Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Slater.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was young, I would cut my Barbies’ hair and style them to look different. Little did I know that one day I would be cutting and coloring hair professionally.
Throughout high school and some college, I felt immense pressure to choose a career. All I truly knew was that I wanted to help people. I considered becoming a teacher, therapist, architect, or interior designer, but the weight of making a decision that would shape my future left me overwhelmed. I remember telling my mom that I wanted to do hair, yet the expectation to attend college heavily influenced my choices. I struggled to decide because, in my heart, I wanted to be all of those things.
After deciding to take a break from college to focus on myself, I began serving in restaurants, became an optician, and eventually worked in sales. While these jobs were financially rewarding, they did not fulfill my soul. I knew I needed a path that truly lit me up. During this time, I found yoga, meditation, journaling, and dove deeply into spirituality. I loved learning about myself, strengthening my intuition, and discovering that everything is energy. It felt like entering a new world—one where I could see and feel life from an entirely different perspective.
Listening to my intuition, my heart became set on becoming a hairstylist and eventually a salon owner. I saved my money and toured beauty schools in the area. The moment I walked into Baldwin Beauty School, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. Each day, I felt excited to learn and grow as a hairstylist. I built confidence, formed meaningful connections, and gained repeat clients throughout my time in school. Baldwin Beauty School then connected me with my first salon apprenticeship at Pink West Salon in Dripping Springs. Everything about the salon aligned with my vision. When I met the owner, Deborah Carter, I once again felt that deep knowing—this was where I was meant to be. The blend of creativity and spirituality within the salon transformed my dream of ownership into a true mission.
As I began planning my long-term vision, I realized that Dripping Springs might not be where I would ultimately land. Although I loved the salon and the people deeply, I knew that eventually I would need to move forward. One day, while talking with my neighbor, she mentioned how much she loved her salon, Path Salon. I decided to apply, not expecting much. I worried I was too new, or that I lacked an Austin-based clientele. To my surprise, the owner, Ryan Driggers, called me the very next day and offered me the position. I was ecstatic and thrilled to step closer to my dream.
At Path Salon, I truly grew into the stylist I am today. The lessons were plentiful—some challenging, some empowering—but each one strengthened my confidence. After two years behind the chair, I was offered a part-time salon manager position, which I eagerly accepted. Balancing management with being behind the chair accelerated my growth and deepened my understanding of what it truly takes to own a salon. The challenges and growing pains shaped me, and I gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of salon ownership. I knew I was capable of turning my dream into reality.
After four years at Path Salon, I felt a shift. It became clear that it was time to step out on my own. I was both nervous and excited as I entered this new chapter. The “what ifs” surfaced, but I chose to believe in myself and move forward. I opened a private salon suite at Grapevine Salons South and named it Spirit Studio Hair & Healing. For the first time, I had a space fully my own—one rooted in intention, offering holistic hair and healing services.
Today, I am able to blend creativity and spirituality in a private, nurturing setting, cultivating deeper relationships with my clients. I truly believe this is my calling: to care for others and support them on their journeys, wherever they may be. I love connecting with people, creating beautiful, healthy hair, and witnessing others shine. I have discovered that hair and healing are deeply intertwined. Our hair holds energy, and when we transform it, we also shift our inner state of being. Offering healing services such as energy cleanses, chakra balancing, and simply holding sacred space is deeply meaningful to me.
I am profoundly grateful for my journey and for what I am able to offer my community. I am excited to see what is next for both myself and Spirit Studio Hair & Healing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course not! The biggest struggle for me was fear. Fear of not being good enough, people not liking their hair, messing up, or failing! With all that said, I decided to learn from my mistakes, grow, and fully believe myself that I am capable and enough.
Mindset is everything to me! When doubt and fear creeps in, I know it’s an opportunity to grow and stand in my power.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a holistic hairstylist blending creativity with spiritually. I offer hair and healing services in South Austin. I love any and all hair transformations, as well maintaining hair health. I believe my compassion for people and their journey sets me apart in the industry. I have a passion for caring for others on a soul level.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that may surprise people is that my work goes far beyond hair. While clients may come in for a haircut or color, what I truly offer is a space to slow down, reconnect, and reset. Hair is simply the doorway. I’m deeply intentional about the energy I bring into each session, and I believe transformation happens just as much internally as it does externally.
Another surprise is that Spirit Studio was created from intuition just as much as planning. I didn’t follow a traditional blueprint—I listened, trusted myself, and built something that feels aligned rather than forced. The brand is rooted in presence, care, and authenticity, and that’s what guides everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spiritstudioatx.com/
- Instagram: @hairby_ashleyslater
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/spirit-studio-austin-2
Image Credits
All my own photos ~ Ashley Slater
