How One Salon Owner Walked Away From “Success” to Find Real Happiness – Ashlin's Powerful Story
Have you ever felt trapped by the very business you built? Like you’re working harder, earning more, but feeling emptier with every passing day?
That was Ashlin’s reality. In this deeply honest conversation, Ashlin from The Elk Collective shares how she walked away from her booming 10 staff salon to create a thriving home-based business – one that finally aligned with her life, family, and purpose.
From Shoebox Beginnings to a Salon Empire
Ashlin started her journey in a tiny space her parents built at home. She worked 72 hour weeks to build her clientele and opened Aspire Boutique with two staff, eventually growing to a 10 strong team. On the outside, it looked like success – a buzzing salon, constant renovations, staff everywhere.
But on the inside? She was drowning.
“I used to think bigger was better. But one day, I realised I wasn’t enjoying any of it. My salon felt like a production line – clients in, clients out. I’d completely lost my purpose.”
The Burnout That Changed Everything
After years of chasing what she thought success should look like, a painful staff departure forced Ashlin to pause. She realised her business was running her life, not the other way around.
When she fell pregnant with her third child, everything became clear: she needed change. She moved her salon back home, rebranding to Elk Collective in honour of her daughter, Elkie. Her husband built a beautiful salon space on their property, giving her the flexibility she craved.
At first, it felt like bliss. But soon old habits crept back in. She was working six days a week again, taking over clients from a departing team member, and missing out on family life.
“I needed to burn out again to realise – I’d built this to have freedom, but I was doing the opposite.”
Redefining Success: From Ego to Purpose
Ashlin bravely restructured her hours, revisited her pricing, and delegated more to her team. She faced the fear of saying no to clients and prioritised herself for the first time. The result? Her team saw the change too.
“My girls told me, Ash, this is our favourite version of you – because for the first time, you’re putting yourself first.”
She realised success wasn’t about team size, turnover, or what others think. Success was living with purpose, presence, and peace.
Financial Systems That Brought Her Freedom
In her powerful financial reflections, Ashlin shared:
Delegation is everything – her part-time team manage bookings, stock, and social media so she can focus on her clients.
Direct debits for everything – weekly tax, super, and bill payments so there are no nasty surprises.
Annual leave accounts – she now pays herself leave, planning ahead so holidays aren’t stressful.
Weekly financial planning – rather than letting money pile up or disappear, she spreads it intentionally.
“When your finances are handled, everything feels calmer. Personally and professionally.”
The Biggest Lesson? Your Business Is Not Your Identity
Ashlin’s story is a reminder for every salon owner: your business is what you do, not who you are. The biggest teams or fanciest spaces mean nothing if you’re burnt out, disconnected from your family, and forgetting why you started.
“Every time you don’t love your business, it’s a reflection of where you’re at in life.”
Choosing Real Happiness
Today, Ashlin works fewer days, feels present with her kids, and has reignited her love for hairdressing. Her financial planning gives her peace, her team thrive under her leadership, and her clients adore the calm, beautiful experience she’s created.
If you’re feeling stuck in a business that looks “successful” on the outside but feels heavy on the inside, let Ashlin’s story remind you:
You get to choose.
You can build a business that supports your life, not consumes it.
Ready to redefine your success?
Reflect on your why today. Because as Ashlin proves, there is another way – one filled with purpose, peace, and joy.
💛 Want to build a business that supports your life, not runs it? Explore our Solo Rise Online and Rising Finances Online programs – practical, empowering courses to help you thrive in business and in life.
