Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bivens.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path into the beauty industry wasn’t linear, but it’s always been guided by purpose.
I entered the industry later than most, becoming licensed in 2016 after visiting Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati and deeply connecting with its Day Maker and visionary culture. That philosophy resonated with me—the idea that beauty is rooted in service, intention, and the power to positively impact someone’s day and sense of self. What drew me in wasn’t trends or quick transformations, but meaningful, purpose-driven work.
Early in my career, I noticed many clients came to me frustrated, disconnected from their natural hair, and often dealing with underlying scalp or hair health concerns. I quickly realized my work wasn’t just about styling; it was about education, healing, and helping people build sustainable routines that support long-term scalp and hair health.
As my vision evolved, I leaned into curl-by-curl cutting, scalp wellness, and intentional hair rituals, prioritizing maintenance and integrity. Being a mother throughout my journey sharpened my sense of responsibility and reinforced the importance of building something rooted in care, longevity, and intention.
Today, I’m the founder of Curl Alchemist, an elevated curl studio centered on healthy hair rituals, scalp wellness, and education—helping people reconnect with their natural texture through intentional care, education, and transformation. Curl Alchemist is more than a salon—it’s a space where beauty and wellness intertwine, and where intentional rituals restore confidence and honor personal identity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my earliest challenges was leaving the security of a traditional 9–5 after finishing hair school. Stepping into entrepreneurship required more than just a career decision—it required faith. I had to take the time to pray, seek God’s guidance, and gain clarity on whether this was truly the path I was meant to pursue. That step was essential for me, as was learning to let go and fully trust the process. It didn’t happen overnight.
Eventually, I made the decision that there would be no more Plan B. I had an extensive background in the medical field, which had always been my safety net, but I knew I couldn’t build what I was called to create while holding onto a fallback.
As a single mother, taking that leap required an extreme amount of faith. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been graced with exactly what I need, exactly when I’ve needed it. Today, I’m flourishing in my own beautiful space—bringing to life the vision that first took shape when I entered cosmetology school.
As you know, we’re big fans of Curl Alchemist . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Curl Alchemist is an elevated curl studio rooted in healthy hair rituals, scalp wellness, and intentional care. My work centers on textured and curly hair through curl-by-curl cutting and primarily finger detangling, creating a more intentional connection to the scalp and the crown chakra—the center often associated with awareness, presence, and connection. Thoughtful physical touch is woven throughout each service, grounding the experience and reinforcing attention to the root of care itself, supported by a mindful approach to product selection prioritizing scalp health and ease of removal.
What sets Curl Alchemist apart is the education-forward, wellness-centered approach. Every service begins with understanding the client’s hair history, scalp health, and lifestyle, allowing me to create customized rituals that support sustainable hair health over time. This work is also about transformation—what begins to shift internally once a client decides to partner with me as their specialist. From that point forward, the experience becomes collaborative, rooted in trust, education, and long-term care rather than a one-time appointment.
I’m especially proud of the space I’ve cultivated—one that encourages clients to reconnect with their natural texture through intentional care, education, and transformation. Curl Alchemist is more than a salon; it’s where beauty and wellness intertwine, and where services are treated as rituals that restore confidence and honor personal identity.
Curl Alchemist exists for those who are ready to fully embrace their curl journey—people seeking an elevated beauty experience rooted in care, intention, and a deeper connection to themselves. It’s a space for those seeking a deeper relationship with their hair, one rooted in patience, integrity, and care. Every offering is designed to support inside-out transformation, empowering clients with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain healthy hair and a balanced scalp long after they leave the studio.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would just add that caring for our hair often mirrors how we care for ourselves. When we slow down, listen, and commit to understanding rather than controlling, transformation becomes possible. My hope is that anyone reading this feels encouraged to approach their own journey—hair or otherwise—with patience, intention, and trust.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curlalchemist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlalchemist/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Curlalchemist/
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ashley-bivens
