We spoke to Ashli Auguillard, star of Lifetime holiday film "A Very Merry Beauty Salon" about the spirit of giving, community, and magical holiday romance.
Lifetime's annual holiday movie event kicked off on Saturday November 16, 2024. Twelve new movies will debut every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas.
This Saturday December 7th, Lifetime will premiere a festive and merry new film called, A Very Merry Beauty Salon. The film follows Sienna (Tia Mowry), the owner of the bustling “Divine Beauty Salon” who is preparing for Atlanta’s Tinsel Ball where she will be honored for her charitable work in the community. Along with Ella (Ashli Auguillard) and Miss Kimmie (Cocoa Brown), her coworkers/friends that have turned into family, this holiday season is set to go off without a hitch! However as the saying goes, “Christmas just ain’t Christmas, without the ones you love”.
While a series of unforeseen circumstances begin to unfold for Sienna, both Ella and Miss Kimmie are also struggling through the holiday season, missing persons near and dear to their hearts. Through obstacles, grief, and unpredictable situations, this trio leans on each other and relies on their bond to forge forward and make the best of this joyous and cheerful season in the spirit of giving and service.
The creators of A Very Merry Beauty Salon truly created and captured an authentic portrayal of what its like to work in and be a client in an African-American beauty salon. The cultural significance of this experience cannot fully be described or put into a few sentences. The conversations, atmosphere, and sisterly environment is one of kinship and mutual understanding.
Ahead of the premiere, Scenes In Color sat down with actress Ashli Auguillard who plays Ella in the film.
Here’s what she had to say, “I'm from Louisiana and my Gravana, she's a very popular hairstylist back home. I grew up always in her salon, because everybody in the family got their hair done by her because she was really the best in town. Like in the film, there was so much happening in the scenes that reminded me of my family’s salon. Oh and with lots of people being in the salon, and then the salon gossip. Of course the chatter all felt very authentic”.
During the holiday season, schedules become hectic, events require planning, and emotions can become enhanced. Audiences will love that A Very Merry Beauty Salon finds a way to bring the seasonal stress and magical Christmas setting to life through several emotional, entertaining, funny, and romantic scenes throughout the entire film.
Scenes In Color asked, What is it like to film some of the emotional heavy scenes?
See what Auguillard had to say in the clip from our interview below:
As the story continues to play out on screen, one of the constant themes of the movie involves encompassing and cheerfully partaking in the spirit of giving, being charitable and support for one’s community. The annual Tinsel Ball event is a glamorous affair that highlights community support and charity.
For actress Ashli Auguillard, being a part of the community and celebrating the spirit of giving throughout the holidays is vital.
“It means everything to me, because when I was younger we were on the receiving end of those types of things… in the homeless shelters with my family we would get things from other people. Food, getting clothes, getting toys. So as an adult in my regular life I regularly give back.
I was just at the La Regional Food Bank. We sorted through over 15,000 pounds of produce in one morning. And I love that the film highlights that, especially in terms of the black community. We know the significance of supporting other black businesses and supporting smaller vendors”. -Ashli Auguillard
Viewers will be glued to their seats watching Tinsel Ball honoree Sienna dazzle as she is recognized for her work in the community, while also navigating obstacles and a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the big event.
In the film, things take an unpredictable turn with the arrival of Lawrence (RonReaco Lee), a charismatic CEO whose family’s wine brand is now co-sponsoring the Ball. Sparks fly between Lawrence and Sienna, but Sienna’s mother Georgia (Donna Biscoe) who is the head of the Ball’s committee, worries his involvement may ruin the event’s traditions. Romance blooms, setting the stage for a budding winter romance for the ages. With Ella, Miss Kimmie, and her jolly best friend Kyle (Arrington Foster) by her side, Sienna’s thoughts on love and family will make this year’s Tinsel Ball the most memorable yet.
Director: Bobby Yan
Executive producers: Chet Fenster, Richard Foster, Mychael Chinn, Adam Griffin
Producers: Maggie Mock, Garrett Mock
A Very Merry Beauty Salon premieres Saturday, December 7 at 8/7c.