Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sylvester.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a lover of the beauty industry! When I was little, I would wear a full face of my mom’s Mary Kay makeup.
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be involved in all things beauty. I attended hair school during high school and graduated by the time I turned 18, I immediately started working at a salon, as well as doing hair and makeup for weddings and events. I absolutely loved every minute of it! I worked long and hard hours to achieve my goal of having a full-time career!
But amongst my success in those fields, I had always been interested in product production and the possibility of creating an e-commerce company. I spent a lot of my time trying to figure out what my business would be. I knew I wanted to create something that I was passionate about but had no luck in narrowing down a product that would be unique to the industry. But like they say, things happen when you least expect them. One day while packing for a vacation, I was so frustrated in trying to condense my suitcase. I had so many different bags for all of my cosmetic needs. Make-up, brushes, eye shadow palettes, toiletries, skincare. the list went on and on. I knew there had to be a better system.
So, after spending hours on Amazon trying to find a simple solution to no avail, I thought to myself. “I know I could do this better!” I then spent my entire evening sketching out the Ever Need cosmetic bag. And after 18 samples and two years of patience, I had nailed it. The Ever Need was everything I had dreamed it would be! It really did solve a problem and create a solution for makeup lovers everywhere. Following the launch of Sly Beauty Cosmetics and our initial surprising success, I continued on my way to creating more products that had needed solutions for the consumer!
Two and a half years later, I am so beyond proud of the brand I have built. Not only am I so proud of the products that we have created, but I also have the most amazing woman that works side by side with me every day. I truly have my “dream job!” Sly Beauty Cosmetics has just begun. and I can’t wait to see where this amazing journey takes us!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think any entrepreneur would tell you that owning their own business is harder and more work than they could have ever expected. So in short… yes, there have been many challenges along the way!
However, you learn quickly how to pivot and redirect when mistakes or struggles come your way! You have to continue to tell yourself that “you got this” and that you will come out stronger on the other side of that current issue.
Confidence in my ability has been the key to my personal success. I have found that mindset is everything! I will never allow myself to say that “I can’t do this!”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Sly Beauty Cosmetics we create cosmetics accessories that are centered around organizational solutions! We believe in high-quality products that will make your everyday routines simple and beautiful. Like I mentioned before, I have an incredible team that helps me achieve all that Sly Beauty does! But my specific role in the company is product design. I absolutely love dreaming up a product and seeing it come to life. Aside from that, I also oversee all of our different roles and love to be as involved in all aspects of my company that I can!
Two things I am most proud of: First being our Ever Need. It is our hero product and really the start of Sly Beauty Cosmetics. Without it, we wouldn’t be here today! Second, I am so proud of my team. My girls are amazing and I truly love who I get to work with every day! We care for the company, one another, and our culture. I couldn’t ask for anything more!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Two and a half years ago, I lost my mom to cancer. It has been a hard journey of healing but I am forever grateful for every single memory I have of her. Being able to have my mom for my entire childhood is a blessing I will never take for granted. One memory in specific that I hold near to my heart is my mom’s hands. I grew up holding my mom’s hand anytime I could.
Walking next to her, sitting on the couch, in the car, at church… I would always hold my mama’s hand. And that never changed. I was never too old to hold her hand. And standing here now after her passing, I am grateful every day that I did.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@slybeautycosmetics.com
- Website: https://slybeautycosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slybeautycosmetics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Slybeautycosmetics
Image Credits
Paige Nicolle
