Ashlie's Aesthetic

Price Concerns

There's an article that I recently read about different nail salons in the city that violate health violations and it got me thinking about how people are always asking about my price points being so high for services...

To maintain proper sanitation, disinfection and sterilization of all the implements we use on a daily basis costs money. There are certain products we use on clients that are 'one time' use, so we need to keep replenishing to keep it safe to use.

Clients also say that they can find the same services for cheaper somewhere else.... Well there's a reason why those other nail salons are cheaper; they're cutting costs somewhere and that's usually on their disinfection/sterilization process and also the quality of service. Yes, they're able to afford to give you a mani & a pedi for a cheaper price but you're going to be rushed out of the salon a lot faster.  You may not have the same technician who started your service that is going to finish the service but at the same time, do you know if they've actually cleaned the implements that they're using on you or the pedicure tub that you're soaking in? It's scary to think of this because you can run into different types of infections or rashes that only a specialist can help treat and that also puts a stop on the services you can get until the infection clears up.

We spend a good chunk of change to go get educated in this industry, to understand proper sterilization, to have the proper knowledge to provide great services and to get our licenses to safely practice in the field. So my advice to you is just be aware of why certain salons charge more, it's for your benefit!

-Ashlie

Here's the article that got me thinking:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/iteam/not-pretty-health-violations-in-manitoba-nail-salons-go-unreported-1.3400312

the fresh perspective...

PRODUCT REVIEW It's that time again!  I've been on the hunt for a really good heavy lotion/cream to take care of my legs and ashy feet.  This whole time it was in my shop!  We have been carrying some Pure Anada products for a while and I was recommended to try this for my dryness.  It has changed my feet and my life!

This Product is INCREDIBLE!  I slather it on in the morning and my feet (mostly my heels) stay moisturized into the night!  I've never had this happen before!  I'm in love.  Okay let's get to the nit and the grit:

PROS

-super conditioning

-nice scent

-locally produced

-affordable ($14)

-easy to stuff in any bag/purse

-fair trade

CONS

-small (4 oz)

-very heavy/greasy

Whether you choose to use this product on your legs and feet only, or your hands, it will reduce any skin issue.  It's recommended for all parts of the body, even the face!  If you're one that doesn't like greasy products use less and massage it in more.  I also read that you can put it on your skin just before you leave the bath/shower and you'll be soft and smooth all day!  I'm going to try that next...

Next time you're in the shop try one of the testers!  You won't regret it!  That's the fresh perspective...

Just a bit of info...

This instagram image sparked a bit of controversy over the last weekend.  It's difficult to know how people feel about decor choices but as one disgruntled follower commented, we started to think that maybe some of you were also wondering.  We are an Eco-friendly hair salon.  We never said ever that we were vegans/vegetarians.  We never once said that we don't eat meat.  What we have said is that we are a full service hair salon with an Eco-friendly edge.  Cow hide rugs are in fact very Eco-friendly.

It did cross my mind while I was purchasing the rugs, that maybe some people would take offense.  What I didn't anticipate, was an individual going to great lengths to slag our business because of decor choices.  I welcome any criticism about the service we provide or the experience you receive when you come into our shop.  That I can deal with.  But when someone can insinuate that we are liars because of a choice I made in decorating my shop, it makes me want to clear the air.

Cow hide rugs are great because no part of the cow is wasted and the process that the hides go through are way less abrasive than the process of manufacturing carpets or other types of material rugs.  Material rugs also CANNOT last a lifetime like the hide rugs can so  that means you are having to purchase them over and over.  They carry dirt and dander and can be stained with any type of food or beverage.  The hides are hair and therefore cannot be stained and are easy to clean.

This link also has some more information if you choose to learn a little more about the hide rug.  For the record, we like to keep our social media feeds positive and uplifting so if you would like to slag our shop on social media, we will take it down.  If there is anything you'd like to tell us you can feel free to call or email.  Have a great week!

Peace

the fresh perspective...

Pure Anada Mascara It's review time folks!  We've been carrying this product now for over a year and we're moving it pretty decently.  I am going to be on my third tube in a few weeks and it got me to thinking...

I really love how natural this product is, but I can't say I'm in love with the longevity of this mascara.  It's funny how conditioned we are as North Americans to view value as something that gives you a lot for so little.  The price is good but the mascara doesn't last at all.  Don't get me wrong, it lasts on my face and does a great job making my lashes glorious, but I feel like it dries out and clumps a lot faster than my old chemical filled mascara.  Is that such a bad thing??  No! No it's not.  I may need to buy more tubes of this brand of mascara, but I'm okay with that because I value the quality care that it's ingredients gives my only set of eyes.

My L'Oréal mascara seemed to stay moist and clump-free (in the tube) FOREVER but it was also full of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and a boatload of awful preservatives that may slow my eyelash growth and leave me relying on eyelash extensions in my forties.  What am I saying?  I'm saying that even though this product may not last, and you may feel like every other time you're in the shop you're buying another tube, it's okay.  Don't sweat it.  You're supporting a local Canadian business and supporting your peepers and eyesight.  Like I mentioned in a post a year ago, there's something to be said about knowing that your hard-earned money is doing good things.  Even if it is only for your face...

That's the fresh perspective...

LiLash update...

So as promised this is my last post on the product LiLash.  I know that my lashes have grown and seem to be fuller but I'm not sure that I would buy this product again.  I ran out of the actual serum a few weeks ago but I think that's cause of the way the bottle is shaped (and I did put the serum on my brows as well). All in all, my lashes grew and seemed fuller.  My brows didn't change at all.  Some people swear by this product.  I had a lady tell me she had to cut her lashes with scissors, they were so long!  I experienced some itching and a bit of a dry eye at night but that was it.

Yeah, that's all I can say I guess.  Maybe try it? Maybe not?

**By the way, my eyebrows are beefed up a bit....

Peace

Li Lash update...

Li Lash So it's been about six weeks since I started my Li Lash experiment.  I can't say that I've noticed so much more growth.  I'll be honest, in the six weeks I have missed about 8 days.  I'm not sure if this is reason that I'm still not noticing anything but...

Some nights I feel like my eyes get really red and really dry.  Other times I am overcome with an itch that is pretty intense.  I will also say, that I am pregnant, so maybe that has something do with its efficacy?  I'm not too sure...

I have been putting Li Lash on my eyebrows as well.  I haven't noticed if they are darker or fuller.  They don't itch like my eyeballs though....  I guess all in all I notice a BIT of a difference but not enough to shout it from the roof tops.  My sales rep did tell me that for some people they see results in two weeks and others it takes two months.  I'll let the images do the talking.

**I have no mascara on.  This way you can really see for yourself.**

I'll be back with another update in six weeks!

Peace