The Power To Use Handcrafted Items to Hold Confidence and Restore Self-Belief

Lauren Ashtyn (center) is co-founder and designer of Lauren Ashtyn Collection. .

When I began losing my hair, I learned quickly that women’s hair loss was not treated with the same seriousness as men’s. For men, it was “normal.” For women, it was dismissed as vanity. But I knew it was about identity, confidence, and dignity, not just appearance. That’s why I’ve fought to reframe the conversation, building a team that guides women on how to get covered with insurance to ensure they can access solutions without financial strain.

I didn’t just speak up, I built something different. I sold my house, moved into a camper, and took The Lauren Ashtyn Collection on the road. We brought private, hands-on hair restoration experiences directly to women in their own cities, partnering with local salons to create safe spaces where they could feel seen. That tour model disrupted the industry’s “wait for them to come to you” mindset and replaced it with care that comes to them.

But real change isn’t just about innovation, it’s about self-awareness. I’ve learned to slow down, listen deeply, and align my personal values with my business practices. Clean, non-toxic living isn’t just part of my life; it shapes our product decisions. I’ve also embraced vulnerability, knowing I don’t have all the answers. That honesty has made me a more authentic leader.

The beauty industry often treats hairpieces like accessories, transactional, impersonal. My plan is to keep our approach human, hands-on, and rooted in advocacy that recognizes hair loss as a health issue.

I’m inspired daily by my husband and co-founder, Christopher. His integrity, steady leadership, and devotion to our mission keep me grounded. Together, we’re proving that change isn’t loud, it’s consistent. And with every city we visit, every woman we meet, we’re moving the needle toward compassion, dignity, and real access.

Lauren Ashtyn is Co- founder/Designer of Lauren Ashtyn Collection.
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