Waxing with Purpose: How Ashley Harris Built a Beauty Empire

Ashley Harris’s journey into the world of aesthetics began with a love for makeup and creativity. From an early age, she found joy in working with her hands and expressing herself through artistry. Initially curious about makeup artistry, Ashley began researching the field and discovered that it fell under the umbrella of esthetics. This discovery opened a new path for her, and after comparing several schools, she enrolled in an esthetics program. There, she unexpectedly fell in love with skincare, which soon became the foundation of a fulfilling and ever-evolving career. At EliteX, we are proud to have Ashley Harris as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Aesthetics and Cosmetics, 2025.


Although she entered the program expecting to study makeup in depth, the reality was quite different. Her instructor wasn’t well-versed in makeup application, so the class primarily focused on textbook theory rather than hands-on experience. However, this unexpected turn became a blessing in disguise, guiding Ashley toward a passion for skincare and waxing—two areas that would later define her professional identity.

 “I took a chance on me, and every day I continue to carry out that vision.”

Since earning her license and passing her state board exam, Ashley’s career has transformed significantly. She quickly found her niche in waxing and committed herself to mastering the craft. After being hired by a major waxing franchise, she maximized her growth potential within two years and then ventured out to build something of her own. That decision led to the creation of her business, Glitz Fix Waxing Studio. What started as a solo endeavor has since flourished into a thriving enterprise that includes not only waxing services but also a cosmetics line and educational courses for licensed estheticians seeking to sharpen their waxing skills.

A typical day in Ashley’s life is structured and disciplined, a reflection of her dedication to her craft and her personal well-being. Her day begins at 4:45 AM with prayer, followed by a gym session at 5:30 AM. After breakfast around 7:15 AM, she heads to her studio and works with clients from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seeing an average of 14 people per day. After an hour of administrative work, she returns home to spend quality time with her 21-year-old son, check in on his day, and enjoy a bit of crafting to unwind. By 10:00 PM, she’s in bed, ready to begin the cycle again.

Ashley draws inspiration from the women around her—those who have dared to bet on themselves and invest in their dreams. For her, these women, who are often fellow estheticians and entrepreneurs, serve as powerful reminders of what’s possible through commitment and courage. While she doesn’t cite a single mentor, the collective drive of these women keeps her motivated and focused. Contrary to common assumptions, Ashley’s challenges in the industry haven’t stemmed from her being a woman. Instead, they’ve come from moments of inexperience or lack of knowledge. But rather than viewing these challenges as setbacks, she has embraced them as opportunities for growth. She believes that mistakes are a natural part of any journey and that overcoming them is how one becomes truly skilled and confident.

When asked to define beauty, Ashley emphasizes authenticity and confidence. Personally, she believes that beauty radiates from within and is rooted in the ability to show up as one’s true self. Professionally, her business name—Glitz Fix Waxing Studio—reflects her philosophy. A “Glitz Fix,” as she explains, is anything that restores confidence and makes someone feel glamorous and euphoric in their own skin.

Ashley is particularly excited about the current emphasis on self-care in the beauty industry. She appreciates that people are not only focused on outward appearances but also taking the time to nurture their bodies and minds. She believes this holistic approach reflects a deeper understanding of how inner and outer beauty are connected, and she’s proud to be part of a movement that encourages people to feel good from the inside out. Staying current with trends while remaining true to her brand is something Ashley manages with intention. Her belief in standing firm in one’s values helps guide every decision. Knowing her brand’s mission allows her to evaluate new trends through a clear lens, ensuring that everything she adopts aligns with her core philosophy.

“Be intentional, have integrity, and put in the work—everything else will come over time.”

Among her most trusted beauty tips is the practice of exfoliation. Ashley swears by exfoliating the entire body, not just the face. For those who wax, it’s essential to remove dead skin cells to prevent ingrown hairs and reveal brighter, smoother skin. She pairs this advice with a dose of humor, reminding everyone to “drink your water and mind your business,” a philosophy that’s as refreshing as it is practical. There are many myths about waxing that Ashley aims to dispel, the most common being that it is unbearably painful. She insists that when done correctly, waxing is only mildly uncomfortable and the benefits far outweigh the temporary sensation. With proper technique and care, clients can enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for up to six weeks.

Looking ahead, Ashley sees the beauty industry moving in exciting directions. With the rapid advancement of technology, she envisions a future where people age more gracefully and have access to non-invasive treatments that help them achieve their desired look. She also predicts a continued shift toward skin health, where individuals invest so deeply in their skincare that makeup becomes optional rather than essential.

To young women aspiring to enter the aesthetics and cosmetics industry, Ashley offers heartfelt advice: be patient with yourself. She warns against the pressures of a “microwave society” that promotes instant success and reminds aspiring professionals that real growth takes time. She encourages them to be intentional, maintain integrity, and commit to doing the work—because the results will follow in due time.

One of Ashley’s proudest achievements is taking a chance on herself. She trusted her vision, even when it was just an idea in a small room in an outdated salon. Today, she runs a state-of-the-art waxing studio, manages a growing cosmetics brand, and provides professional education to others in her field. Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed—Ashley has won “Brazilian Wax Artist of the Year” two years in a row and has received multiple recognitions from various organizations for her contributions to the industry. Every milestone is a testament to the power of belief, perseverance, and bold action.

For Ashley, being recognized as a prominent woman in the aesthetics and cosmetics world is more than an accolade—it’s an affirmation of her leadership, influence, and expertise. She sees it as a reflection of her passion and the impact she has made. To be viewed as someone others respect and look up to is a deep honor, and one she carries with humility and pride. Her journey is a powerful example of how dedication, vision, and authenticity can transform not just a career, but an entire community.


“A ‘Glitz Fix’ is anything that restores confidence and makes someone feel glamorous and euphoric in their own skin.”