Growing up in Napa Valley, California, Ashley was inspired from a young age watching her mom religiously apply her skin care morning and night. Her mom instilled a discipline and thoughtfulness in taking care of her skin from the inside out. At the age of twelve, Ashley received her first skin care treatment from a local beauty counter. No one could have known the impact that experience would have on Ashley’s own self care - becoming the foundation of her beauty and skin care philosophy. That paired with her curiosity and inquisitiveness about how and why products worked the way they did naturally led her to pursue a career in skin care. After graduating high school, Ashley made her way to San Diego for college but soon realized she was not pursuing her real passion.
She made the decision to pivot from college and enroll at Bellus Academy where she would earn her Aesthetician License in 2007. Following graduation, Ashley made her way back to her hometown and along with starting her own business, she oversaw the skin care department of a high end Napa Valley spa and worked for a medical spa. Working extensively in both medical aesthetics and spa environments led Ashley to obtain multiple certifications for advanced chemical knowledge, skin treatments, and touch therapies. Taking it a step further as Ashley tends to do, she became a first degree Reiki practitioner in 2013 after a friend's mom suggested it to help further her touch healing effectiveness with clients. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a "universal energy" is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. Ashley believes this technique is just as important as the advanced chemical skin care treatments she provides her clients. In 2013 having been back working and living in Napa Valley for a few years, Ashley agreed to a road trip to Nashville, Tennessee with a friend who was making the move. Much to her surprise, she too fell in love with the city. Ashley saw the opportunity to expand her business and brand and make Music City home. Since 2015, Ashley had happily split her time and business between Napa Valley and Nashville, but in 2021 saw the opportunity to expand her business once more in Napa Valley and has been back full time in Napa Valley ever since.
Growing up in Napa Valley, California, Ashley was inspired from a young age watching her mom religiously apply her skin care morning and night. Her mom instilled a discipline and thoughtfulness in taking care of her skin from the inside out. At the age of twelve, Ashley received her first skin care treatment from a local beauty counter. No one could have known the impact that experience would have on Ashley’s own self care - becoming the foundation of her beauty and skin care philosophy. That paired with her curiosity and inquisitiveness about how and why products worked the way they did naturally led her to pursue a career in skin care. After graduating high school, Ashley made her way to San Diego for college but soon realized she was not pursuing her real passion.
| The window seat on the plane- Aisle all the way
| Driving slow- race car driver in another life!
| St. Ives Apricot Scrub- why is this still a thing?!
| Sweet tea- sugar belongs in cheesecake
| Nutella- I just can't
| Tinted sunscreen- no make-up, make-up look
| Silk pillow case- anti-wrinkle and frizz free hair!
| Kombucha- Health-Ade is the BEST
| Maxi dresses- instant outfit
| Infrared saunas- Sunlighten’s 3-in-1 for the win!
Working in the beauty industry is a bit of a surprise for Michele. Prior to puberty, Michele really hadn’t been exposed to skincare/beauty. In fact, growing up as more of a tomboy, the last thing she thought much about was beauty. But around age 12, Michele had her first acne breakout, and she never would have imagined how much acne would shape the next 10+ years of her life. A breakout here and there turned into full-blown cystic acne. But despite how mentally and emotionally taxing it was to deal with such chronic skin issues, Michele fell in love with the vast world of skin care.
Throughout this journey with her skin, Michele was a student at Napa Valley College. Science was always an interest of hers, but passion was never there, not like the passion she had for skin. On a whim and with the support of her family, Michele pivoted into enrolling into Le Melange Beauty Academy, where she was able to combine her passion for skin, her desire to help people, and her interest in Chemistry into one career: aesthetics. Following graduation, Michele worked as an Aesthetician and Operations Supervisor for a luxury spa management company in Napa Valley. During her time in luxury spas, Michele was able to hone her skills by combining a trifecta of service: advanced knowledge of skin; a relaxing, therapeutic touch; and Forbes 5-star service. But in the whirlwind of changes brought along by 2020, job changes landed Michele in a chain waxing salon. Much to her surprise, she loved it! More than anything, Michele loves making the people of her hometown in Napa Valley feel confident and happy in their bodies - whether that’s done by a facial treatment or wax.
| Large crowds- not my jam, even pre-pandemic
| Matcha- it’s not a match-a for me
| Airplanes- hello claustrophobia
| The dark
| White chocolate
| Coffee- hot, not iced
| Casual over fancy- any day of the week
| Camping- yes, in a tent!
| Cooking & baking
| Warm, sunny weather- with SPF of course!