Meet Ashley Ray | Salon Owner & Hairstylist

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

Hi Ashley, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is the drive to be better and do better for the ones around me and to create a space I am proud to work at. I have worked in a few salon situations that left me wanting to leave the field. I had to take a step back and view my current situation to decide that thats not what I wanted for my future or for anyone else’s. I wanted to create a space where others felt valued, appreciated, and understood while also creating a safe and happy space for all employees and clients. We spend more time at work then we do at our own homes, and everyone deserves to have a happy inviting space to work in.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I got licensed as a cosmetologist at the age of 17. At the age of 21 I co owned a salon with very little knowledge of what I was stepping into. A failed business co-ownership led me to opening up a new space that was solely mine at the age of 25. I knew I had two employees counting on me and I was not going to leave them without employment when the old buisness split. Thus Rustic Roots Salon was created. A whole lot of prayer, faith of a mustard seed, and a promise that I would do everything in my power to make it work… ended up working! Sometimes doors are opened for you, because you’re actually meant to walk through them. I promised myself I would stay true to who I was, to lead by example and to create a living for my 4 month old premature child. What people don’t see, is the late nights, working long hours, working every weekend. Saving every dollar I could to make it all happen. I was determined to make my dreams a reality. I learned a lot with my first business, and that led me to mold rustic roots salon as the space I’ve always needed but never had. I hope it continues to be a safe haven for all my employees.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start the day with a trip to soda city down town on Saturday mornings. After that we would have lunch at the peanut man in irmo. Then we would head to the lake or river for a fun day in the sun. Then we would have a nice dinner at halls downtown

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?
My husband ! My husband is the one who encouraged me to leave my old salon and to open a brand new business the year after Covid. He also is the one who pushed me into finding a new space which then led to purchasing commercial real estate. I have always said he has had more faith in me then I ever did in myself.

Instagram: @rusticrootssc

Facebook: Rustic roots salon