The 16th #NEPACreative of 2017 brings hair color to a whole new, magical level.

Her name is Ashley Evert, and she brings creativity to the area through her work with hair. Ashley specializes in creative color services — the rainbow hair you see in BuzzFeed articles and on Pinterest boards.

“I use my creativity to help other people express their identity to the public,” Evert said.

Evert, of Hazleton, explained how her college education has contributed to her success and has allowed her to “promote myself organically through social media, facilitate crystal clear communication with my clients so there are no issues during their appointments, and empathize with people of different backgrounds.”

She offers gender neutral pricing and has a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of prejudice or bigotry, which reflects her personality and beliefs.

Evert did not always have so many creative color clients.

“I was the 12-year-old kid dying my hair with Manic Panic in my bathroom to look cool at punk shows,” she said.

So, she always had the itch for creative color but also did her fair share of highlights, root retouches, and gel manicures.

Evert mentioned that one of her biggest role models is a stylist by the name of @andrewdoeshair on Instagram who wrote a book that changed the way she views the hair industry.

“I am a smarter stylist and a better business person because of him,” she said.

In her free time, Evert does freelance design work — recently, custom calligraphy for wedding invitations — watches everything on Netflix that her clients tell her about, and works on her knitting from time to time.

“I’d just like to encourage any young creative folks out there to follow their gut,” Evert said. “You may have to work three jobs at first to make ends meet. You may have to do a ton of root retouches. Eventually, you’ll get your unicorns and mermaids. With enough dedication and passion, you can make your creativity your career.”

To Evert, being creative means she is a critical thinker, analyzer, problem-solver and an empath.

“Creativity means that I have a different way of looking at and interacting with the world around me,” she said.

When being considered as an NEPA Creative, individuals are asked to explain how they bring creativity to the area, how long they have been doing it and why, and finally what being creative means to them. Once chosen, the next step is to bring each creative into CoalCreative’s studio space to be filmed for a 60 second video that is shared every Wednesday across all their social media platforms. The series plans to highlight all sorts of creatives throughout the rest of the year. There are no limits to who could be considered. Photographers, musicians, barbers, magicians and improv artists are just a handful of the submissions CoalCreative has received thus far.

Hair stylist Ashley Evert said she promotes her work “organically through social media.”
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Hair1.jpg.optimal.jpgHair stylist Ashley Evert said she promotes her work “organically through social media.” Courtesy of CoalCreative

Color-creative hair stylist Ashley Evert said she offers gender neutral pricing and has a zero-tolerance policy regarding bigotry and prejudice.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Hair2.jpg.optimal.jpgColor-creative hair stylist Ashley Evert said she offers gender neutral pricing and has a zero-tolerance policy regarding bigotry and prejudice. Courtesy of CoalCreative

Ashley Evert, pictured, uses creative hair coloring to help clients express their individuality.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Ashley-Evert.jpg.optimal.jpgAshley Evert, pictured, uses creative hair coloring to help clients express their individuality. Courtesy of CoalCreative
Hair stylisthelps clientsexpress identity

By Holly Pilcavage

For Weekender

To be considered for the series, submit a consideration form at www.coalcreative.com/are-you-a-nepa-creative or send an email to holly@coalcreative.com.