How Asha Downes came up with her business of natural hair coach founded on self-acceptance and science |

Learn how Asha Downes turned her own natural hair-loving journey into an educational coaching business centered on radical gentleness scientific research, self-love, and science.

Since her earliest days, Asha Downes dreamed of having long hair. She loved playing hairdresser with friends and experimenting with different styles, but she was told repeatedly that it was not possible to get her Afro-textured hair to the long lengths she wanted.

The world changed drastically when Asha was at the end of her teens. While browsing YouTube and stumbled upon a creator with her similar hair type that was growing long, natural hair. Although everyone said this couldn't happen the hair of the creator was healthy and full. Asha realized that if her creator was capable of it, she could too.

In the present, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that aids women to grow their natural hair through personalized coaching and information-packed classes . She won 's 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were amazed by her gentle, holistic approach to caring for her customers. Additionally she's on track to earn the highest level of trichology certification to further enhance her knowledge in her area of expertise.

Here's how Asha turned her passion into a coaching and education business that's changing hairstyles of women -- and lives -to the good.

Turning a passion project into an innovative business with authenticity

As Asha began to learn about healthy hair and natural ways to care for it She wasn't the only one. Other women around the world were also documenting their personal hair-care journeys. She recalls "This was before YouTube became the business space it is now, so users were sharing advice, recipes, experiences and triumphs."

"It was an eye-opener to hear so many Black women discussing the same thing in spite of being located in different parts of the world. Everyone is going through this experience which is now getting been given a name: the naturally-haired movement."

When Asha was deciding to tell her experience publicly and share her story with the world, she found herself drawn to YouTube because that's where other creators in the space were spending their time. "I wanted to join them," she explains. "I didn't know where I was headed. I was just looking to participate in it."

Her channel Asha documented everything in her quest to understand and re-learn the art of taking care of her natural hair. It was a passion for her that was a passion project, and Asha was focused on sharing her real self. Her audience loved following along, and over the years, her YouTube channel and Instagram profile have grown.

"While I was documenting my experiences in the initial stages, I wasn't watching the view or even the readers," she remembers. "It was a place to tell my story with my hair. People found it interesting and decided to join in."

As Asha's social media reach was growing, her content-creation procedure became more methodical, and she brainstormed future resources to help her viewers.

Meanwhile, Asha was working full-time and was living in various countries across Europe. Her research included hair-related positions with big corporations, however 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 realized she could make an impact. Her understanding of the potential for monetization would let her invest to her viewers as well as enhancing her skills. Her mind was convinced that her passion project was transforming into an opportunity for business, if only she could dedicate her complete attention. After that, everything was in its proper.

Asha was in between work trips to the Caribbean when the pandemic forced the world to lock down. There was no place to go and no time the situation was like a sign to get involved.

"There wasn't an opportunity in front of me to do what I was passionate about. When I was in lockdown, I was able to be my own thoughts that I decided that could create my own chance."

And so Asha began to do her job.

The power of a super simple launch

Asha originally planned to market the products for hair care in physical form, however a mentor looked at her online presence, which was a huge one, and suggested that she offer customized consulting instead. This suggestion, along with difficulties sourcing supplies in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, caused Asha to the internet.

The first item she launched was a one-on-one regimen-building consult. She wasn't sure the response of her clients to her product, which is why she made her launch strategy simple. She made an Typeform application and put the link up to Instagram along with a description of her coaching services.

"I spoke about the work I was up to and offered encouragement applicants to consider applying," she shares. "I received over 200 applications. The only reason they were interested was to be coached by me and didn't need to pay, but they gave me their email addresses as well as shared the hair issues they had. Then I responded to them and included a booking link."

This is an excellent method to try out an idea without a huge initial investment. Asha put her idea in a market that is accessible and analyzed how much enthusiasm she had from her target public.

With the help of applications they helped her understand the needs of her customers by putting it into their own words. She also increased her list of email subscribers. Those who felt like they were a perfect match were her first customers and she proved that her concept was viable prior to spending hours and dollars on the launch of a major campaign.

Asha began to meet with clients, but she realized quickly that the demands of clients' further than just recommending hair products and creating customized hair care regimens.

"I realized this work involves much more than picking the right the right products or styles. You'll need to do some mindset work."

"There's there is a significant link between self-acceptance and making your hair healthy and long in the very first time. Your hair can only be kept alive and then destroyed. It's a dead fiber. It's impossible to revive it. consequently, everything you do to your hair your hair remembers and will affect its future."

