What happened when Asha Downes came up an organic hair-coaching business founded on research and acceptance of self

Find out the ways Asha Downes turned her own hair-loving experience into a coaching and education business founded on extreme kindness, research and self-love and science.

From the beginning, Asha Downes dreamed of being able to have long hair. Her hairdresser was fond of having fun with her friends and playing with various styles. She was however told repeatedly that it was impossible to get the Afro-like hair she wanted to large lengths she desired.

The world changed drastically when Asha was nearing the end of her teenage years. When she was browsing YouTube and came across an artist with the same hair style who was growing naturally and long hair. Although everyone said this couldn't happen the hair of the creator was healthy and full. Asha realized that if she could do this, she was in a position to accomplish.

Presently, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that helps women grow their hair through personalized coaching and instructive training sessions . Asha was awarded the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were impressed by her kind, comprehensive approach to caring for the clients she serves. She is also working towards an higher level of trichology in order to improve her knowledge of her area of expertise.

This is the story of how Asha transformed her love of hair into an coaching, education and coaching company which is changing women's lives and hair for the better.

A passion-driven business that is an original business with authentic values

As Asha started to study natural hair care and tips on how to care for it, she was not alone. women from all over the world were also documenting their own hair-care experiences. The woman recalls "This was before YouTube became the business space which it has become today. users shared their stories, tips, recipes and tribulations."

"It was an important paradigm change to see numerous Black women discussing this topic together but we're all in different countries. We're all experiencing this which has been given a name: the Natural Hair Movement."

Asha decided to share her story. Asha decided to share her own story, she discovered YouTube as it's where the other creators in the space were already spending time. "I wanted to join the other creators," she explains. "I was unsure of which path I was going to take. I was just looking to be part of it."

Through her YouTube channel, Asha captured photos of all things in her quest to understand and master how to care for her natural hair. This was an intense undertaking as well as Asha determined to share her real persona. The viewers loved her videos , as she told her story, and throughout the years, her YouTube channel along with her Instagram page has grown.

"While I was capturing my experiences in the initial stages, I wasn't looking at views or members," she recalls. "It was a platform to share my journey in my own hair. Many people found it fascinating and decided to join in."

The more Asha's social media followers expanded, her creative process changed to be more strategic and she began to think of possible ways to assist her followers.

While she was at it, Asha was working full-time as a freelancer, and was moving around in various cities all over Europe. Her research included hair-related positions for big corporations, however, nothing felt the way she desired to feel.

Asha became a creator just to be able to recount her personal experiences. Her upbeat and clear videos were a hit with viewers and she realized she could have a real impact. The knowledge she gained about the possibilities for monetization would allow her to invest back to her viewers and growing her knowledge. She believed that this idea was evolving from an interest to something that could be a profitable business idea, if only she could concentrate all her attention on it. It all fell into place proper.

Asha was working between visits to the Caribbean when the pandemic forced everyone to be in quarantine. There was no where to stay, or lots of time spend, it was a signal to make the leap.

"There was no chance in the way of doing the things I loved to do. The lockdown was the time where I had that opportunity for me to decide that I would make my own chances."

Then Asha got to work.

Potential of a single launch

Asha initially planned to sell items for her hair, but an advisor looked over her substantial online presence and advised her to offer individual consults instead. That advice, combined with the difficulties of sourcing items in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, sent Asha on the web.

Her first product was a one-on-one regimen-building consult. It was unclear what her target audience would think of it which is why she kept the launch strategy easy. She made a Typeform application and posted the URL on Instagram along with a brief explanation regarding her coaching services.

"I talked about the work I was working on  and urged people to take part," she shares. "I received more than 200 requests. The applicants were only interested in coaching by me, so they didn't have to pay however they did provide my email addresses, and talked about their hair issues. Following that, I called them via a link to a the book."

It's a fantastic way to test the concept without having to make an investment upfront. Asha offered her service to the masses and measured the amount of interest the product was receiving from her intended audience of potential customers.

With the help of applications, she learned the needs of her customers by listening to their opinions as well as grew her database of subscribers to her emails. The people who felt they were perfect were her first customers and she showed that the concept was feasible before investing endless hours and dollars on the launch of a massive campaign.

Asha began meeting with clients. She quickly discovered that the demands of the clients' were more than recommending products and developing custom hair regimens.

"I discovered that this job is more complex than simply selecting the appropriate products and styles. It's going to be necessary for you to think in a different way."

"There's an underpinning relationship between self-acceptance, as well as the growth of hair that is healthy and lengthy in the beginning. Hair that you own is saved and damaged. Hair is a dying fibre. It's not revivable, so whatever you do to your hair your hair's memory influences the future of your hair."

