How Asha Downes came up with a natural hair coaching business based on science and self-acceptance |

Learn how Asha Downes turned her own natural hair journey into an educational coaching company that is founded on radical kindness as well as science and self-love.

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

All of that changed once Asha was in her late teens. While browsing YouTube and stumbled upon a creator with her same hair texture with naturally long hair. Despite everyone saying that it was impossible his hair was full and healthy. Asha realized that if her creator was able to do it, she should be able too.

Presently, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that assists women in growing their natural hair through personalized mentorship and informative workshops . She was the recipient of the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were impressed by her kind, comprehensive way of looking after her customers. In addition, she's working towards an advanced qualification in trichology to deepen her expertise in her field.

Here's the story of how Asha made her love for hair into a coaching and educational business that's changing hairstyles of women -- and lives -to the good.

Turning a passion project into an innovative business with authenticity

As Asha started to study the benefits of natural hair She wasn't the only one. Other women around the world were also documenting their natural hair experiences. She recalls "This was before YouTube became the business space like it is today. users were sharing tips, recipes, trials and triumphs."

"It was an eye-opener to hear an array of Black women discussing this issue together in spite of being located in different parts of the world. Everyone is living through this journey that's now got been given a name: the Natural Hair Movement."

When Asha was deciding to tell her personal story and share her story with the world, she found herself drawn to YouTube as it's where the other YouTube creators were spending their time. "I was joining them," she explains. "I wasn't sure where I was headed. I was just looking to join in."

On her channel, Asha took pictures of everything as she began to unlearn and relearn how to take proper care of her hair. It was a personal for her as Asha determined to share her true persona. Her audience loved following along, and over the years, her YouTube channel as well as her her Instagram page have grown.

"While I was recording my experiences in the early stages, I wasn't watching the view or even the readers," she recalls. "It was a platform to document my experience by revealing my hair. Many people found it fascinating and decided to join in."

The reach of Asha's social media increased, her creation procedure became more methodical, and she conceived of future sources to assist her followers.

In the meantime, Asha was working full-time and living in different countries across Europe. Her research included hair-related positions with big corporations, however none of them felt quite right.

Asha became a creator just to talk about her own experience. Her upbeat and transparent videos were a hit with viewers, and she began to realize that she could make an influence. Her understanding of the potential for monetization would let her invest into serving her audience and growing her expertise. Her mind was convinced that her passion project was transforming from a hobby to an opportunity for business, if only she could dedicate her complete attention. Then everything fell into its proper.

Asha was between jobs visiting the Caribbean when the pandemic forced the world to lock down. There was no place to go and a lot of time to spare this was the perfect time to jump in.

"There was not a chance in front of me to do the things I loved to do. The lockdown was the time when I got that chance to myself that I decided I would make my own opportunity."

So Asha went to work.

The power of a super simple launch

Asha initially planned to sell physical haircare products, but she was approached by a mentor who looked at her substantial online presence and recommended that she provide personalized consultations instead. This suggestion, along with the difficulty of sourcing products in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, led Asha to the internet.

The first item she launched was a 1-on-1 regimen-building session. It was unclear the response of her clients and so kept her launch plan simple. She made a Typeform application and shared the URL on Instagram along with a description of the coaching she offers.

"I shared what I was doing and encouraged applicants to consider applying," she shares. "I got over 200 responses. They were only applying for coaching by me which means they don't need to pay, but they provided me with their email addresses and shared their concerns about hair. Then I responded to them with a link to book."

This is a genius approach to evaluate the idea with no initial investment. Asha made her product attainable and gauged how much interest she received from her intended group of customers.

By using the apps they helped her understand what the audience wanted through their own words, and grew her email list. Those who felt like it was the right fit were her first customers and she showed that the idea was viable prior to spending hours and dollars on a big launch.

Asha began to meet with customers, however she soon realized that the demands of clients' deeper than recommending products and creating personalized hair care regimens.

"I realized this work involves more than simply picking out the right products or styles. It's going to be necessary be able to think differently."

"There's a strong relationship between self-acceptance, and the growth of your hair long and healthy for the first time. Hair can only be saved and removed. It's dead hair. You can't revive it, consequently, everything you make to your hair your hair remembers and will alter its future."

