EPISODE 44: Blazing Trails with Ashley Thomas

Written By Kimberley Hiebert

Building a Business Without Losing Your Soul

There are few things more powerful than hearing from a woman who’s built a business on her own terms.

In this post, we’re spotlighting someone who’s not only done that but is helping other business owners do the same. Ashley Thomas is the owner of Six/Ten Salon & Boutique, a nationally recognized commission-based salon known for pairing luxury with a laid-back, inclusive vibe. She’s also a salon consultant and leadership mentor who’s committed to building soulful, system-driven businesses that actually last.

We talked about leadership, burnout, sustainability, and what it really takes to grow a brand that reflects your values without sacrificing your peace. If you’re a founder in the trenches or leading a team through change, this one will hit home.

You can follow Ashley on Instagram at @hbic.sixten for more behind-the-scenes content, industry wisdom, and bold truth-telling.

A photo-realistic image. A boutique-style, modern salon mirror and counter ledge are featured; a coffee cup, blank notebook, and live plant sit in front of the mirror. Convey strong leadership and creative business ownership.

Owning the Leadership Role (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was Ashley’s honest approach to growing into leadership. Like many entrepreneurs, she didn’t start out dreaming of becoming “the boss.” But as her business grew, she had to get clear on what leadership really meant.

That included learning to:

  • Set clear expectations

  • Communicate hard truths

  • Navigate turnover and tough conversations with empathy

  • Separate friendship from leadership when needed

Ashley emphasized that leadership isn’t about being liked. It’s about being clear, consistent, and accountable. That’s what builds trust. That’s what creates culture.

And for anyone struggling with team dynamics or self-doubt, Ashley had this reminder: "Your team is only going to rise to the level of leadership you’re willing to step into."

Burnout, Boundaries, and Building a Sustainable Business

Another highlight of our talk was around burnout, especially in industries that demand emotional energy, personal service, and high client expectations.

Ashley was candid about hitting a point where she could no longer be everything to everyone. She spoke about the shift from being the technician and the manager to becoming the visionary and systems builder.

That transition wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

Her approach now is focused on:

  • Building repeatable systems

  • Delegating with trust

  • Hiring with intention

  • Creating white space to think and lead

For founders, especially women, the temptation to overfunction is real. Ashley’s story is a bold reminder that sustainability starts with boundaries, not bandwidth.

Why Culture Is More Than Vibes

At Six/Ten, culture isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation.

Ashley shared how she intentionally designed her salon to reflect her values. From the music playing to the way team meetings are run, every piece of the business has a why behind it. It’s not about micromanaging. It’s about creating alignment so that your business feels like an extension of your mission, not just a place where people clock in.

Her definition of strong culture?

  • Clear expectations

  • Mutual respect

  • Ownership mindset

  • A willingness to grow and evolve together

This doesn’t happen by accident. It’s cultivated. And when culture is clear, you attract the right people—and repel the wrong ones without needing drama.

Building a Brand With Heart and Systems

Ashley made it clear that having heart is not a liability in business. In fact, it’s a strength. But heart without structure leads to burnout. Passion without systems leads to chaos.

That’s where her role as a consultant comes in. She’s now helping salon owners and service-based founders build businesses with both: soul and systems. She wants you to keep your joy and still make a profit.

That message applies far beyond the salon world.

Whether you’re leading a home services franchise, a coaching practice, or a retail boutique, the principles are the same:

  • Know your values

  • Lead with clarity

  • Set boundaries

  • Build repeatable systems

  • Honour yourself in the process

Final Thoughts

Ashley’s story is the kind we need more of in the business space. She’s proof that you don’t have to trade your sanity for success or your soul for scalability.

You can build something beautiful that’s profitable, values-led, and sustainable.

If you want to learn more from Ashley, follow her at @hbic.sixten. She shares real-talk leadership advice, behind-the-scenes snapshots of life as a salon owner, and wisdom for founders trying to do things differently.

Here’s to building boldly, leading bravely, and creating business models that make room for both success and sanity.

Stay Connected with Mr. & Mrs. CEO

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Kimberley Hiebert
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EPISODE 43: Founders’ Reflections