Real Career Girls: Beauty Guru, Ashley Chennel
There are many women who want to get into the business of beauty, but it is not as easy as it looks.
The beauty business is an aspirational one for many – after all, it makes you look and feel beautiful, and it wouldn’t hurt to get a career doing that. However, it is a tough one to get into. Take it from this Real Career Girl and beauty guru, Ashley Chennel.
Ashley Chennel is and entrepreneur and beauty expert who has become a notable name in the beauty industry for her popular YouTube blog, Ashley Chennel Beauty. We got to talk to her about her career in beauty, and she also gave us some beauty tips! Win. Read our conversation below!
How did your journey as Beauty guru start?
I started filming beauty videos on YouTube shortly after I graduated broadcasting school. I felt it would be a good way to exercise my skills of being an on-camera personality. I love to be in front of the camera so I would film a video talking about a product I loved then I would watch it back to see what I looked like. Once my channel began to gain some popularity I created my blog to go along with my channel. I wanted my subscribers to be able to find me elsewhere besides my just on my beauty channel. People would ask questions that I may not have covered in a video so my blog was an extension of that and most of the time I would have the answers on my blog.
What about your work would you consider that most gratifying or fulfilling?
I love the fact that I get to help people. Young women write me letters and emails all the time saying that they were inspired by my story. That makes me feel really good because if I can do it I know someone else can!
What would you say is the most important milestone of your company so far?
I would say the most important milestone was being able to have my annual trunk show every year. I don’t just show off my hair, but I also get to meet my subscribers in person and talk with them. I love being able to interact with the people who watch my videos. Without them, none of this would be possible.
How does a woman like you keep it all together? Do you have a routine or trick to keep balance?
I honestly just take life one day at a time. I am a woman of faith so I seriously give my day to God and that pretty much prepares me for whatever happens throughout the day. As long as everything is in his hands I know no matter what comes along I will be fine. That is my secret to getting through any day whether it’s bad or good.
What motivates and inspires you?
My siblings motivate and inspire me. I am the oldest of five so I have always been like a second parent to them. My mom is a single mom so I help as much as I can. They mean so much to me so I try and set the best example possible. I know they look up to me so that is enough to me inspired.
Who is your role model? Famous or not?
I don’t have a famous role model at all actually. My mom is my role model and she always has been. She is such a hard worker and she has always sacrificed to make sure we had the best of the best. It’s amazing me that she was able to do all of that by herself with five children. She truly is a hero!
When you feel your absolute BEST, what are you wearing?
I feel my absolute best when I am wearing sweat pants believe it or not. People would be really surprised to know that I actually am somewhat of a tomboy. I love to play in makeup and wear hair extensions, but I am most comfortable when I can be myself. I love lounging around the house relaxing in my most comfortable clothes and minimal makeup. I will say it is important to love yourself first. Love the skin your are in naturally and it won’t matter what you have on, you will always feel beautiful.
Do you have a personal mantra or motto you live by?
Yes, I always try and see the good out of every situation. My motto is – “Think positive.” Bad days may come, but they do not last forever. This too shall pass!
What is your favorite beauty trick for a professional/day to day look?
My favorite beauty trick for a professional day would be a natural makeup look. I tend to wear a little foundation, a nice lip color, eyeliner, mascara, and lashes. I feel if you are unsure of what to do with your makeup for an interview or professional day it’s always good to go with a natural makeup look. In my opinion less is always more. You don’t have to overdo it. Just enhance your natural features. You can even contour a little if you are good at it but still keep it simple.
What is your one biggest beauty advice?
Again I would say love the skin you are in. Makeup is a temporary fix. You can always cover things up on the outside, but when you are truly happy with who you are on the inside it will shine through any amount of makeup. Confidence is key!
What career advice would you give to women who want to be in the business of beauty?
I would say never give up! Yes, it’s a bit cliche but it is true. The beauty business is a tough business and there are tons of people doing it. The best way to be successful in my opinion is to not worry about what anyone else doing. Do your own thing. Stay true to who are and what you believe in. Your brand is everything and when you put 100% into it you’ll get it back. It just takes time and it doesn’t happen overnight for some. Be patient, and if you fail once, get back up and try again. Some of the most successful people have failed at least once in life. Just keep at it and you will be fine!