With this understanding in mind, Asha shifted to a more holistic method of focusing on hair acceptance in addition to self-love .

"One of the tenets of my program is the concept of radical tenderness. To be gentle in your hair, you must accept the fact that it is. You have to be patient with it, and accept with it looking a certain style. It was my realization that there is a connection with self-acceptance that is radical and softness in preserving your hair, so it can grow longer."

Listening to her audience assisted Asha expand the content of her coaching program and define the shape of her business as a whole. While working with customers, Asha found that one-time coaching is beneficial for proactive clients who already had a positive relationship with their hair, but it didn't work for those who required more responsibility.

It inspired her to design a comprehensive coaching program called Longer Lengths(tm), which gives ongoing assistance over a longer period of time and helps clients build healthier mental and behavioral habits for their hair.

Today, Longer Lengths(tm) is her most popular coaching offer and the primary approach she takes to working with individuals in a one-on-one manner. To accommodate clients at all stages of their hair growth journey Asha also offers the 90-minute Grow Your'Fro Long Hair Crash Course .

Asha sells her on-demand crash course as an evergreen product so customers can get a quick win at anytime her, and she also takes groups of lengthier Lengths(tm) customers several times per year.

A well-planned mix of programs is a great option for those who provide coaching. Self-serve products are more affordable and scalable, giving customers the chance to communicate with you before making a bigger investment. High-end 1:1 services are perfect for clients who want more personal interaction. By having both the ability to connect with more people in your target segment.

Up next, we'll explore Asha's approach to overcoming challenges and maintaining a sustainable business aligned with her passion as well as the demands of her clients.

Asha's tips to get free of obstacles

Every business has hard moments, but Asha has learned to handle challenges with confidence. Her secret? Get help from experts, fight an imposter syndrome and then lean toward the individuality.

Asking for help is a time-saver

"I realize that I do not have all the answers."

"I know I don't have the complete answer... Talking to an expert helps me get through the muck and help me avoid spending time. This is why I put the highest value on this type of knowledge."

Need help in your business but don't know where to start?

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

The first step is to keep a positive note. "I keep a record of anything good that I have done," Asha elaborates. "I keep a record of my achievements, and I begin to train my brain to focus on positive things within my own life."

To create your own excellent record, you need to create a folder on your computer in which you can save 5-star reviews and kind notes from customers. If you're feeling down or uncertain, you can open the file, and think about how awesome you are.

Second, make yourself an authority in your subject area. According to Asha, "Another way to battle imposter syndrome is to become completely obsessed with what you're offering. I'm fine with being obsessed with something to the point that others think that it's a bit strange. I have a whole collection of information about hair. I'm constantly reading on hair, hair sciences and more."

Inquiring into your field and gaining knowledge can lessen your anxiety. You can do this through your own research, practicing, or taking the time to acquire higher education qualifications like those of Asha .

When she spoke with her accountability coach concerning the incident, they realized that the absence of any specifics caused it to be difficult to record during the present moment. the script for the video wasn't completely formed, and the purpose was unclear. Once she defined her goals then rewatched the video and made improvements and adjustments, the feeling of Imposter Syndrome dissipated.

Now, Asha asks herself, "How do I plan the project so that even if I'm experiencing those sensations, I'll feel okay? What is the reason I'm making this film, and what should I expect viewers to accomplish after watching the video? When I know that it's much easier to sit through any discomfort I'm feeling."

Imposter disorder is an inevitable part of life for creators, but it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. As Asha states, "The great thing about dealing with this is that you begin to develop into a person who does not run out in anxiety."

Be aware of the aspects that make you unique

Be aware of the traits that help you stand out as an creative. Being a person with a certain characteristic or skill can set you apart from others and provide your business with more clients.

"Apply yourself to the task and then go for it," Asha says. "And you can continue to apply yourself in other areas for a unique approach to what you're doing. In my case I also offer consultations on German or Spanish."

Asha also has a research background which lends her work an extra scientific twist.

"Don't focus so much on the details of what others in the space are doing. Find your own unique perspective and build on your strengths that allow you to distinct."

In asking for help, managing imposter syndrome, and sharing your unique skills and characteristics, you'll be on the way towards making a company you're confident about .

"Follow your passion. I'm really glad to have created this program that involves acceptance of oneself and the ability to empathize, hair science, cosmetic science, accountability hair styling, nutrition and overall health, and to combine everything into one."