Meet Ashley Whited | Esthetician and Owner at Solasta Spa Salon and Wellness

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

Hi Ashley, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
One of the most important and challenging things I have done as a parent (and default parent) is choosing to start a business and have a career. As a Mother to two beautiful daughters, I think it’s important so show them through example that through hard work, balance and planning, you can be a great hands on parent as well as have a fulfilling career. Doing this doesn’t come easy and sacrifices are made daily, but having a career that allows me to have an identity outside of motherhood gives me the ability to be the best mother I can be. I want my children to understand and respect hard work, patience and sacrifice and I can only hope they learn by watching through mine and my husbands examples.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a licensed esthetician and owner of Solasta Spa Salon and Wellness. Being an esthetician has provided me with a career that I love. I enjoy getting to know people and I love being able to provide them with services that can give them confidence. Skin is amazing and there is always something new to learn. Many estheticians today find themselves in the medical field or providing more advanced skin treatments that require a medical professional, and as much I respect that, I believe more in the holistic way of healing. I will always be the esthetician that opts for non invasive treatments and relaxing appointments. I strive to be a safe and comfortable environment for all to receive treatments. When I decided to make the leap and open my own spa, it was an easy decision but it didn’t come without challenges. I had a wonderful support system from family and coworkers, but creating a place that meant something to me and a place that would be successful was a lot of stress and pressure. I think I have achieved this at Solasta, and really admire the people I work with and the clients that come in. I’m still working on the balance of spa ownership and still providing services to my clients but as of now I feel good about it! Being a business owner is a constant learning experience, so I will hopefully have more advice a few years down the road. But for now all I can say is that with hard work, dedication and passion, you can do it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Portage and Kalamazoo have some pretty cool places to check out. First stop is obviously Solasta for a day of relaxation and glow ups! We have some wonderful food options close by and can have food delivered while we enjoy getting our services done! Thai Cafe next door is amazing! A place that’s near and dear to my heart is the radisson plaza hotel in Kalamazoo. It’s where my husband and I got married. It’s a beautiful hotel with some great restaurants, like Brick and Brine. Dinner here is an experience with handcrafted cocktails and food that is *chefs kiss*. One day, we are taking the kids to the Air Zoo. This place is awesome with lots to see and do. Real airplanes, cool rides and exhibits that not only entertain the kids but the adults as well. And as long as the weather is nice, we can take a walk around celery flats.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Chris. He is THE hardest working person I know. He owns his own business and has supported me through my business ownership. Not only does he do hard manual labor in concrete, he comes home everyday and is the best dad. He has continued to support me, support my team and is always there to fix the things I can’t! I wouldn’t have my business without him and I am grateful for his continued love and support.

Website: www.spasolasta.com

Instagram: @solastawellness

Facebook: Facebook.com/abrighterwaytoshine

Image Credits
Rebecca Burgen at Rebecca L Photography Brittany Carpenter at Paint my Mind Photography