Located on Byron Street is a little boutique hair salon with some big dreams for the future. Ashleigh Parkes of Ash Hair Collective has been growing her salon in leaps and bounds since first opening in 2020.
“My sister Hayley and I opened the salon together in 2020, right as everyone was shutting down for COVID,” said Ms Parkes.
“Lucky for us, hairdressing was one of the few things that were allowed to stay open so before we knew it, we were absolutely flat out, working huge days and really getting to know the people of Inverell.”
Hayley moved on in 2022, leaving Ashleigh very capably holding the reins of the salon.
“Running your own business is always a challenge – I think I have a lot more job titles than hairdresser, I’m also an accountant, admin person and often a friend and someone to talk to when people come in – but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Ms Parkes.
“I often wake up thinking to myself that I cannot believe this is my life, I’m so lucky,” said Ms Parkes.
Ms Parkes is still running the salon solo but now has her apprentice Hannah alongside.
“Hannah is amazing, she’s halfway through her apprenticeship now and I’ve loved being able to help her on her journey,” said Ms Parkes.
“It’s a lot of fun, we sometimes get to travel and learn together, like when we recently went to Syndey together for the Syndey Hair Festival. I think as a hairdresser it’s really important that we’re always learning and staying on top of trends and products.”
Ms Parkes also has another hairdresser, Donna, renting a chair in the salon, as well as Sarah from On Fire Lashes coming in to offer clients some of the best-looking lashes and brows around.
“The option to rent a chair or some space to other businesses at the moment is something that’s working really well for the salon,” said Ms Parkes.
“Not only is it offering our clients more choice but it’s also great to be able to offer that support to other beauty businesses in the region.”
The recent visit to Syndey also gave Ms Parkes the opportunity to touch base with their much-loved product supplier, De Lorenzo Hair.
“I’m really proud to be an ASPYA Salon through De Lorenzo Hair, which means we exclusively use their products,” she said.
“Asides from the fact that they make really beautiful products that produce fantastic results for our clients, I also love the fact that they are a brand that’s 100% Australian made and owned.”
When asked if she has a favourite aspect of hairdressing, Ms Parkes is in love with love.
“Absolutely weddings! They are my favourite – getting to spend that time with someone on their special day is just the best feeling.”
Ms Parkes offers just two exclusive spots for wedding bookings per month in peak wedding season, and also offers a mobile service for brides who are a little further from Inverell.
As with all great success stories, Ms Parkes has some important people in her life that she offers thanks to for helping her get to where she is today.
“First of all, I have to thank my amazing customers for their support,” she said.
“Then I want to thank Hannah for being my right-hand-man in the salon, and my partner Zak for not only being so supportive of my career but also for building me my dream salon in his spare time.”
“Finally, my sister Hayley, she’s been such an amazing mentor to me and there’s no way I could be where I am right now without her.”
Ms Parkes still has much more planned for Ash Hair Collective in the future.
“I’m already working my dream job so that’s sorted but I’d love to keep growing the Salon in the future.”
You can learn more about Ash Hair Collective via their Facebook page.
Ash Hair Collective was voted by New England Times readers as the Best Hairdresser in the New England 2024.
See the other winners and more details about this promotion.