Today we’d like to introduce you to Andi Holliday.
Hi Andi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been behind the chair for 13 years, and my career has definitely evolved right along with me. I started out knowing that I loved doing hair and making people feel good about themselves, but over the years I realized I wanted to create something that felt completely my own.
In 2020, I took that leap and started ASH Vibe Hair. Building my own business gave me the freedom to really figure out the kind of stylist I wanted to be, the clients I wanted to serve, and the experience I wanted to create behind the chair.
The most rewarding part of my career has always been the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Hair can have such an impact on how someone feels about themselves, and being able to help someone feel beautiful, confident, and empowered is still my favorite part of what I do. But it goes so much deeper than hair. There’s a lot of trust that comes with being someone’s hairstylist. You’re there through new jobs, relationships, weddings, babies, breakups, big life changes, and everything in between. After seeing many of my clients for years, those relationships have grown into genuine friendships, and that’s something I really value.
Owning a salon business has taught me so much beyond doing hair. I’ve had to learn how to be a stylist, business owner, marketer, content creator, and everything in between. There have been growing pains and plenty of trial and error, but all of it has helped shape ASH Vibe Hair into what it is today.
After 13 years, I still genuinely love what I do. Creating beautiful hair is obviously a huge part of it, but seeing someone leave my chair glowing a little brighter and feeling more like themselves is what makes this career so meaningful to me. I’ve built a business that feels authentically mine, with clients I truly value, and I’m really proud of where it’s taken me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! I think owning a business comes with a lot of learning as you go, especially when you’re also the person providing the service. I had to learn pretty quickly that being good at hair and being good at running a business are two completely different skill sets.
One of my biggest struggles has been learning to set boundaries. When you genuinely care about your clients, it’s really easy to overextend yourself; working longer hours, squeezing people in, answering messages at all hours, and feeling like I always had to say yes. Over the years, I’ve learned that creating boundaries doesn’t mean I care any less about my clients. It actually allows me to show up better for them and still have a life outside of work.
There’s also been a lot of trial and error. Pricing, scheduling, policies, marketing, social media; you’re constantly learning and adjusting as your business grows. I’ve definitely made mistakes along the way, but I think every version of my business taught me something that helped me build the next one.
I don’t think there’s ever a point where you feel like you have everything completely figured out, but I’ve become much more confident in trusting myself, knowing my worth, and building a business that works for both my clients and me. And I think that growth has been just as important as anything I’ve learned behind the chair.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
ASH Vibe Hair is my salon business here in Austin, specializing in customized lived-in blondes, dimensional brunettes, custom reds, and gray blending.
What sets my business apart is how personalized the experience is. I want every client to feel heard and comfortable in my chair, while also leaving with hair that feels like them and works with their lifestyle.
One of my favorite services I offer is my Scalp & Hair Therapy. It’s become a huge client favorite because it’s such a relaxing, zen experience while also giving the hair and scalp some much-needed TLC. It’s one of those appointments where you can completely shut your brain off for a little while and just be taken care of.
I’m most proud that ASH Vibe Hair feels authentically mine! Welcoming, fun, honest, and professional without ever feeling stuffy. More than anything, I want my clients to leave feeling taken care of, confident, and excited about their hair.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My favorite thing about Austin is definitely the food! I’m a huge foodie, and I love that there’s always a new restaurant, food truck, or hidden gem to try. Beyond that, Austin just has such a welcoming, friendly vibe. I love supporting local businesses, being outdoors, and that the city has so much personality. People are encouraged to be themselves here, which is probably why “Keep Austin Weird” fits it so perfectly.
My least favorite parts are definitely the traffic and the heat! Austin summers are no joke, and the traffic can seriously test your patience. But the food almost makes up for both!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/ashvibe
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hairbyandishae