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

"One of the core concepts of my programme is the concept of extreme gentleness. When you are gentle when it comes to your hair, you have to accept the fact that it is. You have to be patient with it and comfortable that it looks a particular style. There's a link with self-acceptance that is radical and softness as well as preserving hair to allow it to grow."

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 in general. While working with clients Asha discovered that one-time coaching could be beneficial for clients who were happy with their hair. However, it wasn't working for clients who required more responsibility.

The result of this inspired her to develop the comprehensive program of coaching called Longer Lengths(tm) that gives ongoing assistance over an extended period while customers build healthy hair mindsets and habits.

Today, longer Lengths(tm) is her most popular offering of coaching and the principal way she works with people on a personal basis. For clients who are at different stages of their hair journey, Asha also offers the 90-minute Grow Your'Fro Long Hair Crash Course .

Asha is selling her on-demand crash course as an in-demand service that lets customers be quick to win at anytime they want as well as she accepts batches of Longer Lengths(tm) clients a few times per year.

An intentional blend of programs is a great alternative for entrepreneurs who offer coaching. Self-serve products are more affordable and scalable, giving customers the chance to communicate with the creator before making an purchase. High-end 1:1 services are perfect for those who require more hands-on interactions. If you have both of them, you can reach many more of the people within your targeted group.

Next, we'll examine Asha's strategy for overcoming obstacles as well as ensuring a sustainable company aligned with her passion as well as the demands of her clients.

Tips from Asha for getting free of obstacles

Every business has hard moments But Asha is able to overcome the challenges head-on. What is her secret? Get help from experts, fight an imposter syndrome and then lean towards your individuality.

Helping others will save you time.

"I know I don't have the complete answers."

"I know I don't have all the answers... Talking to an expert is a great way for me to sort through the chaos and help me avoid spending time. This is why I put the highest value on this kind of insight."

You need assistance with your company but don't know where to start?

Finding proof to face imposter syndrome head on

First, keep a positive track. "I keep a list of all the good things that I do," Asha elaborates. "I have a list of my achievements, and I start programming my mind to focus on positive things that happen in my life."

For your personal positive record, set up a folder on your computer where you save five-star feedback and notes from your customers. When you're feeling low or scared, access your folder and remember how awesome you are.

The second step is to develop into an expert within your area of expertise. According to Asha, "Another way to battle the imposter syndrome is by becoming completely obsessed with what you're offering. I'm fine with being obsessive about an item to the extent that others think that it's somewhat odd. I'm the owner of a database about hair. I'm constantly reading regarding hair as well as hair research."

Inquiring into your field and learning more about it can ease your anxiety. This can be done through individual research, practice or making the investment in higher-education credentials like Asha .

When she spoke with her accountability partner regarding the incident, they discovered that the absence of any specifics caused it to be difficult to record in the moment -- the video script wasn't fully formed, and the purpose wasn't clear. After she had defined the goals and re-viewed her video and made improvements, her feelings of being a fraud diminished.

Then, Asha asks herself, "How do I plan the task so that even when I'm feeling those sensations, I'll feel at ease? Why did I decide to create this film, and what do I want people to do after watching the video? Once I have that answer, it's easier for me to bear any discomfort I'm feeling."

Simply put, imposter syndrome is a part of life for creators however it does not have to be a cause for concern. In the words of Asha says, "The great thing about dealing with this is that you begin to develop into a person who isn't afraid to walk from fear."

Take advantage of the qualities that distinguish you

Take advantage of the qualities that will make you stand out as an creator. A particular trait or skill set can set you apart from your competitors and help connect your business with more clients.

"Apply yourself, and try this," Asha says. "And you can continue to apply yourself to other fields to bring your unique twist to what you're doing. For me I also offer assistance for you in German as well as Spanish."

Asha also has a research background, which gives her writing it's own scientific flavor.

"Don't concentrate too much on the specifics of what others do in your field. Create your own angle and build on the things that help you stand out."

If you ask for assistance, managing imposter syndrome, and sharing your special skills and traits, you'll get on your way towards building a company that you're confident about .

"Follow your heart's desire. I'm very happy to have developed this program which focuses on acceptance of oneself compassion, understanding, empathy, hair science scientific research in cosmetics, accountability hair styling, nutrition and health and to merge all that together to create one."