Ashlee with Nova Strands

One thing I’ve learned over the last 6 years of being a salon owner is that building a successful business and leading people well are two very different responsibilities.

And BOTH deserve our attention.

There is SO much that happens outside of what’s happening behind the chair.

The conversations.
The planning.
The hard decisions.
The systems.
The time spent pouring into the women who trust you to lead them.

And something I’ve become more aware of as I’ve grown as a leader is that I never want to become so focused on building NOVA STRANDS that I forget about the women helping me build it.

Because their goals matter.
Their families matter.
Their lives outside of work matter.
And the way they experience being part of this business matters.

I want to build something successful. Of course I do!

But I also want to build something that creates opportunity, protects peace, encourages growth and gives the women on my team a place where they genuinely LOVE being.

And I know that takes intentional leadership.

It takes listening.
It takes accountability.
It takes having conversations that aren’t always easy.
And sometimes it means working a little harder after you’ve already worked really hard.

I’m still learning. Still growing. Still finding ways to lead better.

But one thing I know for sure is that I don’t just want to look back at what we built.

I want to look back and know that we took care of the people who helped us build it. ❤️

Salon owners, what’s something you’ve learned about leadership that you wish you understood sooner?

I used to look at subscriptions as just another monthly expense.

Now I look at them differently.

If something can give me back HOURS of my time, simplify something I’m constantly doing, help me lead better, or create more margin in my life… that has value to me.

Instacart gives me back time at home.
DoorDash gives me breathing room on the days that are already FULL.
Canva makes creating easier.
AI helps me organize, systemize and execute faster.
Later keeps me from living on my phone.
CapCut makes content quicker.
Connecteam keeps my team, systems and communication in one place.

I’m not paying for these things just because they’re convenient.

I’m paying for TIME.

Time to lead.
Time to create.
Time with my family.
Time to take care of my home.
Time to actually be present.

And as I’ve gotten busier, I’ve realized that sometimes the smartest thing I can spend money on isn’t more stuff.

It’s getting some of my time back. 🤍

What’s one subscription you pay for that genuinely makes your life easier?

Everything I have the ability to build, create, and accomplish comes from God. 🤍

Deuteronomy 8:18 is such a beautiful reminder that while we may put in the work, it’s God who gives us the strength, the gifts, the ideas, and the opportunities.

I never want to get so caught up in what I’m building that I forget Who gave me the ability to build it in the first place.

Stay humble. Stay grateful. Keep God at the center.

It all comes from Him. 🙏🏽

Heal The Industry

A new week doesn’t always need MORE of what you ARE going to do but focusing on the things you are NOT going to do.

Clear boundaries will move you so much further faster without losing yourself in the process!

What are you committed to NOT doing this week?? Comment below!

Heal The Industry

You were never meant to carry it all. 🤍

The pressure.
The worry.
The need to have it all figured out.

Jesus simply says, “Come to me.”

Not when you have it together.
Not when you’ve found the answer.
Right now, exactly as you are.

There is rest in surrender.
There is peace in His presence.
There is freedom in realizing you don’t have to carry what He’s asking you to give to Him. 🙏🏻

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

That is how we Heal The Industry 🙌🏻🙌🏻

Heal The Industry