In this way, Asha changed her style to more holistic look with a focus on hair acceptance and self-love .

"One of the concepts of my programme is the notion of radical gentleness. When you're kind with your hairstyle, you must to allow that it is. Take your time and be comfortable with the fact that it appears in a specific way. It is a connection between extreme acceptance of yourself and the gentleness to preserve your hair, so it may grow larger."

The feedback she received from customers proved invaluable in aiding Asha develop the contents of her coaching programs in addition to defining the business's structure as a whole. While working with customers, Asha discovered that one-time coaching might be useful to clients who are happy about their appearance. But, it wasn't effective for clients who needed to have a greater sense of accountability.

This led her to design a thorough coaching program known as Longer Lengths(tm) and gives ongoing help over a longer time while clients develop positive behavioral and mental habits for their hair.

Nowadays, longer Lengths(tm) is her most popular coaching method and her primary approach to working with individuals on a personal basis. To accommodate customers at all stages of their hair's journey, Asha provides a 90-minute Grow-Your'Fro Long-Hair course. .

Asha is selling her on-demand training course, which is an ever-lasting service which allows customers to receive a an instant win whenever they want her, and she also offers larger groups of Lengths(tm) clients several times per year.

A deliberate mix of different programs can be a good option for those who offer training. Self-service services are cheaper and can be expanded, giving your customers the opportunity to chat with you prior to making a larger purchase. The most expensive 1:1 solutions are ideal for clients who want more direct interaction. Through having the capacity to reach out to a wider range individuals within the target demographic.

In the following installment in the next installment, we'll examine Asha's strategy for overcoming obstacles and sustaining a company that is aligned with her love of her job as well as the requirements of her clients.

Asha's tips for breaking clear of hurdles

Each company faces its fair share of challenges, but Asha has the ability to tackle these challenges head-on. Her secret to achievement? Get help from experts and fight against the imposter syndrome, and find the individuality.

Ability to seek help can save time.

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

"I know that I'm not able to provide the complete answer... having a conversation with an expert could assist me to cut out the noise and prevent the time wasted. This is why I put great value on this level of understanding."

Do you need help with your company , but you don't know the best way to get it?

Find evidence to confront the imposter syndrome head on

The first step is to keep a positive history. "I keep a listing of all the great activities I've completed," Asha elaborates. "I can keep track of all my accomplishments. My mind is now programmed to be focused on the positive aspects that happen in my daily life."

To build your own good record, create an account for your personal computer where you keep five-star feedback along with thank-you notes from customers. If you're feeling low or uneasy, look through your file and think of that you're an amazing person.

Third, you should establish yourself as an authority in the field of your expertise. According to Asha, "Another way to battle the imposter syndrome is by becoming completely obsessed with your product. I'm willing to become obsessed with things to the point where some people find it odd. I've got a huge collection of info about hair. I'm always reading regarding hair, as well as doing hair research."

Examining your field of knowledge and understanding about it will help ease anxiety. This can be done through individual research, practice or taking advantage of higher education certificates like Asha .

In the aftermath of her conversation with her accountability coach regarding this incident, they realized the absence of specifics meant it was difficult to shoot during the present time. the script for the video wasn't completely developed, and the reason for the film wasn't fully understood. After she clarified her goals as well as re-viewed her film and made changes, the imposter syndrome disappeared.

Then, Asha asks herself, "How do I approach the job so that, regardless of my feelings, I still have a good feeling? Why did I decide to produce this film? What do I hope users to do once they've watched the video? If I can answer that question, it's easier for me to endure the pain I'm feeling."

In simple terms, it is an aspect of creativity for all however it does not have to be an issue to worry about. According to Asha says, "The great thing about dealing with this problem is that you begin becoming a person who isn't afraid to walk away when confronted with fear."

Pay attention to the factors that make you unique

Be aware of the traits that make to make you appear more person of the moment. Being a person with a specific skill or characteristic can distinguish you from other applicants and provide you to more prospective customers.

"Apply yourself to the task and strive to be the best," Asha says. "And you'll be able applying your knowledge across different fields for you to put your unique twist to the work you're performing. My situation is additionally able to offer assistance in German or Spanish."

Asha has also been a researcher with a professional background, which gives her work it's own science-based taste.

"Don't get too caught up in the specifics of what the other players are doing in your field. Find your own unique perspective and keep enhancing those things that distinguish you."

By asking for help by tackling imposter's syndrome and sharing your own unique talents and expertise, you'll begin the process of building a company that you'll be pleased with .

"Follow your passion. I'm extremely happy that I designed this program, which includes self-acceptance, the capacity to be compassionate, hair science, scientific research in cosmetics, accountability and nutrition, aswell as styling and health and to bring all that together to create one."

This post was first seen on here