excited to keep on my path, particularly when we had the stay at home order. I graduated in June of 2020. Many salons weren’t even opened during that time period. It wasn’t ideal for a fresh graduate, but I remained determined. To keep my skills sharpened I assisted, accepted models to practice, made home visits, and took advantage of online education that was available.

It wasn’t easy, and I often felt discouraged during that timeline. Mostly because I had zero control of the outcome during a global pandemic. But I did have control over my attitude, and how I chose to continue practicing my craft. I was ready when the opportunity presented itself to become an assistant in my ideal salon.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestie was coming to visit me for a fun girls’ weekend in Arizona, here’s what we would be on the itinerary;

accommodations: The Scott Resort
check in to room: head pool side for sun bathing, reading, giggling, and mocktails.

reservations: dinner at Tratto
culture: visit SMOCA for modern art, and The Desert Botanical Gardens
dessert: Churn for ice cream and cookies
matchas + pastries: Lux

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ken Shamrock, UFC Legend once said, “To become great, you need someone better you can learn from, someone lessor you can teach, & someone equal that can challenge you.” My mentorship under the direction of salon owner, Tara Hainsworth has been instrumental to my growth and development as a hair designer. She provides technical education, analytical advice, and coaches me on all areas of my business. Everyone needs a fantastic mentor in their corner! And I’m am beyond thankful to sweet Tara.

Website: https://www.hainsworthco.com/

Instagram: @ashley.hainsworthco

Image Credits
Studio shots were taken by: Lauren Schumacher X Hainsworth & Co. Salon