How Asha Downes began an organic hair-coaching business based on science and self-acceptance |

Learn how Asha Downes turned her own natural hair journey into a coaching and education business centered on radical gentleness as well as science and self-love.

Since her earliest days, Asha Downes dreamed of having hair that was long. She loved playing hairdresser with friends and experimenting with hairstyles of different types, however, she was told repeatedly that it was difficult to get her Afro-textured hair to the lengths she wanted.

Everything changed when Asha was at the end of her teens. When she was browsing YouTube she came across another creator who had the similar hair type with naturally, long hair. While everyone was saying it couldn't be done his hair was healthy and full. Asha knew that if this creator was capable of it, she should be able too.

In the present, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that assists women in growing their hair by providing personalized guidance as well as informative workshops . Asha was awarded the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were amazed by her gentle, holistic method of caring for her customers. On top of that, she's working towards the highest level of trichology certification to further enhance her knowledge in the field she works in.

This is the story of how Asha made her love for hair into a coaching and education business that's transforming women's hair and lives- for the better.

Making a passion-driven project an innovative business with authenticity

When Asha began to learn about the benefits of natural hair and how to maintain it, she was not alone. Women from all over the world were also documenting their personal hair experiences. She recalls "This was before YouTube was the internet-based commercial platform it is now, so people were just sharing their advice, recipes, experiences and tribulations."

"It was a paradigm shift to witness so many Black women talking about this issue together in spite of being located in different parts of the world. We're all going through this experience, and now it has a name: The naturally-haired movement."

If Asha chose to publish her story publicly She was attracted to YouTube since it was where many other creators were already spending time. "I joined them," she explains. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I was just looking to join in."

Through her YouTube channel, Asha recorded everything she experienced in her quest to understand and re-learn the art of taking proper care of her hair. It was a passion for her, and Asha focused on sharing her real self. Her audience loved following along as she shared her story, and throughout the years, her YouTube channel and Instagram account grew.

"While I was recording my journey in the very early stages, I wasn't looking at the views or subscribers" she says. "It was a platform to document my experience with my hair. Many people found it fascinating and decided to join in."

With Asha's reach on social media was growing, her content-creation process became more strategic, and she conceived of future sources to help her viewers.

Meanwhile, Asha was working full-time and living in different countries all over Europe. Her research included hair-related positions for big companies, but they all didn't feel the way she wanted to be.

Asha became a creator just to talk about her own experience. Her positive and honest videos attracted attention from viewers and she began to realize that she could have a real effect. Her understanding of the potential for monetization would enable her to put her money back in her fans and advancing her knowledge. Her mind was convinced that her dream project was changing from a hobby to something that could be a profitable business If she were able to dedicate her complete attention. Everything fell into place.

Asha was between jobs visiting the Caribbean when the pandemic forced the world to lock down. With nowhere to go and a lot of time to spare this was an opportunity to get involved.

"There was no opportunity the way of doing something I believed in. It was during lockdown when I was able to be me that I decided that I could create my own chance."

And so Asha began to do her job.

The potential of a simple launch

Asha initially intended to sell physical haircare products, but she was approached by a mentor who looked at her online presence, which was a huge one, and suggested that she offer individual consulting instead. That advice, combined with the difficulty of sourcing products as a result of the global pandemic led Asha on a digital journey.

Asha's first product was a one-on-one regimen-building consult. She was unsure of the response of her clients to her product, which is why she kept her launch plan simple. She developed an Typeform application, and shared the URL on Instagram along with a description of her coaching services.

"I shared what I was up to and offered encouragement individuals to take part," she shares. "I received over 200 applications. They were only applying to be coached by me and didn't need to make a payment, however they gave me their email addresses and shared their concerns about hair. They then contacted me with a link to book."

This is a genius way to test the idea with no cost upfront. Asha created a product that was affordable and gauged how much interest the product was receiving from its target audience.

With the help of applications that she used, she learned the needs of her customers by putting it into their own words. She also increased her list of email subscribers. The people who thought it was a good match became her first customers, and she showed that her idea had legs prior to spending hours and millions of dollars for the launch of a major campaign.

Asha started meeting with clients. However, she soon realized that the demands of clients' deeper than recommending products and creating customized hair routines.

"I realized this work involves more than simply picking out products and styles. We're going to have be able to think differently."

"There's a strong connection between self-acceptance and growing your hair healthy and long at first. Hair can only be kept alive and then destroyed. Hair is a dying fiber. You can't revive it, consequently, everything you do to your hair, your hair's memory will affect the future of your hair."

