Sometimes it takes losing everything to discover what really matters.
Ashley had it all mapped out. A thriving salon, a long-term partner, a future she’d worked hard to build. But within the space of a week, her world collapsed. A devastating fire destroyed her salon and her life savings. Days later, her seven-year relationship ended. With nowhere else to turn, she moved back to Manchester with nothing.
But just when she thought she had nothing left to give, one desperate message from a mother changed the course of everything.
In this deeply personal episode of the Tell Her podcast, Sharni sits down with Ashley, founder of the children’s charity Little Lady Locks, to unpack an extraordinary story of loss, purpose, and turning pain into power. What began as one heartfelt gesture to help a young girl with alopecia regain her confidence has grown into a nationwide movement, providing hair systems, wigs, and hope for hundreds of children across the UK.
Ashley opens up about the emotional toll, the behind-the-scenes struggles, and the brutal reality of running a charity when funds are tight and demand is soaring. She shares what it really takes to keep showing up, why community matters more than ever, and how helping others helped her to heal.
This isn’t just a story about hair, it’s a story about identity, self-worth, resilience, and building something meaningful out of the ashes.
If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will reignite your belief in what’s possible.
⸻
Key moments include:
✔️The devastating fire that turned Ashley’s world upside down
✔️How helping one child became the seed for a national charity
✔️What people don’t see about running a non-profit behind the scenes
✔️How social media virality almost led to burnout
✔️Why collaboration, not competition, is the future of the industry
✔️What it really means to be part of something bigger than yourself
⸻
Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps:
[00:00] – From Salon Owner to Starting Over
Ashley opens up about the fire that destroyed her business and how it all unravelled in a matter of days.
[06:35] – The Message That Changed Everything
One mum’s desperate plea and how it sparked the beginning of Little Lady Locks.
[12:10] – Building a Charity From the Ground Up
Ashley talks about launching with no funding, no team, and no blueprint, just purpose.
[18:50] – Going Viral & Burning Out
The highs and lows of social media exposure and how it almost broke her.
[24:20] – The Power of Community & Collaboration
Why she believes lifting others is the only way forward and how jealousy nearly took her off course.
[31:15] – Impact Over Ego
What really drives her, how the kids keep her going, and the future of Little Lady Locks.
[38:50] – Final Reflections
Ashley shares her message for anyone feeling lost and why everything can change in one decision.
⸻
Resources & Mentions:
🔗 Hair loss Education From Sharni: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com
🔗 Connect with Sharni Knighton:
https://www.instagram.com/sharni_k_hair?igsh=eGU1YmwwcmdpNTVp
🔗Connect with Tell Her Podcast on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tell_her_podcastigsh=Mnlpazd2NWl6OGhn&utm_source=
qr
🔗 Connect with Ashley on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ashley_marie_hair?igsh=MTYyYWt4bW16aGw5
🔗 Little Lady Locks Website: https://www.littleladylocks.com/
🔗 Connect with Little Lady Locks on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/littleladylocks?igsh=MWl0ZnNoNzk5OXloNw==
🔗 Connect with Little Lady Locks on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/16XBTLfvQk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
ABOUT YOUR HOST — SHARNI KNIGHTON
I’m Sharni Knighton, the creator and host of Tell Her. I was inspired to start this podcast after meeting so many extraordinary ordinary women through my hair loss and wig clinic. I wanted to give these women a space to share their stories and help them realize that what they see as “ordinary” is truly extraordinary.
As an educator, I also train stylists in the hair loss industry around the world — and I’m passionate about showing them who these incredible women are. I believe you should only step into this work if you’re ready to truly help and connect with the women you serve.
✨ Connect with my work:
- Hair Loss & Wig Clinic → www.sharniknighton.co.uk
- Training Academy → www.sharniknightonacademy.com
- IntelliMESH Product Line → www.intellimesh.co.uk
✨ Follow on social:
- TikTok → @sharniknighton
- Podcast TikTok → @tell.her.podcast
