Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Chin.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2005, when I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to do hair and makeup. It was a passion of mine, but I truly believed I would be taking a pay cut in life to pursue this career. The “dream career” I would one day have, didn’t exist at the time. There were no Bridal Hair and Makeup companies, no Salon Suites like there are today. Instagram and Pinterest, which launched the wedding industry to new heights, don’t even exist yet.
I went to college for business, believing the only way to make money doing what I loved was to open a full-service salon, which was never my dream, but I went for it, believing I could make a better living that way. I got my associate’s degree in business, then went to The Temple, A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Frederick, MD. There, I learned cuts and color, simultaneously doing hair and makeup for proms and homecomings. It was that year, while in school, that a friend asked me if I would do their wedding hair and makeup (she had seen my work on Facebook). I said yes! Her chance on me while in hair school was the very start of something bigger than I could have dreamed or imagined.
Some may call it luck, but I truly believe God’s timing was perfect in every aspect of my education and career. Hard work and grit have definitely played a part, but the God-given gifts of beautiful relationships, skill, love of business management, and even the timing in which I was born have all played a part in where I am today.
Fast forward to today. Glam Bridal Beauty, a bridal hair and makeup company, which I initially launched and ran, has grown to a team of 10 serving the DMV. I also have a salon suite where I do cuts and color and where my team and I give bridal trials so the Bride can preview her Wedding Day look. We serve an average of 200 weddings per year, and we serve with excellence, care, and kindness.
They say, “Hire better than you,” and that I have. This team, including my incredible Admin, Charity, and stylists JoJo, Gina, Khloe, Jami, Brittany, Lauren, Morgan, and multiple stylists and assistants who have worked with us over the years, bring love, light, and talent to any wedding day.
I am truly living out a career that is bigger and more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The first few years were difficult yet beautiful. I had to learn how to create contracts, build a website, grow my social media platform, handle accounts (best advice-hire a great accountant), advance my hiring process, and handle difficult situations along the way. Once the train was rolling, and systems were in place, there was no stopping the growth of the company.
Then 2020 hit. The world shut down, and the bridal business (and most other businesses) was no longer a sure thing. No one knew what to expect. It was actually a sweet realization to know that while I love my career, my identity was not in it. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Do not be afraid. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go.” I continued to trust God, knowing this career might be a thing of the past and I might have needed to pivot. And then. The world reopened, slowly but surely. The comeback was huge. In 2021, the team and I served almost double our normal capacity for weddings. It was a logistical challenge, but one that we conquered with flying colors as a team.
Aside from these challenges, this has been a career beyond my wildest expectations. We have served some of the most beautiful people, inside and out.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of the joys of our industry is that styles are always evolving, year to year. 15 years ago, bridal hairstyles were tighter, cleaner, and more polished. These days, bridal hairstyles tend to be more loose, soft, textured, and romantic.
We are a team that stays current on trends, with a versatile skill set. We serve all skin tones, all hair textures, all people. We pride ourselves on not only serving skill, but also serving kindness. I am so proud of this team for their beautiful hearts and their commitment to serving excellence on every level.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Be patient. Work hard. Display your work with excellence on your social media. Maintain a healthy work/life balance. Work will always be there; make time for play. For healthy relationships. For family and friends. In the beginning, it was easy to be hard on myself if one person didn’t like my work. I quickly learned from a professional mentor and friend, “If 1 out of 25 clients are unhappy, you are still doing an incredible job. You can’t please everyone.” -Sharon Riser That stuck with me. Thankfully, my ratio is much lower, closer to 1/100, but that has given me a continuous optimistic perspective with a heart of gratitude.
Lastly, comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing your business to other businesses in your industry will quickly steal your joy. Alternatively, cheer on others in your industry! I am proud to say, we are all about community over competition. We call each other “friendors”- vendors that are friends. A step further-there have been many times myself and other hair + makeup vendors have helped one another out in various circumstances! Community over competition, always.
Contact Info:
- Website: Glambridalbeauty.com
- Instagram: @glambridalbeauty
- Facebook: Facebook.com/glambridalbeauty
Image Credits
Amanda Summers Photography
