Meet Ashley Vaughn | Master Barber

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

Hi Ashley, how do you define success?
How I would define success would be having an equal balance within your life. Having a sense of content in not only your career but your personal life to. Balance in every corner is essential in my opinion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As barbers it takes a lot to stand out from the rest. It’s not just about cutting hair, we are constantly trying to learn and perfect what we do. For myself I’ve done over 2,000 hours of education in the state of New Hampshire and getting through school was challenging sometimes feeling as though you just wanted to be out in the field. I started my education in cosmetology but never felt that fire inside that I expected. Getting my first job was exhausting and honestly, terrifying. I ended up working in male derivative shops which was where my love of men’s haircuts began. But as a young single mother I felt as though I spent more time with clients than my daughter. I knew I wanted more, fast-forward about 6 years I took the leap and went back to school for my barber license. FINALLY feeling that excitement. Graduating with high honors and then immediately getting hired into a real traditional barbershop, I felt on top of the world. I had the freedom to spend more time with my family but also felt financially stable for the first time in my career. It was a tough road building my book and proving myself as a woman in a man’s world which I thrived on. After a few years working as a barber I unfortunately had to step down from the chair due to covid which broke my heart. Having to be home for my daughter to get through school taking on odd jobs to survive I was discouraged feeling I’d have to give up everything I worked so hard for. After almost 2 years of fighting to get back to where I was I chose to leave the area I was living in to explore the industry elsewhere in hopes of a better result. Leaving my home, my comfort zone was the best decision I ever made. Colorado greeted me with opportunity I never expected. Leaving everything behind was both scary and exciting but worth every mile. I feel that it was truly meant to be, finding my barbershop family that I had almost believed was impossible. In our shop we offer a number of services both for the low and high maintenance look. We take care of not just adults but children as well. Taking pride in every haircut and beard detail that walks through the door. I love being able to take my time with each person in the chair, truly giving them the experience they expect. Traditional services with a modern twist is how I’d describe it. From the regular hair cut to the old school straight razor shaves there’s nothing I don’t love about my days back behind the chair. With everything I’ve learned from 10 years in this industry my biggest piece of advice to someone just starting out would be stay open minded, never stop learning, it may not be easy but it’s worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start off strong for breakfasts at either Mountain Shadows Restaurant or Einstein Bro. Bagels. Then we have to take in the sights of garden of the gods or red rock canyon. I’d have to them indulge in fast food places we just don’t have in the New England area Raising Canes is such a guilty pleasure. Next on the list would be old colorado city to visit The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery! Such an interesting place truly could be in there for hours and still not see every little detail. Definitely a stop at Mother Muffs. Likely grab dinner from the Black-eyed Pea for some truly delicious food that feels just like your mom made. Drinks at Shame and Regret for a laid back atmosphere but very cool vibe. We both love the outdoors and nature so Colorado has us more than covered from Cave of the Winds to Palmer Park, definitely a stop at The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Can’t forget to visit The Leechpit!! We could spend an entire week just antiquing in Cañon City.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank my friends and family for always being behind me in my journey of finding my career. My barbershop family at The Cavern Men’s Barber Lounge, Sabina, Debbie, Tim and Araina truly a wonderful group of people. You also can’t forget to appreciate your clients, seeing and hearing their appreciation for our craft makes this job worth every moment behind the chair.

Website: http://thecaverncos.com/

Instagram: bashleythebarber91

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bashleythebarber