Meet Ashley Mendiola-Smith | Owner/ Licensed Esthetician/ Certified Cosmetic Injector

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

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start a business that would not only be an amazing place for people to come and get pampered in a one stop shop environment, but a stable and comfortable place that professionals in my industry could work and thrive. I pride myself on the fact that I have built something that not only makes me a proud business owner, that also corners a market that meets several beauty needs. At Envy Salon and Aesthetics we offer a plethora or hairs services, facials ranging from basic to medical grade treatments, various lash and brow services including lash extensions and microblading, and cosmetic injection services. I can truly say that I get to work with some of the best in the business, and I love every minute of it. We have recently won an award that is highly sought after in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, Texoma’s Best in the Salon category. I am so proud of myself and my team for making this happen.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Envy Salon & Aesthetics, we have a wide variety of beauty services that not many other salons in my area provide under one roof. We set ourselves apart from the rest by providing an environment for our clients that lets them know that we appreciate them and want them to feel like they are getting the VIP treatment in our facility. The clientele at Envy Salon & Aesthetics are not just our customers. Many of them have become friends and some like family. Most of our clients see several different professionals in house to take advantage of everything that Envy has to offer. I was a stay at home mom for almost 13 years when starting my business in 2020. I started out in a single suite doing spray tanning and microblading while also using the space to study and do my online college assignments working toward my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I soon realized that I wanted more for myself than just a suite and a degree that I wasn’t sure I would be happy in. I wanted to do something that would set me apart, something that would be a beacon of light in the beauty industry for my area. I opened Envy Salon & Aesthetics on November 17, 2020 and I instantly knew it was going to something incredible. I quickly decided to grow in my person path within Envy. I became a licensed Esthetician then shortly after that I added Certified Cosmetic Injector to my title. I believe that growing and staying relevant in my craft will help me stay successful in my career. Building my craft wasn’t allows easy, the education was cumbersome and stressful a lot of the time. I had to constantly remind myself that this was only a small amount of time in what would be a significant purpose of my professional life. On top of school and education, I balanced owning and running a full salon and maintaining my family and personal life. I sacrificed time with both family and friends to study and perfect my profession and it has all paid off in the long run. I have a very loyal clientele and a dream team of professionals to work with. Being in this industry, I have learned how to separate my business life and professional relationships. I know I cannot please everyone, but what I can do is be true to myself. I know that everyone is not for me and I am not for everyone, but I do know that those that are for me are important and worth sacrificing for. Being a business owner has helped me to know when to be vulnerable and when to be stern and strong. I am a very straight forward person, and I can also let loose and have a good time, but owning a business has helped me find balance and stability in knowing when is the correct time for both. Envy Salon & Aesthetics is my way of telling women that you can do anything that makes you happy. You don’t have to be stuck in a dead end career path. You can start your life and passion at any age. It may take hardships and you may second guess yourself the whole time. But, keep your eye on the prize because your happiness is worth the struggle. I live and work my passion everyday, and haven’t regretted one minute of career path. I have built a legacy with Envy Salon & Aesthetics that I and my family can be proud of. I love walking into the salon knowing that I built this and this was my dream that came true. All that doubt and hesitation flies right out the door when I see my business thriving. Envy is my happy place! I know that this is where God intended me to be.

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?
When my friends come in to town to visit I always start by taking them to my business if they have not seen it yet. Envy Salon & Aesthetics is in a quaint little area in downtown Van Alstyne. We have the Central Social District park right next door. The city of Van Alstyne puts on some great events and markets at the Central Social District that would entertain anyone that would be visiting this area. There are also several different and boutiques and shops that are fun to shop in. For eats and drinks, there is no need to leave the area. We have many choices to choose from in downtown Van Alstyne. From pizza, gyros, or wings and beer; this area has a lot to offer. Van Alstyne is an up and coming area but still holds on to that small town charm.

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?
I would like to shout out to my husband, Jason Smith and his business Platinum Cove. Without him I would not have been able to start my business. He has always been my rock and supports me in everything I do. My salon manager, Ashley McDaniel, she helps to make sure that the day to day in the salon runs smooth. She steps in and plays a big role in the salon when I can’t be there. She encouraged me to start my business and has been a strong inspiration in my career. All of the ladies at Envy Salon & Aesthetics, thank you for working hard and being a great representation of my business. To all of my family and friends, thank you all for supporting and believing in me. Where it was sharing my posts or coming in for services, you have all helped in ways you may never know.

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EnvySalonandAesthetics/

Image Credits
Ana Marie Photography