Ashley Reneè Henry, also known as The Beautè Guru, is the visionary behind Purebana Haircare Salon, which is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. With over a decade of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and an associate’s degree in business management, Henry combines her passion for beauty with her entrepreneurial spirit. Her mission centers on sharing beauty wisdom and creating a space that harmonizes artistry, hair care, faith, and self-expression. What began as a specialized hair care line has evolved into a luxurious spa that addresses clients’ hair and scalp needs while supporting fellow beauty professionals. Through faith and resilience, Henry has cultivated a tranquil haven for women, emphasizing wellness, sisterhood and personal growth. Committed to blending timeless hair traditions with modern innovations, Henry inspires everyone to let their inner beauty shine.
Munson Steed: Welcome to Health IQ, where we bring you individuals who are making a difference in the health outcomes of our community each and every day. I’m so proud to bring to you a phenomenal ambassador, a beautiful stylist who is making a difference in our community each and every day. She’s part of the Tight 4 Life ambassador program. I’d like to welcome to Health IQ, the one and only Ashley Henry. How are you, Ashley?
Ashley Henry: I’m well, how are you doing?
MS: I’m fantastic. Tight 4 Life is bringing a whole community of both stylists and barbers together to promote the idea that health outcomes can be better if we have ambassadors like yourself carrying a message about stopping smoking, better health, and those important conversations. Why are you participating in this wonderful program?
AH: I think it’s a good cause to involve beauty professionals within the industry because we reach so many people, and we share monumental life moments with so many of our clients. Whether you come one time or become a lifetime client, you really build a bond. I’m learning that the more I create networks and resources with what I do, as I build and network and have the resources, I always love to give back to other people. So, I love Tight 4 Life because it tackles the community side of the beauty industry.
MS: For a person who really wants to make a difference, obviously it starts with how you look and then how you feel. What made you join or even become a stylist and a salon owner?
AH: I’ve always been the girl who loved beauty since I was a little girl. I never knew that I would actually become a hairstylist. It was one of those things where I had always just been good at it, and my back was up against the wall. I’ve learned to grow more appreciation for what I do, and I see the bigger, broader picture that I’m not just a hairstylist. I’m a girl’s girl, I love sisterhood, I believe in community, and it genuinely takes a village to grow and build, not only just in business, but personally and within families. It’s a full-circle moment for me. It’s just something that has always been inside of me, and I’m growing to love it more as I get older.
MS: When you think about Tight 4 Life and helping individuals, this particular aspect is really trying to stop smoking. Why is smoking something that you personally have experience with, and why is it something that the community should really be much more aware of?
AH: It is really important because I’ve seen a shift in that realm of things. I grew up around cigarette smoke and probably had secondhand smoke at some point. I never became a cigarette smoker, but I have indulged in other things, and I can see the impact and influence it has on us mentally and emotionally. I’ve become an activist at this point because I no longer participate in smoking. I’ve seen the effects it eventually started to have on me, and I can see the difference now in not participating. It’s really targeting younger people now more than ever, and I’m a mother. I want to be an inspiration or an influence on people, to show them that they don’t need those things to be productive in life.
MS: Just being really candid, for many young people it’s vaping. For others, it’s putting marijuana or weed in a tobacco leaf. These young people need to understand that they’re still indulging in some form of harmful substances that impact their lungs and bodies. What do you think they should know? What would you tell a young person if they were sharing with you that they want to stop? And what about Tight 4 Life gives them options?
AH: If someone were to come to me and express that they want to stop, I love the fact that I have this resource from Tight 4 Life now. It is connected to programs and support systems that can help them in a better way than I can. I will help them the best way I know how through Tight 4 Life, because they have most of the answers. This is a newer program, so I’m still learning, but I will point them in that direction first.
MS: When you are mentoring the young and, as a mother and sister, how important are the conversations you’ve had with young girls growing up in front of you? What do you whisper to them that you wish someone had whispered to you, so they trust you and understand there might be a better way?
AH: One way I parent my son is by being as candid as possible. I make sure to share my experiences, the things I grew up seeing, and the mistakes I made, so he can understand that I’m coming from a place of genuine love and care. I let him know that I’ve been there, done that, and experienced things. I’m not just his old, rooted, lame mother; I’ve seen things and gone through life. I want him to know I don’t want to see him make the same mistakes. When I mentor and support the younger generation, I do it with candidness, authenticity, and transparency so they feel understood. They need to know it’s not just them. We older folks, who might seem lame, know a thing or two and want the best for them. We want to see them win.
MS: How is sisterhood playing a role in your life now that you are a salon owner, and how do you share health goals with other women? What’s the conversation like these days, and how are women seeing health as something they’re accountable for today?
AH: My salon is focused on health and wellness because I believe, and studies show, that to have beautiful hair and skin, it starts from within and what you consume. I educate my clients the best way I know how, by giving them supplement suggestions and asking questions about their diet and water intake because all that plays a role in the health of their hair. My health and wellness journey started about nine or eight years ago. I started seeing a change once I eliminated certain foods and dairy from my diet. I’m fortunate to have a sisterhood and village because, without the help of women in my life, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today with an amazing business. I push to give back in the same way. I also mentor up-and-coming hairstylists, helping them understand the beauty business and how to build their clientele. I’m an advocate for womanhood and treating people how you want to be treated, and giving back.
MS: I love that. With Tight 4 Life, you’re able to give back information and support. What’s it feel like being an ambassador now that people recognize you as an activist for health in your community?
AH: This is all new to me, especially in the smoking prevention realm. I’m really excited because it is outside of the normal beauty things I’m used to participating in. I’m just excited to learn more, understand the statistics, and really dive in to educate people about this topic. Even though it’s new and different, I’m ready to get the ball rolling and help people the best way I know how with this new resource.
MS: Thank you for that. Well, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it first here with this phenomenal entrepreneur, a true leader in her community, and an activist making a change in health through Tight 4 Life. I’m Munson Steed, and this is Health IQ with Ms. Ashley Henry. Thank you, Ashley.
AH: Thank you.
