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

Hi Ashley, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
the last year and a half I really dove deep into investing in education that wasn’t technique related. Being an educator for several years, and working hair shows has helped me fine tune my skills to a point where im very happy with the work I put out. But my business model and my brand needed some love. Im an avid listener of podcasts and audiobooks, and one of my weekly faves was Britt Seva’s Thriving Stylist Podcast. I would listen and take so much valuable information from these 30-45 minute episodes, but was still left thinking I needed to really ground myself in this info. I ended up taking the plunge and joining her online business coaching program called the Thriver’s Society and its been a game changer for me! I feel so secure in my brand and how I am representing myself and I owe it to that program. She speaks to the kind of hairstylist that I am, and her modules are perfectly laid out in a way I can really integrate into my everyday life. I’ve gotten instant satisfaction from my learnings and I will keep these tools included in how run my business forever. I highly recommend that every small business owner and entrepreneur really searches for someone within their field that really makes sense for them when it comes to mentor/ coaching. Having the right guidance will push you so much further than you ever thought it would.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am in Year 12 of being a hairstylist, year 7 of being an educator, and year 4 of being a business owner. I have explored many different avenues within my field since the beginning but I am most proud of the connection I’ve been able to make with other independent beauty professionals through the work I get to do with Sola Salons. in 2018 I was chosen as one of the Faces of Sola and this led to participating in blogs, panel discussions and events where I got to represent others like me. the entire experience has been unbelievable and Im always left wondering what I did to deserve it. I’ve learned along the way that sometimes those tiny thoughts in the back of your head are manifesting dreams you never knew you had, and they present themselves when you least expect it. Never turn an opportunity down, no matter how nervous it makes you. Be genuine. Plain and simple. You could have a mission statement tattooed on your forehead, but if you aren’t truly embodying what your trying to portray it won’t work. too often people think that being a small business owner or an entrepreneur turns off when youre not working, but it doesn’t. i choose to represent myself and my work 100% of the time so everything comes full circle.

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?
we would absolutely stop at one of my 2 favorites coffee spots first thing in the morning; Brew Coffee and Tea or EnRoute Coffee and Tea House. Next we would head up north to Sedona and go for a hike on the west fork trail or up towards devils bridge. next we would hit up either Oak Creek Brewery or Creekside for drinks and great food. Finally back down into the valley to go to a concert at the Van Buren because that is hands down the best small venue in downtown phoenix right now

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All my family at Sola Salons! I am blessed to be involved with an amazing group of individuals that have also chosen to take the leap into ownership and I am inspired by each of them everyday. I am pushed to work my hardest and lead with intention in everything I do because of them.

Website: tresspassingstudio.com
Instagram: @ashleylantzhair
Twitter: @ashleylantzhair

Image Credits
Kassie Noriega