By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
From a small town to international flights and her own business, Ashli Dryden's journey shows how far passion and willingness to take risks can take you.
Dryden was born and raised in Hays, where she graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2015, earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies.
She worked for more than a decade in the wholesale beauty industry, beginning with SalonCentric in Hays, 715 Main St., in 2013. She then transferred to a San Diego-based store in 2016.
Dryden would go on to gain experience working with L’Oréal Professionnel and alongside some of the world’s most prestigious hair and makeup artists.
"If it weren't for Hays and it weren't for that career, I definitely would not be doing what I'm doing today," Dryden said.
She spent about seven years living in California, where she also worked in runway and hair modeling. Dryden said she expected the move would be easy, but it took several years to adjust, especially when driving.
"I remember being terrified and holding the steering wheel with two hands. It was just so different," she said. "You go from a two-lane highway to a freeway that has six different lanes."
She later became a flight attendant and moved to Miami in June 2024, following airline training, saying she was ready for something different.
"I finally got accommodated to a new city and a new career. I'm absolutely loving it, and I think I'll definitely stay as a flight attendant forever," she said.
Today, Dryden balances her work as a flight attendant with running her own beauty consulting and glam coordination business, Cosmetic Concierge, based in Florida, while continuing to travel internationally.
She said flight attending gives her flexibility and free time, allowing her to stay connected to the beauty industry rather than stepping away from it entirely.
"I'm the type of person who thrives off continuously being busy. I love the chaos, and I love doing what I do," Dryden said.
As a flight attendant, Dryden travels domestically and internationally, which includes destinations such as the Caribbean, Brazil, Paris and Tokyo.
Depending on the trip and length of her layovers, this gives her the chance to experience different cities and cultures.
Dryden operates Cosmetic Concierge independently, offering beauty consulting and glam coordination services for special events, such as weddings.
"My job is to take that stress off of them. I provide them with a curated portfolio of artists so they don't have to search, and from there, they pick who they want. I handle all the logistics when it comes to booking and the day of," she said.
If that wasn't enough, Dryden maintains business-focused social media accounts where she shares beauty tips, product recommendations and promotes her services.
She is active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. She said it initially felt overwhelming, but has since become one of her favorite parts of her work.
"I have not missed a day since I started last January. The key is really just to post consistently every day," Dryden said.
Dryden said growing up in a small town sparked her desire to explore the world, but she still returns to Hays every other month to reconnect with those who have supported her along the way.
Dryden gives thanks to her family, SalonCentric and FHSU for her success. She graduated from Hays High School in 2010.
"I love going back to visit. It always keeps me grounded with my roots," she said.
Dryden encourages others to pursue their dreams and never give up, especially when it comes to following their passions.