Ashley Aquilina’s story is one of transformation, from a shy child to a confident leader in the beauty industry. Her journey is full of passion, perseverance, and a deep desire to empower others through permanent makeup and education.
Growing up, Ashley Aquilina was naturally shy and reserved. It was her mother who noticed this and encouraged her to join an acting and singing school at just eight years old. This early exposure to performing gave Ashley Aquilina the confidence to face new challenges and express herself. Little did she know, these early lessons in communication would shape her future career and help her connect with clients and students alike.
Building Confidence Early On
As a child, Ashley Aquilina found it difficult to open up. But performing on stage, singing, and acting helped her break out of her shell. She learned how to communicate with others, how to stand tall in front of an audience, and how to believe in herself. These were the early building blocks that would help her throughout her life.
In her early twenties, Ashley Aquilina worked in sales, a role that further developed her ability to talk to new people and build rapport quickly. This experience proved invaluable when she later launched her own business. It taught her how to be confident in new situations and how to connect with people on a personal level, skills essential in both sales and beauty.
A Childhood Passion For Beauty
Ashley Aquilina’s love for beauty started at a young age. As a child, she loved doing her mum and sister’s hair. She enjoyed making others feel good and seeing their confidence grow. For Ashley Aquilina, beauty was not just about appearance, it was about making people feel seen, confident, and beautiful.
This deep connection to the idea of pampering and uplifting others inspired her to pursue a career in beauty. She knew from early on that this was an industry where she could truly make a difference.
Early Career Steps From Student To Entrepreneur
Ashley Aquilina began her formal beauty training at 17, studying in the UK. Like many beginners, she started working in a spa on a low salary, gaining experience and learning the basics. But her ambition soon pushed her to take a leap. At just 20 years old, Ashley Aquilina launched her own mobile beauty business.
This move marked a major turning point. Instead of working for someone else, Ashley Aquilina became her own boss, building a business that allowed her to connect with clients personally and provide tailored beauty services. Her mobile business gave her the freedom to shape her own future and develop her skills on her own terms.
Expanding Horizons Moving To The UAE
At 31, Ashley Aquilina made a bold move by relocating to the UAE. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, she kept growing her business and continued to serve her loyal UK clients by traveling back regularly. Balancing two markets required discipline and determination, but Ashley Aquilina embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Her move to the UAE also opened up new opportunities, including expanding her training academy to reach a broader audience.
Creating A Training Academy Empowering Others
One of Ashley Aquilina’s proudest achievements is building her own permanent makeup training academy. She created this academy to help students from diverse backgrounds learn the skills and confidence they need to start their own successful businesses.
For Ashley Aquilina, it is not just about teaching technique but about empowering people to believe in themselves and change their futures. Watching her students grow in skill and self-assurance is one of the most fulfilling parts of her work.
She often says that helping others find confidence and freedom through permanent makeup is what drives her every day.
Growing Online Expanding Education And Supplies
Ashley Aquilina’s vision for her business keeps growing. She is now expanding her education platform by creating more online training courses, professional permanent makeup supplies, and advanced masterclasses.
This expansion is designed to support students at every stage of their careers. Whether they are beginners learning the basics or professionals refining their craft, Ashley Aquilina wants to provide the tools and education they need to succeed.
She believes that continuous learning and steady growth are essential in the beauty industry, which is always evolving.
Lessons Learned Consistency And Self-Belief
Throughout her career, Ashley Aquilina has learned some important lessons. The biggest one is that consistency and continuous learning are the keys to success.
She advises others not to compare themselves to others because everyone’s journey is different. Instead, focus on steady progress, keep learning, and don’t give up, even when things get tough.
Ashley Aquilina believes that hard work and persistence pay off in the long run.
Leaving A Legacy Confidence And Empowerment
Ashley Aquilina hopes her legacy will be one of empowerment, helping women feel confident both through her treatments and through her education.
She wants to be remembered as someone who helped clients feel their best and supported students to master their skills and build successful, independent permanent makeup businesses.
Her mission is to give people the confidence and freedom to live their best lives.
Balancing Life And Business Today
Today, Ashley Aquilina balances running her academy, expanding her online presence, and traveling between the UAE and the UK. Even with her busy schedule, she stays connected to her mission of empowering others.
She shares her story on social media, especially on TikTok, where she inspires thousands by showing the reality behind the beauty industry the struggles, the growth, and the successes.
Her online presence helps her reach even more people, offering advice and encouragement to those who dream of building their own careers in beauty.
Advice To Her Younger Self
If Ashley Aquilina could give advice to her younger self, she would say, never give up, even when it feels hard. Challenges are part of the journey. Keep pushing, keep learning, and focus on growing every day. Your hard work will pay off.
This advice is a powerful reminder that success is a journey, not a destination.
Final Thoughts
Ashley Aquilina’s journey from a shy child to a successful permanent makeup artist, entrepreneur, and educator is a true inspiration. Her story shows the power of confidence, hard work, and passion. Through her treatments, academy, and online courses, Ashley Aquilina continues to empower women to believe in themselves and create the futures they want.
For anyone dreaming of a career in beauty or struggling to find their confidence, Ashley Aquilina’s story is proof that with consistency and belief, you can achieve great things.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read Next – The Best Gyms in Dubai: Find Your Perfect Fitness Match
