Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Smith.
Hi Ashlee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started cosmetology school right out of Highschool. I chose a competency based program, which required less hours ( so I could still work) but I was required more in depth testing. We would have only one week to learn each curriculum and had to score above 85% to move on. This extensive program required 4-6 hours of schooling a day vs 8 hours in a traditional Cosmetology program. I chose this program because I paid for my schooling out of pocket, I had two jobs, one at a coffee shop before school and a restaurant after school. I Also paid for a large chunk of my tuition as a Construction Zone, Road Flagger.
I married a U.S Marine and we traveled all over the Western United States for his training and Duty Stations, I obtained my Hair Design / Cosmetology License in three states, Oregon, Michigan and California. During this time in my life I taught Cosmetology School and was a Barber on a Military Base in Twenty Nine Palms California.
After the Pandemic I Opened up my own salon in my Hometown of Brookings Oregon called, SLAY. Hair Society. In one year I had a full salon with 5 booth renters, and was making 6 figures fresh off the pandemic, as a “small town hair stylist.” In 2022 I started working with the Company, SoCo Lashes as their director of Education, making educational videos for aspiring Lash Artists and overseeing their online Education Platform for Estheticians/ Lash Artist all over the world. I had filled my salon and all my time, but I still was craving more creative freedom that didn’t involve being behind the chair.
I started getting asked to style hair for weddings in Brookings, because it was a major Wedding destination town and I was getting noticed for my Unique Boho Styles and inspirational videos I would post on social media. This is where my passion and love for the Wedding Industry was born. In addition to Bridal hair styling, I started taking photos professionally and became a Wedding and Elopement Photographer. in 2022
In 2023 I sold my Salon and my family and I decided to move to Bend, Oregon so my husband could go to Pilot School and I could grow my Wedding Business, (Ashlee Smith Weddings) in a much bigger and more flourishing market. Sadly after 2 years in Bend, My husband lost is battle to stage 4 Brain cancer which he obtained while serving with a group of green berets in Kabul Iraq, he died at 32. This lead our 4 year old daughter and I to relocate back to Brookings Oregon in 2025 to be with family and regroup on where our lives were headed next.
Currently I am traveling full time Bridal Hairstylist and Elopement Photographer. I am working on launching a Bridal Stylist Collective Brand, called, “Just Married” where Bridal hair and Makeup artists as well as Photographers, can collaborate and find a supportive community, creative inspiration and book weddings and events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been an incredibly challenging but much more rewarding experience. There are very few jobs as physically and mentally demanding as Wedding Photography ( as crazy as it sounds)
Becoming a widow at such a young age ( 34) has really shaped me and my view of not only my work, but how I see the world. The grief I have experienced has truly fueled my art and my passion in the beauty industry and has made me really crave and understand the importance of how you spend your time and community ( who you spend it with) That’s been the driving force behind my new creative endeavors.
I can’t think of anything more beautiful than turning your pain into art and creating that art on the most important day of someone’s life, over and over again. It’s truly an amazing experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a traveling Bridal Hair Stylist and Elopement Photographer. I specialize in Boho Hair styles and Romantic Documentary photography. I style hair and then photograph adventure elopements, primarily in Southern and Central Oregon. Adventure Elopments are, weddings on cliffsides, on the beach, in the redwoods or any non traditional location out in nature.
I also do Creative Retreats/Shoots with photographers. Where Photographers set up professional models and vendors and host “content retreats” In Destination Cities. I style the models and collaborate with them.
I am most proud of my audacity and “go for it” mentality. Many creatives lack the confidence to just go for what they want in an industry that is in my opinion majorly underestimated and overlooked. I like to think of myself as a ” starving artist” at heart.
I am not your typical, anything. I have yet to meet a hairstylist and photographer combo like myself. I combine my laidback nature with my adventurous and creative spirit to cultivate a unique and once in a life time experience for my couples who are seeking adventure and to celebrate their love in Oregon and beyond.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Absolutely ! Finding a mentor or someone you look up to that is doing what you want to do is crucial. It can be really hard and lonely in our industry because a lot of us work solo or independently, and it seems like sometimes competition can drive a wedge between creatives, and that’s always been the biggest bummer about my industry.
I have always been a person who thrives off positivity and support. My mind set has always been ” if they can do it, then I definitely can too.” I think it’s really important to share your wins and your losses openly, because you never know who you might be inspiring.
We’ve all been at a point where we feel inadequate or like we shouldn’t be in the room were in, and I think a huge stepping stone to get out of that mindset is to do thing you think your not qualified to do and put yourself in that room full of people you want to be, and you’ll be surprised how far that will take you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleesmith-weddings.com https://ashleesmithbridal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleesmith.bridal/
