Leadership

Jozie Hogarth- General Manager

Jozie believes that working is not just a way to make a living, but it is an opportunity to be challenged, become more accomplished and rejoice in the success of those around you. She has worked at Ashka Salon & Spa since 2007 and believes that she has the best job in the whole world!   She worked in the Restaurant Industry as an Operations Manager for almost 5 years and stumbled upon a management opening at Design 1 Salon Spa in Grand Rapids while getting her hair done one day.  The change in industry was extremely challenging, but she adapted and has been able to excel by combining her experience from both industries in operations, accounting, marketing and management to build her own Leadership Style – one that is structured, organized and steadfast, but also warm, friendly and positive.  She often says how grateful she is that talented leaders with varied backgrounds and diverse areas of expertise mentored her throughout her career. Jozie is excellent at making the tough decisions that come along with overseeing a growing business each day.  You will find her answering phones and scheduling appointments alongside the Team, but she is also extremely invested in the administrative parts of the business.  She believes satisfaction amongst the Team of Service Providers needs to be sky high since it directly impacts the satisfaction of the Guests.  Jozie always says, “It’s not just how you treat someone – you are responsible for how you make them feel.”

Lisa Curry-Owner/Stylist

Lisa opened Ashka Salon & Spa with her husband in 2003 after 16 years in the beauty industry.  She opened a business to create a place for artists, designers and spa professionals to launch careers in an environment that was warm, exciting and driven.  Lisa’s actions are louder than her words and she still works as a Stylist, connecting with Guests and inspiring her Team.  In the salon and spa she sets the example and shows respect and kindness to every person that walks through Ashka’s doors.  Lisa never sits still and is generous with her time and talents – you will often find her doing laundry, cleaning and contributing to any and all tasks that need to be done.    You may only know Lisa for a few minutes and she will make you feel as if she has known you forever!   In her many years of experience she has written and taught AVEDA in-salon makeup classes, contributed to AVEDA curriculum and lead as a platform educator for AVEDA hair shows.  Her excitement for her business and her Team is unwavering and she is passionate about all of the opportunities that this industry creates and offers for professionals.  Most of all Lisa is the type of Leader you want to be around – she is always excited, contributes out-of-the-box ideas and believes in each person around her.

Steven Curry-Owner

“Don’t follow where the path may lead.  Instead blaze your own trail.”  That’s the philosophy that Steve challenges himself to live by every day.  Steve worked as a hair stylist for 15 years and has co-owned Ashka Salon & Spa with his wife Lisa for nearly 8 years.  You will often hear Steve say “I have learned more in the past 8 years of life, than all of the previous years combined.”  He says, “Being an entrepreneur is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging endeavors one could ever take on.  Your team and customers are like a garden you must cultivate yourself, ensuring that all grow and thrive.”  Steve feels fortunate to lead with such a talented leadership team and strongly endorses each individual using their strengths to the fullest.  He has studied marketing, graphic design, photography, web design, music production and engineering, video production and special effects, architectural design, building trades and hair design along with small business acumen.  From a beautiful hair cut to a space that invites you to stay, Steve believes that great creativity and design transcend all mediums.  He no longer works in the business as a hair stylist but puts into practice many other skillsets he possesses. He designed the layout of the new salon and spa, managed its construction as well as designing fabricating and installing cabinetry and trade fixtures.  Steve creates marketing campaign designs, printed materials and collateral, manages IT and designs and maintains Ashka’s website.  He is also the photographer for Fusion Design Team as well as producing many of the images for Ashka’s website and marketing media.  Steve says, “Our culture, economy and technology are changing so rapidly, that we have made it a core objective as a company to be flexible and ready for change.  Blazing our trail is about being calculated and creative.  Our leadership team is always poised and ready for a bright future.”