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The MODERN Artist Ashley Leoncini: Build Connections, Stay Resourceful and Keep Pivoting
Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.
August 12, 2026
"Your worth isn't in your follower count or likes. It's in how you leave your clients and coworkers feeling after being with you."--Ashley Leoncini
3 min to read
- Ashley Leoncini emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections and being resourceful for success in the beauty industry.
- With 17 years of experience, she focuses on making clients feel valued and prioritizes hands-on education.
- Leoncini redefines success by including a healthier work-life balance alongside her professional achievements.
*Summarized by AI
Ashley Leoncini: Build Connections, Stay Resourceful and Keep Pivoting
Ashley Leoncini knows that a successful beauty career isn't measured by social media numbers alone. It is built through real-world relationships, thoughtful client experiences and the ability to adapt when circumstances change.
Based in Chandler, Arizona, Leoncini has spent 17 years in the industry and specializes in bridal beauty. Named to the MODERN SALON 100 in 2021, she encourages beauty professionals to invest in the education they truly need, protect their reputations online and stay flexible in an industry that never stops evolving.
Artist Snapshot
Name: Ashley Leoncini
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Salon, Studio or Business: The Philly Hair & Makeup Co.
Years in the Industry: 17
Specialty: Bridal
Instagram:@phillyhair
MODERN SALON 100: 2021
Q&A
Three words that describe you?
Driven. Intentional. Resilient.
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
The woman I apprenticed under told me, "While a client is in your chair, make them feel like they are the most important person in the world. Treat them like they are your best friend."
I have carried that advice with me throughout all 17 years of my career.
What's something you wish every beauty professional knew earlier?
You do not need 100,000 followers to have a highly successful career. I had my best year financially when I had only 7,000 followers.
It's about making connections in real life and using the following you do have as an add-on.
What's one habit that's contributed most to your success?
Being resourceful.
Don't have a 6N? Mix a 5N and 7N. Is your client 20 minutes late? Skip some foils in the back to make up time. Don't know how to do a French twist? Find a video. Use what you have and make it work!
What's one mistake you see beauty professionals make repeatedly?
Bad-mouthing clients on social media.
We all want to vent when a client no-shows or does something crazy, but keep it to your close friends—or call your mom instead!
What's one investment that paid off more than you expected?
An expensive, in-person bridal class.
I knew I needed hands-on instruction and that watching videos wasn't cutting it. The class really paid off by closing the gaps in my technique and improving my work.
What's something you've changed your mind about during your career?
For the first 15 years of my career, success meant being fully booked and working nonstop, seven days a week. Financially, that was successful.
As I enter this next season, success means having two days off, making a little less money and finally experiencing some work-life balance. There is a trade-off, and you have to be ready to make that trade.
What's inspiring you right now?
The bridal industry's shift toward showing the behind-the-scenes process, not just the finished product.
Although filming and editing create an incredible amount of additional work, I think it is paying off by showing the world what truly goes into our careers.
What should our industry be talking about more?
The fear surrounding TikTok videos, Google reviews and client dissatisfaction.
One of the scariest parts of our job is knowing that someone could post something about you at any time, potentially damaging your career. It's a tricky subject, but I think our industry needs more internal conversations about it.
What skill will matter most over the next five years?
The ability to pivot—in all things.
If something isn't working in your business, content or technical skills, you need to be able to acknowledge it and adjust again and again. The industry is changing at lightning speed, and we have to change with it if we don't want to be left behind.
"Most You" emoji?
✨
Karaoke song?
I prefer the backup-dancer role, so anything by KATSEYE!
One last piece of advice for the MODERN SALON community?
Your worth isn't in your follower count or likes. It's in how you leave your clients and coworkers feeling after being with you.
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