{Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Four of Fifty-Two}

“The first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest, and the first to forget is the happiest.”

This lady has an infectious smile, her laugh is joyful, her inner beauty is breathtaking, and is very passionate about her job. You may know her whether it being a longtime friend, client, classmate, or the lady with the gorgeous hair. I have spent many hours with this woman and always have walked away with a better attitude and outlook on life. She is truly amazing at what she does and her clients love her. Week four of fifty-two goes to Ashley Hinckley, the rock star of hair style!

Ashley went to college in Rapid City, the Black Hills Beauty College and graduated in 2006. She says “I went into this profession because I enjoy making people feel good about themselves. I love the fast pace and that you go to your job everyday with something new, never the same in and out day after day.” Ashley has owned Studio A Salon and Spa since October of 2013. “My husband and I came up with the name. It just clicked and stuck so that’s how Studio A came to be.” Ashley said. I asked what a stylist/boss means to her. Why are her customers and clients so important to her business? “Being a stylist isn’t just my job, it’s my livelihood. It is a big part of who I am! I come to my work not feeling like it’s a job! I love my job, I love coming to work, and I love my clients! Getting to know my customers/clients is #1! When I know what they like, who they are as a person, and how they feel about their self I can better serve them. That is what I love most.” She says. 

Here is a quote I found that fit perfect….

“I love being a hairdresser because no other career on earth allows me to connect with a stranger in such a physical and emotional way that we both walk away changed for life. Every client I have has changed my life in one way or another; I only hope that I have done the same.”

Now if you have ever had your hair done? You know when you go to your stylist/hair dresser you have to have a lot of trust in them. Whether it is just a cut to a color they will change what you see in the mirror. Even the smallest changes can be a big thing to some women. Now for myself I am good with pretty much anything and will go from really long hair to really short. I may even go dark to light and am excited to see it every time. But I have that trust in Ashley to do what will look good and know she will make it fabulous. I also know those who have long hair and would never cut it off in fear of what it will look like. This is why I love Ashley, because when I walk in and say “well I need something new” she does it!  She may laugh at me or even give me that look of “are you sure” which is not unusual. But I have always walked away feeling like a new person!

Hair dressers are also the best of friends and probably know more about your personal life then your own family. I know that I can have a bad day, walk into the salon and when I leave it has totally been turned around. I love the salon for that very reason. Someone once told me that going to a hairdresser is better than going to a therapist. You get to talk about things bothering you, get stuff off your chest, and get beautiful doing it. Win win all around. The girls here are fabulous, funny, sassy, and have the kindest hearts. I am truly thankful for this salon and all these women.

These days you can go on the internet or even pinterest and find cool new styles and looks for your next hair do. Most may work for you and look amazing but some are just well let’s say “out there”. I know a few girls who can pull those looks off but I know I cannot have pink hair and go home without getting a little grief from my husband. I asked Ashley what her favorite style was to do and she says “Depends on the person. I like to do things that are new, but also like a fun color.” There are so many things they can do these days. At Studio A they offer a full service salon from cuts, colors, perms, waxing, massage, nails, pedicures and so much more. She has 5 women working in the salon plus herself, Cameo, Tina, Tish, Erin and Lindsey. Some are rented booths and some are employees. They all bring something to the table and all work very well together. The energy in the salon is always uplifting and fun. I would have to say one of the best in town, but Douglas has many great stylists in town to choose from. Ashley is a true inspiration for me as she has a business and a family and juggles them both very well!

Getting to know Ashley…..

What do you love most about your job….The flexibility and all the people I meet the many clients who have turned into friends.

What is your biggest struggle….Not being in a million places at once. From being wife, mother of three amazing boys, work, home, friends, family, and everything else I’d love to do.  Managing it all and managing it well. 

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career….NEVER give up!

What is your greatest fear….Failing my children.

What is the greatest accomplishment….Being a mother and having a family.

What is your favorite quote….The first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest, and the first to forget is the happiest. (She also LOVES all Dr. Seuss quotes!)

What is something on your bucket list….Taking my family, my boys to Disney World!

One word to describe “Ashley” and why she inspires you…..

 “Vibrant! She is an inspiration to many women. She has her own salon, beautiful family, she’s beautiful inside and out and is kind hearted!” –Kaylann Blackburn

“Spunky!! Spicy!! Caring!!” –Tanya Seeds

“Spontaneous! She has always kept me on my toes and keeps me guessing!” –Ryan Hinckley (husband)

“Incredible! She is an inspiration because she's absolutely incredible at everything she does. She's a devoted mother, the greatest wife, most amazing friend/person you could have in yours or your family’s lives! She owns her business and puts her all into it and does a flawless job at juggling all aspects of her life! She is extremely loyal, she always comes thru in a pinch no questions asked! She's defiantly one of a kind, and I'm blessed to know her and have her in my life.” –Ashley Murphy

"Genuine! There are so many words that I could use to describe Ashley! She's an amazing person! She's always there for people and she's not just doing it because it's a nice gesture, she genuinely cares about people. She's a very loyal friend with a heart of gold.” –Erin Salway

“Admirable! She is an inspiration to me because she can put a smile on even when things aren't going the best. She would give people the shirt off her back and help anyone that is in need. She has always been there for me and my family and has opened her home to us as family! She is a lovely person on the inside and out! Thank you!” –Cami Mann

“Amazing! She took a business that had a rotten personality and made it into a comfortable homey business! She has never led me but has listened to my idea and then told me honestly whether it would be a good choice!” –Beth Wittrock

"Selfless!  I don't know how she does what she does, truly I don't. She is a fantastic mother (with all boys and a set of twins--seriously how does she do it? How do you do twins!!), wife, friend, hairdresser, and owns a business!  Phew--makes me tired just thinking of it all!  I'm sure that poor girl has zero time to herself and a list a mile long but, she still goes out of her way to find time to make people feel deserved and loved.” –Marissa Beard

“Driven! She balances work, the boys, husband, family and friends and she is always doing.” –Tish Swanson

“FABULOUS! She is the one person that takes the time  to work on my hair...she doesn't get frustrated or irritated with it...she just takes her time and does her job and she does it very well! Every time I go in to get my hair done she asks me if I am ready to get the BEAST tamed lol. Ashley is not only my hairstylist but she is also one of my very closest friends...I actually call her sister.” –Mandy Steward

“I don't have just one word that can describe her! She has the biggest heart and loves big! And shops big!  She is someone that would do anything for those she loves. She maybe wouldn't give you the shirt off her back, but she would definitely buy you one! No, but seriously if you needed her in the middle of the night, in a blizzard, she would be there...no questions asked. She is also a woman of her word. If she tells you she is going to do something...she does it. She is one of my dearest friends and has been there for me through every struggle and every achievement I have had since I have known her! She is a very amazing blessing in my life!”-Cameo Cox

“Generous. She always has time for everyone and rarely puts herself before others. Not only is she a wonderful business woman, she is a wonderful sister in law that has helped us through tough times.  Ashley never lets anything stand in her way when it comes to something she wants. (Her business especially)” -Shea Morgan

Thank you for being such an inspiration, for being the bright star in a dark world, and for being you! It was so much fun to watch you work and be a part of your mid-morning, thank you again for letting me capture you for my project, it means the world to me!