We Chat with Ashley Wahler, Celebrity Hairstylist and The Hills Star about her New Beauty Collection Launch, The Gold Collection
Ashley Wahler wearing Crown Royalty from The Gold Collection ($60)
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Ashley Wahler, celebrity hairstylist and co-star on “MTV’s The Hills: New Beginnings,” about life, family, hair and the launch of her new line of hair accessories - Ashley Wahler Beauty: The Gold Collection. A mix of statement pieces, barrettes and headbands, there’s something for everyone without breaking the bank. Here’s what she had to say:
How she got started in her career in hair and beauty: Ashley has been doing hair professionally for over 10 years. Hair and styling is in her blood as her great grandfather was a hair stylist. She went to FIDM where she studied merchandise marketing. She has always loved doing hair, got her cosmetology license, and worked her way up to become a celebrity hair stylist and color specialist.
What inspired the Gold Collection: Ashley wanted to create a line of easy to use, elegant hair accessories for anyone to elevate their look with minimal effort. She wanted the gold to reflect the sunshine in her personality. Together with her partners Nicole and Christina of Basic Extra (@basic_extra) , she was able to create something unique and fun, even for those who don’t always know what to do with their hair. All of the accessories come in unique, beautiful packaging so they can be stored beautifully as well, something that was important to Ashley.
Best advice for those starting out in the business: Ashley’s best advice is to work hard, be open to feedback, and focus on educating yourself in your field. She also emphasized the importance of building relationships, as you never know what doors will open for you.
Beauty/wellness/self-care tips: Ashley has always been very open when it comes to the importance of mental health. As a new mom, she focuses on maintaining a morning routine, and having a close circle she can reach out to. She makes sure to take care of herself, which of course includes a good skin care routine. Her best beauty advice: Drench your face in oil. Her current favorites are the Kypris Face Oil and Glowtopia Face Oil by Diana Madison.
Favorite women entrepreneurs:
Jen Atkin, Tracey Cunningham, and Justine Marjan are all fellow stylists that Ashley admires and that inspire her in her career. Some of her favorite women owned brands include COZeCO founded by Hills alum Whitney Port, and Diana Madison Beauty.
Make sure to follow Ashley online @ashleywahler. The entire Gold Collection can be found at basic-extra.com/ashleywahler and launched just in time for the holidays. We want to see your holiday looks!
Tara KP Troszak is an LA-based lawyer, self-proclaimed cat lady, writer and freelance makeup artist for MAC cosmetics. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Nick and her cat Chevy. Follow her on Instagram: @makeupbytkp.