Jennifer Tripucka 
Whenever someone asks, ‘Who is The Hoboken Girl’ — we always answer with one thing: “We’re a team of local journalists and writers who love all things Hudson County.” But when it comes to a REAL Hoboken girl, born and raised in the Mile Square, one person in particular comes to mind in this capacity: Ashley Branda. If you don’t know Ashley, you’re in for a treat — she’s a Hoboken BNR (for those unaware, the term BNR is always espoused and reserved only for those who were born and raised in our little city) and a local business owner of Two01 Hair. This local hair salon, located at 728 Grand Street in Hoboken, has become a mainstay in the Hoboken hair scene and recently expanded to a second location in Chatham, New Jersey.
We sat down with Ashley, mom of two and multipreneur, to learn more about her time behind the chair, as well as her life in Hoboken and her journey to entrepreneurship. Below are a few excerpts from our interview with her and a few anecdotes from her life and work.
View this post on Instagram
The Hoboken Girl: Tell us about living in Hoboken when you were a kid. What was it like?
Ashley Branda: On a weekend — we’d make plans via our moms on the phone, and set up a meeting point. All within 15 minutes. Go to the North Park, and then grab some food on Washington. There was so much to do — arcades, batting cages; we’d hang out all day — till we were filthy. I had to be home before the street lights were on.
Read More: 46 Women Community Leaders Making a Difference in Hoboken + Jersey City
HG: What businesses did you love growing up in Hoboken?
AB: Celletti Brothers, Caporinos — which had 10 cents candies — we’d bring our pennies. Batting cages, and Biggie’s Clam Bar on Madison; it had the Chicken Portobello Formaggio, best sandwich ever.
HG: How far back is your family lineage in Hoboken?
AB: My great grandparents came to the area from Sorrento. My grandparents raised my mom on Willow Terrace in a row house in Hoboken, and then I grew up on 5th and Adams.
HG: How did you get your start in the beauty world?
AB: I’m a big believer that things happen for you — not to you, and I came across a posting for a receptionist at Mad One Jack’s — which just recently closed after 25 years, but I owe a lot to Jack for my start in the business. I was always doing my friends’ hair, and I’ve always had family in the beauty industry. My grandmother was a beautician, and my aunt was a beautician and still comes in here and tries to wash people’s hair [laughs]. I had a big influence from family members as well.
HG: Why Hoboken? What made you want to start your business here?
AB: I think Hoboken fits my personality. I have multiple tabs open at the same time all day, every day. Hoboken is the same way, it keeps me going. It’s a bustling city. It’s a mini New York, in my opinion. Always something happening. That city feel really impacts that drive for me.
HG: You just opened a second salon in Chatham, New Jersey. Tell us more!
AB: I love Chatham. I originally thought that Montclair would be a great spot, but I wanted to offer the same city feel to people in the suburbs. I love it there so much — it’s definitely a different vibe, but it’s got PARKING!!
See More: A List of Women-Owned Businesses in Montclair
HG: What other business owners do you look up to or inspire you?
AB: Frankie Boy at Il Tavolo — he has pushed and persevered through everything. He was also a partner at Biggie’s on Madison with my brother. I think the people that have the heart of a lion and keep on pushing no matter what is thrown at you. Of course, other salons in town, my people — they’ve been pushing for a very long time, and I will give everyone a round of applause. Because what we do is not easy.
Watch the rest on our social media on Instagram (including Ashley’s favorite Italian restaurant picks and the hairstyle that everyone is asking for right now) @thehobokengirl.
