The Identity House Journey

Written By THE IDENTITY HOUSE

Some business partnerships are planned meticulously over months or years. Others emerge from unexpected moments that reveal perfect alignment. The Identity House story belongs firmly in the latter category—a serendipitous meeting that quickly revealed shared values, complementary skills, and a unified vision for transforming an industry.

The Specialists Behind the Brand

Before The Identity House existed, Ash Grist and Evangeline Barrett were already establishing themselves as specialists in their respective corners of the hair industry.

Ash Grist had developed expertise across both hairdressing and wig making over 14 years in the industry. Working from a Kent studio, Ash's approach blended technical precision with a genuine understanding of clients' needs—whether creating pieces for theatre or film productions, supporting individuals through health-related hair loss, or collaborating with performers from red carpet events to drag artists. This experience across different communities created a unique perspective on how hair contributes to identity and confidence.

Evangeline Barrett was making her mark as a London-based session stylist and colourist whose work took her across international fashion weeks and editorial shoots. Frequently traveling for work, Eva's hands have crafted looks backstage at fashion shows, on set for campaigns, and for private clients worldwide. Her distinctive approach to colour and styling, combined with her pioneering work in ethical hair sourcing, had positioned her as a thoughtful innovator constantly bridging creative vision with practical application.

Two specialists, working in related but distinct areas, unaware that their paths were about to converge in a meaningful way.

An Unexpected Connection

The catalyst for our partnership wasn't a business networking event or strategic introduction. Instead, it was a concerning pattern that both Ash and Eva identified—suspicious inquiries that raised red flags about potential exploitation in the hair trade.

After reporting these concerns to the appropriate authorities, we found ourselves connecting to compare notes. What began as a professional consultation quickly evolved into hours of conversation about industry practices, ethical standards, and our shared vision for what the hair industry could become.

Despite working in different specialisations, we discovered striking parallels in our approaches:

  • Uncompromising commitment to quality craftsmanship

  • Deep concern about ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency

  • Desire to elevate industry standards and practices

  • Belief that exceptional hair solutions should be more widely accessible

  • Vision for education and knowledge sharing

By the end of that initial conversation, the concept for The Identity House had already begun to take shape—not just as a business, but as a platform for industry transformation.

Complementary Expertise

What makes The Identity House unique is the complementary nature of our skills and experience. Where Ash brings architectural precision in foundation design and construction techniques, Eva contributes sculptural expertise in cutting, colouring, and styling.

This collaboration creates a rare continuity of vision from initial conception through to final styling—every element designed to work in harmony rather than as separate components assembled without coordination.

Our different professional backgrounds also inform our approach:

Ash's theatrical and film experience brings technical solutions developed for the most demanding performance environments—where wigs must withstand scrutiny under high-definition cameras and harsh lighting while providing comfort during long shooting days.

Eva's editorial and session styling background contributes techniques refined through fashion-forward projects where hair must create visual impact while maintaining movement and natural appearance.

Together, these perspectives allow us to approach each project with a comprehensive understanding of both technical requirements and aesthetic possibilities.

Building The Identity House

Transforming our shared vision into reality has been a journey of careful planning and bold decisions. Rather than rushing to market with a single offering, we've developed a structure that organises our expertise into distinct but connected divisions:

  • Bespoke creations for private clients

  • Session styling options for creative professionals

  • Ready-to-wear collections offering accessibility without compromise

  • Ethical sourcing services connecting donors and creators

  • Education initiatives sharing knowledge and raising standards

This approach allows us to serve different client needs while maintaining consistent quality and ethical standards across everything we create.

Joining Our Journey

While The Identity House is still in its early chapters, we're committed to sharing our journey transparently. You can follow our development across platforms:

We believe in inviting our community behind the scenes—sharing not just our successes but also our learning experiences and the ongoing evolution of our craft.

Looking Forward

The Identity House represents more than just a business partnership. It embodies our shared belief that exceptional craftsmanship and ethical practices belong together, and that the future of our industry depends on establishing new standards for both quality and conscience.

Whether you're a creative professional seeking tools for your artistic vision, a private client looking for a truly personalised solution, or simply someone interested in our journey—we welcome you to join us as we build something meaningful, one strand at a time.

Connect with us at contact@theidentityhouse.com or follow our development on Instagram @theidentityhouse and TikTok @theidentityhouse.

THE IDENTITY HOUSE https://www.theidentityhouse.com
Previous

Behind the Scenes