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

Hi Ashley, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Taking risks has played a significant part in such a positive way in both my life and career. It’s funny now because, growing up, my mom often expressed her concerns about how I made decisions because they always seemed risky or lacked consideration. For me, there was no such thing as failure. What was a failure was if I didn’t take that risk that felt right for me.

Trusting my instincts has played a crucial part in my decision-making process. Even if I didn’t fully have all the answers to the route I was taking, I always calculated as much as possible in my head and just went for it. This approach wasn’t limited to my career; it also influenced my personal life. Growing up, my tendency to overthink held me back from new experiences. I didn’t want that to stop me from trying new things, so that taught me to take risks that pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
One significant risk was when I decided to leave college and work at a shoe store where I was trying to work my way up from sales associate to co-manager. This transition wasn’t only to make more money, but it was the start of trusting myself in the leaps I take beyond the traditional educational path. Taking that risk pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned a lot about myself and surprised myself with how I approached that job. I started off hiding by a sock rack, to being able to sell five pairs of shoes to a person at times and becoming a co-manager at a busy store. Fast forward to 3 years in the shoe store, I realized I was no longer growing there. I realized that despite my dedicated efforts, there were moments when the company failed to acknowledge my hard work. I knew it was time to change route and head back to school, this time for cosmetology. I decided to quit my big girl job and start all over with no idea what the outcome would be. I took that risk, unsure of my potential success, yet I trusted my ability to navigate and figure things out.

Taking risks led me to jump into the beauty industry, graduating from cosmetology school and starting my career the hard way – self-employed and chair renting as a new stylist with no steady clientele. This journey led me to establish my first salon suite and step into the realm of small business ownership, a venture I hadn’t fully comprehended initially. I embraced risks like joining a local program that helps grow your business and realizing it was time to separate from your business partner/friend to establish your own business. I took a risk and decided to focus solely on my specialty – curly hair, which has consistently opened doors to numerous opportunities and helped lead me into the salon suite I am currently in. Moving into my suite was a scary thought and felt risky for me. I transitioned from sharing rent with someone else to moving into a more luxurious space with increased rent.

My most significant risk happened this year in October when I decided to take a leap of faith and signed up for a new reality show, Let’s Help Her Win, a show similar to Shark Tank, where female entrepreneurs pitch their businesses in hopes of a small sum of money and tons of value from an investor to help grow their business to the next level, in exchange for equity. I had an idea of what I was getting myself into, but I wasn’t really sure at the same time. I just knew that it could be something that could change my life in one way or another. I took that risk of standing in front of investors, being on camera, not knowing the outcome, and almost allowing others fear to come onto me. By doing that, I have grown even more as an individual and an entrepreneur.

Taking risks has always had a positive or learning outcome; it has contributed immensely to shaping me into the woman, stylist, and business owner I am today. I encourage everyone to take risks! You never know what may come from it. No matter the outcome you will learn from it, and most importantly, you will grow from it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Haus of Rizos is a specialty salon studio dedicated to serving all types of curls, with our services focusing on haircutting and coloring. Our priority is educating our clients to embrace and care for their natural hair using low-maintenance, personalized at-home tips. What sets us apart is our dedicated attention to meeting each client’s unique needs, considering factors like hair texture, lifestyle, and environmental influences. During the initial appointment, we approach hair concerns and struggles with a thoroughness similar to a doctor’s visit, crafting customized solutions.
Our ultimate goal is to empower our clients to comprehend and confidently style their hair! I am excited about continuing to support the curly community, providing haircuts and colors tailored to their distinct curl patterns.

My journey as a curl specialist has been one of growth and determination. Over the past six years, I’ve faced numerous challenges, rebuilt my business, navigated marketing strategies, experienced partnerships and closures, and initiated new ventures. Each obstacle has been an opportunity for learning and growth, strengthening my resolve to serve our clients better.

Haus of Rizos isn’t just a business—it is a reflection of my identity as a Latina with curly hair, aiming to inspire confidence in natural beauty for women everywhere. Haus of Rizos, also stands as an inspiration for every ambitious individual with big dreams, showing that success is achievable through dedication and perseverance! If I can do it, so can you!

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 love planning trips; creating itineraries is my thing, just ask my family! My best friend is visiting Grand Rapids for the first time since she moved away two years ago. So much has changed, and she’s eager to explore all the new local spots! Her visit spans from a Monday to the following Monday. On her arrival day, we’ll keep it chill and enjoy a light brunch at Matchbox Diner. We’ve already made reservations to craft candles at Wax Poetic, followed by indulging in a refreshing acai bowl at Fruition.

Tuesday kicks off with breakfast downtown at San Chez, complete with mimosas. The art museum offers free admission from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesdays. Post-breakfast, we’re heading to the art museum.

Wednesday plans to explore Rebel for fun gifts, indulge in delicious food at Chez Olga, enjoy a sweet chocolatey delight from Mokaya, and take a stroll through Wealthy St, exploring its charming boutiques.

Thursday’s highlight is Studio Park, where we’ll catch a movie and treat ourselves to Caribbean cuisine afterward, wandering around downtown afterward.

Friday starts with a trip to the Downtown Market, and later, we’re off to have a girls’ night at Buffalo Traders Lounge.

On Saturday, we’re kicking off the day with brunch at Noco Provisions, and then some mall hopping and end the night to some yummy pizza at Fratelli’s.

On our last day, Sunday, we have brunch at Bobcat Bonnie’s and treat ourselves to a pedicure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Several people in my life have played a part in shaping my journey.

Firstly, to my mom, Verkangeline. Mami is everything to me and an inspirational woman! She has supported my every move, even when she didn’t fully agree with my decisions. She respected my desires and the way I chose to do things. Believing in my dreams, she never once discouraged me. Whenever she challenged me, it helped refine my thought process, even with how I run my business. My mom is the biggest reason for my drive for success.

My boyfriend, Ivan, has been a constant source of encouragement, pushing me to reach for my dreams and never doubting my capabilities. In moments when self-doubt or self-sabotage crept in, he became my anchor, reminding me why I deserve the success I’ve achieved. When I hesitated to sign up for ‘Let’s Help Her Win,’ his support was unwavering.

My Pops, family, and close friends have supported me and played pivotal roles in my success.

To Every salon owner and landlord who recognized the potential in me and provided me with opportunities to grow within their spaces, my heartfelt gratitude goes out to them. And to my business coach, Kris, I am immensely grateful for the guidance and mentorship, for sharing invaluable wisdom that is helping me create the life I envision.

Every client, past and present, deserves recognition. Their trust has allowed me to refine and perfect my craft, contributing significantly to my growth.

Lastly, I express my gratitude to God for guiding me through this journey and providing boundless opportunities!

Website: https://hausofrizosstudio.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hausofrizosstudio?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-s%C3%A1nchez-75ab09293?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hausofrizos?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://instagram.com/ashleysanchezcurls?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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