Meet Shannon Ashley | Licensed Esthetician & Owner of The Hairless Hippie

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

Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first became an esthetician, owning my own business was never part of the plan. It was never even something I considered as a little girl, for that matter. However, once I became established in the beauty industry, it felt like the most natural next step. I have worked for so many amazing people in my professional life, and I’ve learned so much from each of them, that it felt like it was time for me to learn how to execute all those lessons in my own way. As an employee, I felt like I had grown as much as I could in those environments, though. I wanted something that would continue to challenge me, and that I could truly call my own and hang my hat on – thus The Hairless Hippie was born. Getting to do what I’m so incredibly passionate about every day, while educating those around me about the waxing lifestyle, on my terms, is the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself. Being a business owner still comes with its own challenges, but having something that I get to grow myself, and hopefully use to provide good people with good jobs in the future, is something I can be proud of. This endeavor has become my baby, and seeing it grow from just a thought, to now a fully-functioning business has given me immense joy, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow, and who comes along for the ride.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Hairless Hippie is a speed waxing boutique, located inside Salon Tava, in Southwest Colorado Springs. We specialize in full face & body waxing, as well as lash lifting, brow lamination, and lash & brow tinting. Unlike larger corporate waxing businesses, we pride ourselves on quality over quantity, while still valuing your time, resulting in efficient, yet effective services. While the service may be quick, your time with us doesn’t have to feel rushed, as we want to make every client who comes through our door enter as a guest, but leave as a friend.

I’m proud of the fact that the business is thriving and still growing, despite having opened four weeks prior to being shut down, due to the pandemic. Along with so many other small business owners, the lockdown had me doubting myself and the decision I had made to open a business when I did. However, when I was able to reopen, I was determined to make my business a success story, Navigating entrepreneurship is difficult on its own, but navigating it amidst a global pandemic was like walking in the dark without a flashlight. Challenges and obstacles one would face upon starting a business in a normal world, were now little pebbles compared to the mountain of providing a safe place to serve others, while still traveling unknown waters of starting a business and staying afloat. The Hairless Hippie turns 2 on February 11, 2022, and it’s such a proud mom moment for me to see all the growth we’ve had, despite unprecedented times.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had friends visiting the area, I’d obviously have them visit The Hairless Hippie first for a custom Eyebrow Shape + Brazilian Wax – our specialty combo. After their appointment, I’d take them to the Caffeinated Cow, which is The Hairless Hippie’s next door neighbor, and a fan favorite amongst my clients after their appointments. They are the cutest mom & pop coffee and ice cream shop, with a wide variety of options on their menu. The owners are a husband and wife team who always know my regular order no matter when I came in last, but I usually stop in a few times a week, because they’re just that good!

The Rabbit Hole is another fun experience that my husband and I love to take our out-of-town guests to. Located in Downtown Colorado Springs, it’s literally underground and you truly feel as if you’ve stepped into the world of Alice in Wonderland. Their truffle mac & cheese is to die for, and my favorite cocktail of theirs is apple whiskey with apple juice, called Buffalo Bill. Colorado Springs has a wonderful small town feel to it, and when my husband took me to The Rabbit Hole to celebrate The Hairless Hippie’s first anniversary last year, our server recognized me as The Hairless Hippie from mutual connections around town, and she has now become a client herself, as well! This is what I think I love most about owning a business in Colorado Springs – all the really cool places are relatively easy to travel between and each place leaves you feeling like you’ve been a regular for years!

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?
There are so many people in my life who I’m fortunate enough to have the support of, but truly the most important recognition goes to each and every client. From clients who trusted me at the beginning of my career, and those who’ve followed me from one place to the next – but especially to the clients who gave me a chance as not only their waxer, but a business owner now, as well. Without clients to wax, The Hairless Hippie would just be an empty room, but these incredible humans have given purpose to the name. They are what keep The Hairless Hippie running, thriving, creating, and growing. In addition to these amazing people I get to spend my days with, I also have to give a huge shoutout to my husband, Steven, who I get to spend my nights with telling him about my day, issues I need help with, and not to mention his unwavering support of me and the business through a global pandemic. He helps hold down the fort at home, so I can be my best self at work. While I’m a solo-entrepreneur (for now), it truly takes a village, and I’m blessed with the best.

Website: www.thehairlesshippie.com

Instagram: @the.hairless.hippie

Facebook: @the.hairless.hippie.cos

Other: Email: info@thehairlesshippie.com Phone: 719-428-6858

Image Credits
Image credits: Outdoor photos by Stella & Storm Creative Studio Image credits: All other photos by The Hairless Hippie