More About Our Founders
Besties from the beginning Ashley & SarahMarie have always been the yin to the others yang. Along the way they’ve realized that their biggest successes always followed being true to themselves. They founded CocoLemon on the belief that empowering hairstylists to be the independent artists they are allows them to space to be the best artists & services providers possible. They believe by creating a culture of support and empowerment is what’s cultivated a team of the biggest talent’s in Richmond VA.
Ashley Lewis
Resident Creative Officer & photographer, Apprentice Mentor and Shop Mom
Ashley(she/her), AKA @the_blondologist, is a woman of many titles, including Wifey, Mommy, and a trusted friend to the Blondes. With a remarkable salon journey spanning back to 2006, Ashley has established herself as a prominent figure in the hair industry-from multiple nominations as a stylist, to experienced traveling educator and co-inventor of Framar Bleach Blenders. Her expertise lies in high-impact and low-maintenance blonding, which has contributed to her remarkable success behind the salon chair.
Having dedicated 17 years to caring for her cherished clients, Ashley has gracefully transitioned into her role as a salon co-owner, where she now focuses her nurturing energy on our extraordinary team. Additionally, she takes great pride in passing on her wealth of experience to the next generation as our esteemed salon apprentice educator.
Ashley shares her passion for all things creative as our chief creative officer through her role as social media marketing officer, brand design leader and all things content building for our team. She firmly believes in the unique magic possessed by each stylist and strives to create a safe and supportive environment for them to cultivate and unleash their creative abilities. Her ultimate aim is to empower them to show up as their best selves and share that transformative magic with their own clients.
SarahMarie Smith
Resident Customer Service Manager, Systems Builder, Web Designer and Commission Team Lead
SarahMarie(she/her), or Sarah, whichever you prefer, has always been someone who enjoyed all the moving pieces of a salon and never could really settle down and focus on hair alone. She started her career in 2006 and has had many jobs within salons since; manager, inventory specialist, receptionist, apprentice educator, buyer, and on and on.
As a stylist she has built an extensive client list of business focusing on brunettes and grey coverage blending and has traveled the country educating other stylists since 2016.
Sarah’s work behind the chair and exceptional customer service skills and system building success have earned her recognition as a lead educator & course developer for the Business of Balayage, Modern Salons top 100 stylists & salon owners in 2021 as well as opportunities to speak on panels focused on Boundaries and Communication for HairLove Retreat.
Sarah is now dedicated to sharing that same customer service driven mind set to the new talents at CocoLemon hair where she spends her days making sure our team feels supported and our space is in top shape to give our guests the ultimate experience every time they visit.
