We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Six Ten Salon & Boutique has been creating a space where collaboration is heavily encouraged. We believe that the key to our growth and excellence lies in fostering a culture of openness and teamwork. This philosophy extends to both our clients and our team.
We actively seek direct and honest feedback from our clients, allowing their ideas and preferences to shape our space and services. By incorporating their suggestions, we create a salon experience that truly resonates with our clientele, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty.
Equally important is the collaborative environment we cultivate among our staff. At Six Ten, we encourage our team members to work together, understanding that collective effort yields greater results than individual endeavors. Everyone’s voice matters, and we emphasize the importance of sharing opinions and feedback. This inclusive approach ensures that all team members feel valued and heard, fostering a positive and innovative workplace.
By putting these ideas into motion, we create a dynamic space enriched by diverse perspectives. The result is a unique salon environment, where creativity and collaboration thrive, driving our continued success and growth.
What should our readers know about your business?
At Six Ten Salon & Boutique, I’m incredibly proud of what sets us apart in the beauty industry—creating an environment that significantly impacts both young, emerging stylists and seasoned industry veterans. The greatest achievement for me is fostering a space where individuals can achieve things they never thought possible. Watching my team grow in their careers and as individuals brings me immense joy. When I opened this salon, my intention was to improve the industry by helping people create the career of their dreams. It’s common for aspiring beauty professionals to face skepticism about their career choices, and I wanted to change that narrative. I aimed to create a place where like-minded individuals could join forces and celebrate each other’s accomplishments as much as their own.
In just five short years, our salon has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a team of four to a robust team of thirty. This rapid expansion has been both a blessing and a challenge. Managing such immense growth requires constant adaptation and innovation to exceed our clients’ expectations. Communication and transparency with my team have been crucial in navigating this journey. I often have to be honest about uncertainties, but my commitment to figuring things out and finding solutions has earned their trust.
I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way. First and foremost, always take risks. Calculate them, but don’t overthink—just go for it. If something doesn’t work, you can always pivot. Secondly, never be afraid to try something new. Thirdly, do what’s right, not what’s easy. Integrity and resilience are essential. Lastly, owning a business is incredibly challenging and often harder than it looks. It’s the ultimate test of resilience, but the impact you make on your guests and team members makes every frustration and tear worth it.
At Six Ten Salon & Boutique, my story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering support for my team and community. I believe in the power of collaboration, risk-taking, and integrity, and I strive to make a lasting impact in the beauty industry.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, our success at Six Ten Salon & Boutique is deeply rooted in the incredible support and encouragement we’ve received from many individuals and groups along the way. First and foremost, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our loyal clientele and the local community. Their unwavering support, honest feedback, and trust in our services have been the cornerstone of our growth and achievements. We could not have had any of the successes that we’ve had without their continuous backing.
In addition, I would like to recognize the amazing team at Six Ten. Their dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit have transformed our salon into a hub of innovation and excellence. Our leadership team, composed of seasoned professionals, has provided invaluable guidance and mentorship, ensuring that we always strive for the best.
Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge the influence of key industry resources and inspirations, such as Salon Today magazine, which not only recognized our efforts but also motivated us to uphold the highest standards in our work. Their acknowledgment in naming us a top 200 Salon in the country for growth in 2023 and for culture in 2024 has been a significant milestone in our journey.
Together, these contributions have shaped Six Ten Salon & Boutique into the thriving small business it is today.
Website: https://Www.sixtensalon.com
Instagram: @sixtensalon
Image Credits
Elle Studios