What began in a high school Spanish class blossomed into a friendship and eventual business partnership that would shape two remarkable careers in beauty. Kylie and Ashley’s story started when they met as juniors and freshmen, forming an immediate bond that would prove lasting. During Kylie’s cosmetology studies, Ashley became her willing “test model,” sparking what would become Ashley’s own passion for the industry. Inspired by their shared enthusiasm for hair artistry, Ashley later joined Kylie in pursuing her cosmetology education at The Paul Mitchell School of Raleigh, where they both graduated with expertise in dimensional hair coloring and advanced product knowledge.

Their professional journey began at The Spa by Mitchells in Cary, NC, where they honed their craft alongside seasoned hair artists. In 2012 and 2013, they took their first steps toward entrepreneurship, establishing their individual studios at Sola Salons—Smashing Hair Designs and The Frizzy Peacock Hair Company. While both businesses flourished independently, the COVID-19 pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity for transformation.

What others saw as a challenge, Kylie and Ashley saw as a chance to realize a long-held dream. Together, they created Milk and Honey The Hair Lounge, a beautiful new space that represents not just the merger of their talents, but the culmination of a friendship that began in a high school classroom and grew into a dynamic professional partnership.