Meet Ashley Jensen | Hair & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Jensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think of risk as being absolutely necessary. Scary at times but necessary. Taking risks has played a huge role in my life and career. One example would be my move to Los Angeles from Chicago. I had a thriving business in the salon but wanted to expand, branch out and try something new. So my husband and I packed up and moved to LA. I went completely freelance and delved into anything and everything I could in the world of hair and makeup. Despite the ups and downs it’s been rewarding in many ways.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a hair and makeup artist based in Los Angeles. Mostly working in film, editorial photoshoots and with salon clients. I started my career in Chicago working behind the chair at high-end salons. I love working with clients and creating unique and customized looks for them. I built a clientele there for nearly 10 years before heading to Los Angeles. I now go back every 6 weeks to maintain a handful of those clients and it’s been an absolute joy. Even though I love working in the salon I’ve always been curious about working in film and on photoshoots too. Moving to LA created the perfect opportunity to explore that option. I dove in head first and it’s been quite the ride! Hair is my first love but I have always loved makeup too. Doing both is a blast and has mostly been an asset in getting work. Most people seem to want to niche down but I think one of my greatest strengths has been having a diversified skill set. I have had many ups and downs navigating freelance life but I wouldn’t trade what I’ve learned for anything. I have always been driven, consistent and persistent which has served me well. Despite these qualities, struggles are still ever-present but I’ve found that if I stay the course overcoming is possible. I’ve learned so many lessons and will certainly learn more but one that keeps presenting itself is that I’m always right where I’m supposed to be. The key is trusting that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I currently live in Silverlake and think it’s such a glorious neighborhood! If a friend were in town we’d do a lot in this area. Including going to Griffith park for hikes and a trip to the observatory. I think Griffith park is awesome and there’s so much to explore there. There are so many great restaurants near me so it’s tough to choose! But we’d likely hit up Edendale, Salazar, Dune, All’Acqua, Night Song & Market, would kind of depend on their palette as well. I also love the Atwater Village Farmers Market and never miss it if I can help it so I’d certainly take them there. If they were in town for the Long Beach Flea market that would be on the list as well. I’d likely take them to the west side too. If they haven’t ever visited we’d hit Venice and Santa Monica beaches. Maybe even Malibu since it’s so beautiful. There are countless activities so we’d certainly find plenty to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Ed certainly deserves a shoutout. His willingness to move and be on this journey with me has meant everything. He has been my biggest fan and always believed I could make anything happen in my life and career.

Website: Www.ashleyrebeccajensen.com

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/_ashley_jensen

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/ashley-jensen-b5120a11a

Image Credits
Bartlomiej Kurela Erica Gray Jessica Wall Deby Sucha Selvar Nuygen Jahla Hazel Photo Grow Lovely Photography Kelvin Harris Iris Poupee Christina Maybin Cami Crews Daniel Jae Jax Kemp Jean Vintayen