With this understanding in mind, Asha shifted to a more holistic approach focusing on hair acceptance as well as self-love .

"One of the core tenets of my program is this idea of extreme kindness. To be gentle when it comes to your hair, you must to accept it. Be patient with it and comfortable that it looks a particular manner. There's a link between self-acceptance, radical acceptance and kindness as well as preserving hair so it can grow longer."

Being attentive to the feedback of her clients assisted Asha expand the content of her coaching curriculum as well as define the structure of her company overall. While working with clients Asha discovered that one-time coaching could be beneficial for clients who were happy with their hair. However, it didn't work for those who required more responsibility.

This inspired her to create a comprehensive coaching program called Longer Lengths(tm) and gives ongoing assistance over more time as clients develop healthy hair habits and mindsets.

Today, longer Lengths(tm) is her most popular offering of coaching and the principal way she works with people in a one-on-one manner. For clients who are at different stages of their journey to hair, Asha provides the 90-minute Grow-Your'Fro Long-Hair course. .

Asha is selling her on-demand crash course as an in-demand product that allows customers to get a quick win at anytime they want, and she takes batches of Longer Lengths(tm) customers a couple of occasions per year.

A well-planned mix of programs is a great choice for creators who offer coaching. Self-serve products are more affordable and scalable, giving customers an opportunity to interact with your company prior to making a larger investment. The higher-end programs for 1:1 are great for customers who prefer personal interaction. With both options it is possible to reach the larger audience of your group.

In the next installment, we'll look at the strategies of Asha to overcome challenges as well as ensuring a sustainable company aligned with her passion and her audience's needs.

Asha's suggestions for getting out of your own way

Every business has hard moments But Asha is able to overcome the challenges head-on. Her secret? Engage experts, combat the imposter syndrome and tap into your individuality.

Helping others will save you time.

"I am aware that I don't have the complete answers."

"I am aware that I don't have all the answers... Speaking with an expert can help me cut through the clutter and help me avoid spending time. This is why I put a high value on that sort of understanding."

Need help in your business , but aren't sure how to begin?

The search for evidence that can help us confront the imposter syndrome head-on

Start by keeping an upbeat record. "I keep a record of anything good that I do," Asha elaborates. "I have a list of all my achievements. I begin to train my brain to be focused on the positives within my own life."

For your personal positive record, set up a folder on your computer in which you can save 5-star reviews and notes from your customers. When you feel down or scared, access the file, and think about the awesome person you are.

Second, make yourself an authority within your area of expertise. According to Asha, "Another way to battle imposter syndrome is to become extremely enthralled by the product that you're selling. I'm not afraid to be obsessed with things to the point where some people find it somewhat odd. I have a whole collection of information about hair. I'm always reading on hair, hair sciences and more."

Inquiring into your field and becoming knowledgeable can help ease those feelings of uncertainty. This can be done through individual research, practice or investing in higher education qualifications like those of Asha .

When she spoke with her accountability coach concerning the incident, they discovered that a lack of specifics meant it was difficult to shoot in the moment -- the film script was not fully completed, and the goal was not clear. After she had defined the goals, revisited her video, and made improvements the imposter syndrome faded.

And now, Asha asks herself, "How do I approach this task in a way that, even if I'm experiencing those feelings, I still feel okay? What is the reason I'm making this video, and what would I like viewers to accomplish after they watch it? If I can answer that question it's much easier to endure any pain that I'm experiencing."

In simple terms, imposter's syndrome is a aspect of the creative process for all however it does not have to be a cause for concern. As Asha says, "The great thing about dealing with this is that it allows you becoming a person who does not run away in the face of anxiety."

Take advantage of the qualities that make you unique

Embrace the characteristics that make you stand out as a creative. Being a person with a certain trait or skill set can set you apart from your competitors and help connect you to more potential customers.

"Apply yourself, and try this," Asha says. "And you can continue to apply your skills in different areas in order to add your own unique spin to what you're doing. In my situation, I can also provide consultations for you in German and Spanish."

Asha also has a research background that gives her content an extra scientific twist.

"Don't be too focused on the specifics of what others within the industry are doing. Create your own angle and keep enhancing your strengths that allow you to distinct."

By asking for help, managing imposter syndrome, and sharing your unique skills and talents, you'll soon be on the way towards creating a business you're confident about .

"Follow your heart's desire. I'm very happy to have developed this program which focuses on the acceptance of self compassion, empathy, hair science, cosmetic science, accountability hair styling, nutrition and overall health, and to combine all that together into one."