Meet the founder of "In The Nick of Time - The Elite Mobile Salon & Spa," a company that provides mobile personal services throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.
Ashley Ivey
By Rodney Wayne Branche
 Ashley at 18
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Ashley: I grew up in Burke, in the suburbs of Northern Virginia. It's the typical suburb where everyone mows their lawn on Saturday morning. |
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Ashley: I attended Lake Braddock for High School, later I attended several classes at NOVA. When I became more mobile I attended George Mason, majoring in English. Later I returned to NOVA, they had a Medical Education Campus in Springfield. I discovered that Physical Therapy was my true love. There I received my license as a Physical Therapist's Assistant. |
Copa: What was the catalyst that started you off in the mobile spa business?
Ashley: It all started when I was working at a Health and Wellness Center and someone sent in an email and requested that we send someone over to a home location to perform a manicure and pedicure. The reason I would say this was a catalyst is because if we never received that request I would have continued on working at the wellness center.
Ashley: It all started when I was working at a Health and Wellness Center and someone sent in an email and requested that we send someone over to a home location to perform a manicure and pedicure. The reason I would say this was a catalyst is because if we never received that request I would have continued on working at the wellness center.
Copa: What was the first step you made when you decided to establish your business?
Ashley: For me, the first step was writing a business plan. This was a lot of work but I enjoyed writing. We had to see how we were going to finance everything. Then acquiring the necessary legal documents. So, in December of that year we licensed the company.
Ashley: For me, the first step was writing a business plan. This was a lot of work but I enjoyed writing. We had to see how we were going to finance everything. Then acquiring the necessary legal documents. So, in December of that year we licensed the company.
Copa: How did you come up with the name, "In The Nick of Time?"
Ashley: Coming up with the name was a very big thing for me. I conducted plenty of research on competitors to see what sort of direction they took. After examining several, I discovered that they operated their companies and provided services in different ways. It didn't appear that many were very sanitary with their methods and others were working out of the trunk of their cars in a very unprofessional way. I wanted us to be the 'elite mobile spa.' We wanted luxury, quality, and cleanliness, that was first. Then the name. My Mom and I continued to try to figure out what to name the company. I came up with "Elite from Head to Feet." She asked me how did I feel when she had someone come into my house and do my nails when I wasn't very mobile while dealing with complications with my M.S. So, I thought about it and said, "It was just in the knick of time!"
Remember, we already had a Health and Wellness Center so I started to interview Cosmetologists and other professionals in the spa business. We needed people who could handle hair, facials, waxing, and massage. Also, we had to acquire the proper software to develop an effective website and of course, a great logo. There were many skills that I had to learn about interviewing people to see what level their skills were and to make sure that they were the right fit for my business.
Ashley: Coming up with the name was a very big thing for me. I conducted plenty of research on competitors to see what sort of direction they took. After examining several, I discovered that they operated their companies and provided services in different ways. It didn't appear that many were very sanitary with their methods and others were working out of the trunk of their cars in a very unprofessional way. I wanted us to be the 'elite mobile spa.' We wanted luxury, quality, and cleanliness, that was first. Then the name. My Mom and I continued to try to figure out what to name the company. I came up with "Elite from Head to Feet." She asked me how did I feel when she had someone come into my house and do my nails when I wasn't very mobile while dealing with complications with my M.S. So, I thought about it and said, "It was just in the knick of time!"
Remember, we already had a Health and Wellness Center so I started to interview Cosmetologists and other professionals in the spa business. We needed people who could handle hair, facials, waxing, and massage. Also, we had to acquire the proper software to develop an effective website and of course, a great logo. There were many skills that I had to learn about interviewing people to see what level their skills were and to make sure that they were the right fit for my business.
Copa: How did Multiple Sclerosis effect your business and life?
Ashley: There are times that I feel as if I don't have M.S. and I am normal. There was a time when I lost the use of my right side, could not feel my right hand, lost my vision, even not being able to feed myself. Presently, I don't have any M.S. symptoms to speak of with the exception of becoming very tired when I extend myself by working too long. Symptoms also appear when I get overstressed mentally or physically. Now, I feel blessed.
Ashley: There are times that I feel as if I don't have M.S. and I am normal. There was a time when I lost the use of my right side, could not feel my right hand, lost my vision, even not being able to feed myself. Presently, I don't have any M.S. symptoms to speak of with the exception of becoming very tired when I extend myself by working too long. Symptoms also appear when I get overstressed mentally or physically. Now, I feel blessed.
Ashley and Alvin Jones, Executive Producer of "Women's Business Report" on News Channel 8.
(Photo Credit Lou Vivas)
Copa: What is the future of Ashley Ivey and "In The Nick of Time?"
Ashley: Well, in the future I hope that I will remain healthy and able to walk. Also, I would like have the opportunity to speak to others and help them deal with their situation in an effective way.
Ashley: Well, in the future I hope that I will remain healthy and able to walk. Also, I would like have the opportunity to speak to others and help them deal with their situation in an effective way.
For more information:
In The Nick of Time: https://www.facebook.com/inthenickoftimespa/?fref=ts
Women's Business Report: https://www.facebook.com/WomensBusinessReport/?fref=ts
In The Nick of Time: https://www.facebook.com/inthenickoftimespa/?fref=ts
Women's Business Report: https://www.facebook.com/WomensBusinessReport/?fref=ts
~Copa