After spending a good part of her childhood watching her grandmother work at a hair salon, Brendnetta Ashley (@edgypynkgirl) knew she was destined for the beauty industry and chased her dreams until she landed her first job as a stylist at The Salon by InStyle Inside JCPenney. Now, Ashley is one of six national artistic educators for the brand, but she’s not losing sight of where she started.
Aha Moment
I grew up watching my grandmother do hair, and I loved how she was always uplifting her clients and making them feel special. I knew from a young age that I wanted to impact people’s lives in the same way.
Training Days
I love finishing and styling, and I took some advanced courses on those techniques with [updo artist and educator] Sharon Blain to master my craft.
Claim To Fame
Presenting at Premiere Orlando on The Salon by InStyle stage was a huge moment for me. And, of course, being named a national artistic educator with The Salon by InStyle.
Social Butterfly
You can follow me on Instagram at @edgypynkgirl.
Word To Live By
“Follow your passion; it will lead to your purpose.”—Oprah Winfrey
Secret Weapons
I can’t leave my house without Matrix Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finish Spray. It adds the perfect amount of grit to work the hair in any way you need to.
My Mentors
I’ve always been inspired by powerful women hairstylists, especially Michelle O’Connor and Dilek Onur Taylor, creative directors at The Salon by InStyle.
Bucket List
I’d love to work at New York Fashion Week and submit a collection for the North American Hairstyling Awards.
Bright Future
As an educator, I hope to continue to inspire other hairstylists, perfect my craft and uplift my clients with amazing hair!