Ashley’s cosmetology journey began with a connection to her past -her grandmother worked in the industry! They share a love of caring for people and helping them feel their best. She always wanted to be an artist, as her mother was such a talented artist growing up and she really looked up to her.
“Hair, makeup, and self-care practices have always been so important to me. In times of weakness, stress & depression they were tools I used to help lift myself up and gain my confidence back by expressing myself through style. Helping others feel and look their best, has always been a trait of mine. “-Ashley Ward
Ashley has dreams of working behind the scenes in movies and films, she wants to find a space that would let her creativity flow. Despite being relatively new to our program, Ashley’s confidence led her to participate in the Wella Beauty Envision Awards. Without completing our cutting and coloring classes, she saw this as a chance to experience full creative freedom.
Ashley’s aspirations always extended beyond the classroom. In her initial admissions interview, she spoke of her dream vacation – attending a concert or show and staying at a hotel in another state. Now, after attending the Wella Beauty Envision Awards’ live show in Las Vegas on October 30th, 2023, this dream came true!
Ashley’s Beauty Envision Awards entry was inspired by the ocean’s fluidity. “It’s about going with the flow of the ocean & adapting to changes. I changed my life from dark to light by going through school and I wanted to create that feeling visually.” When news of her finalist status arrived within the student color category, she said that making it to the finals was an absolute dream come true!
“It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. I went back to school at 24 to change my career path, and it was absolutely worth it.” – Ashley Ward
CIIC takes immense pride in Ashley and all our students who showcased their creativity in the Wella BEA competition. Through such platforms, we aim to spotlight our students, aiding them in their career paths.
“It is so motivating to know that other people enjoy your creations and hard work as much as you do. The opportunity my school and Wella are giving me as a finalist to be able to simply attend a trip like this is such a blessing, and I’ve always wanted to have something like this.” – Ashley Ward
“Growing up in poverty, I have never been on an airplane, or on big trips like this before. This experience will light a fire of inspiration in me to continue working hard to be able to create more memories and connections with others in this industry. The trip to Vegas was such an incredible opportunity and experience I will never forget. I had so much fun learning more about my industry and being a part of a live Wella show/event! Seeing all of the behind-the-scenes work was so inspiring and gave me a glimpse of how much hard work and dedication goes into things like that. Being a finalist in the BEA and getting to do this has been insane! I can’t wait to see how I do when I compete again next year! If I can make it this far my first time entering while still in school, (before even taking a color class), I can’t wait to see what else I have in store for myself! I am so proud of how much progress I am making.
I have so much more to learn and experience, and I’m so excited to find out what’s next.” -Ashley Ward, Student at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology
Watch Ashley’s Las Vegas Experience here: Dreams to Reality: Ashley’s Journey to the Wella Beauty Envision Awards Finals in Las Vegas! – YouTube
