Meet Ashley Timmins | hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Timmins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ashley, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I feel like I’m impacting the community by creating a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community, especially because we are a vulnerable minority that doesn’t always feel protected or welcomed in a lot of places. Creating that safety is the most important thing to me. I want people to walk into the salon that I work at and immediately feel like they’re somewhere they belong.

Doing hair is such a personal experience. When someone sits in my chair we start by talking about their hair, but over time those conversations turn into talking about their life. We exchange energy, we learn about each other, and eventually those surface level chats grow into deep, honest connections. That closeness is one of my favorite parts of this career because it becomes so much more than a service. It becomes a relationship.

One thing I am especially proud of is the sense of safety I’ve created for people who don’t always feel safe in other spaces. I’m very open about being part of the LGBTQIA+ community and I never hide that. When you’re already in a vulnerable position having someone touch your hair and change how you look, you want to know you’re in a place where you’re respected and understood. I take that to heart. I want my chair to feel like home for anyone who needs it. No judgment, no fear, just a space where they can show up fully as themselves. To me, that’s real social impact.

My social media has become an extension of that. I don’t put on a perfect mask to fit the aesthetic of what people expect from stylists online. I show up as my raw, vulnerable, honest self because that’s what the community needs. Everything on the internet can feel so curated and polished, and I think being willing to be real makes people feel less alone. It builds trust long before they ever sit in my chair.

At the end of the day, the impact I want to make is simple. I want people to feel safe, supported, and celebrated. If I can give that to someone during a color appointment, a haircut, or even an Instagram post, then I know I’m doing something meaningful for the community I love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is my intention—not only do I deeply care about the art I’m creating, but I also deeply care about my clients. I’m the type of person who might not remember where you part your hair, but I will always remember the details of your life. For me, it’s about building genuine connections while creating something beautiful.

What I’m most proud of is that I show up authentically as myself. I don’t carry the ego I’ve seen so often in this industry, which can be very cutthroat and competitive. I’m just the type of person you either connect with or you don’t—but regardless, I’m going to be myself.

I got to where I am professionally because of the incredible people who built me, and because of the countless hours I’ve spent learning, practicing, and growing—both at work and on my own time. This path hasn’t been easy. There have been countless nights alone, questioning if I was good enough, if I belonged, if I was worthy. But over time I learned that if you truly believe in yourself, it’s all worth it. Showing up as my authentic self every day is what makes it all worthwhile.

I want people to see me not just as someone providing a service, but as someone offering friendship and a shared experience. It may not always feel “professional” in the traditional sense, but it’s raw, honest, and authentic. My clients aren’t just leaving with a hairstyle—they’re leaving with a moment, a connection, and a piece of my heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting Denver for a week, I’d make sure they got the full local experience. For drinks, we’d hit up dive bars like TrashHawk or Don’s Tavern—nothing fancy, just good vibes. For food, if it was a Monday, Blue Island Oyster Bar for happy hour is a must. Feeling a little bougie? Sushi Den is always a go-to.

Sunday Funday in the Highlands is my favorite. We’d brunch at Happy Camper, then wander through the bars around the area for some day drinking. If we were feeling like doing a little thrifting, Broadway has all my favorite spots, and for furniture lovers, Tennyson Street is perfect.

Of course, we’d do some exploring too. Pikes Peak is a must, even though it gives me anxiety every single time. If we had more time, a drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park is non-negotiable—the views are unreal. And no trip to Denver is complete without experiencing Red Rocks. Even if there isn’t a show, just soaking in the history and the scenery is unforgettable.

Anyone visiting me is obviously someone important in my life, so one thing I would do is plan a barbecue at my best friend’s house with all of my friends. Nothing makes me happier than sharing the people I love most with each other, and a perfect Sunday afternoon barbecue with all our dogs running around is exactly that.

And, of course, I’d have to take them to my salon for a blowout. You can’t visit Denver without seeing where I work and leaving feeling like your best self for the week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
At the end of the day, I’m my biggest supporter because I’ve poured so much into my career—but I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who built me. First, I have to give a huge shoutout to Tara Nalty. She hired me as a receptionist and believed in me when I told her I was heading to cosmetology school. Her guidance, mentorship, and trust with her clients made a massive impact on my career.

Anne McKune is another person I’ll always be grateful for. I was her assistant for just over a year, and she taught me so much—not only about technique behind the chair but also how to show up as a thoughtful, intentional stylist. Kayleigh Conroy was the first stylist I ever assisted, and the knowledge and experience she shared set a foundation that I still carry with me today.

Finally, I want to recognize Aja Ottero. She’s created a space where I can fully thrive and be myself. She genuinely cares about her team, both professionally and personally, and she’s especially thoughtful toward neurodivergent stylists like me.

I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve put in, but I also know I wouldn’t be here without these amazing people. They built me from the ground up and helped shape not just the stylist I am today, but the person I’ve become

Website: https://www.maesalon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledbyashnicole

Image Credits
Katyte Demont