Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Jenkins.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started when I was a little girl. My great-grandmother bought me a doll with a full head of hair because she noticed I was always playing with dolls that barely had any. I named her Lucy—and from that moment, something sparked.
Every Sunday, my mom would do my hair. It became a cherished routine. She also styled the hair of friends and family, and I was always nearby, watching closely. Over time, my curiosity grew. I started practicing on all of my dolls, then moved on to playing in my grandmother’s hair, and eventually styling hair for family friends.
As my confidence grew, I even began experimenting on my own hair.
When I turned 18, I asked myself, What do I really want to do? What do I truly love? The answer was clear—it had always been hair.
I enrolled in cosmetology school, graduated, and began specializing in locs. At the time, very few people were focusing on locs, and even fewer were offering products specifically designed for them. Many of my clients struggled with severe dandruff, and I realized there was a serious gap in the market.
So I got to work. I formulated a natural hair growth oil that not only relieved scalp issues but also promoted healthy, flourishing locs. The results spoke for themselves.
From there, my business grew—fueled by consistency, passion, and persistence. What started with a doll named Lucy became a lifelong journey rooted in care, creativity, and culture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. There were countless sleepless nights and long days, especially in the beginning. I started with zero clientele and had to build everything from the ground up. Nothing happened overnight.
One of the biggest challenges was finding the right ingredients for my products. I wanted to create something that truly worked for my clients, and that took a lot of research, trial and error, and patience.
Navigating the world of small business ownership on my own was also tough. There’s so much to learn—from marketing and finances to production and customer service—and doing it solo can feel overwhelming at times. But even in those moments, I reminded myself: difficult doesn’t mean impossible.
My mother was a huge source of support throughout it all. She stood by my side, listened to my dreams, and believed in me even when I doubted myself. That kind of love and encouragement kept me going.
Obstacles will always come, but I’ve learned that you have to press through them. Keep going, stay focused, and never give up on what you believe in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m known as The Left-Handed Loctician—a licensed cosmetologist who specializes in locs. Being left-handed in this profession is rare, and for a long time, it was even seen as “incorrect” or unconventional when it came to hair styling techniques. But I’ve proudly proven that narrative wrong by mastering my craft and delivering high-quality results, one client at a time.
I specialize in the care, maintenance, and styling of locs, offering both services and handcrafted products designed to promote healthy hair and scalp. My goal is to not only make my clients look good, but to ensure they feel confident in their natural beauty and hair journey.
What truly sets me apart is the intention behind everything I do. I’m most proud of building a brand that’s rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose. I wake up every day excited to do what I love—and even more fulfilled knowing that I’m helping others along the way. Whether it’s through exceptional customer service, personalized care, or products that actually work, my mission is to pour love and quality into every detail.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being a business owner is one of the biggest risks you can take. For me, the defining moment came when I decided to leave my 9-to-5 job and pursue my passion full-time. I told myself, This is what I want to do, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. That leap of faith changed everything.
Starting a business means investing time, money, and energy into something without any guarantees. You don’t know if the clients will come, if the products will sell, or if you’ll make it through the tough seasons. But every single day, I take that risk—and I do it with faith.
I’ve learned that risk is a necessary part of growth. You can’t move forward without stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s scary, yes—but it’s also where the magic happens. I don’t see myself as fearless, but I am committed. And that commitment has carried me through every challenge so far.
Pricing:
- Loc retwist starting at $90
- Full head of color starting price $90
- 4 oz Lemon grass root stimulator $20
Contact Info:
- Website: Shop link : shopashslayallure.com booking link: https://ashslayallure.as.me/schedule/36bb1ba1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashslay.allure?igsh=Nm1nNnJwYjU5cmkz&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelefthandedloctician
