How Asha Downes came up with an organic hair-coaching business that is based on research and self-acceptance |

Find out the ways Asha Downes turned her own natural hair-loving journey into a coaching and education business that is based on extreme gentleness scientific research, self-love, and science.

Since her earliest days, Asha Downes dreamed of being able to have long hair. She was a hairdresser who loved playing with friends and experimenting with various styles. However, she was told repeatedly that it was impossible to get her Afro-textured hair to the long lengths she desired.

The world changed drastically when Asha was at the end of her teens. When she was browsing YouTube and stumbled upon a creator with her similar hair type who was growing naturally, long hair. Although everyone said this couldn't happen the hair of the creator was healthy and full. Asha was aware that if the creator could do it, she would be able to do.

Presently, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that aids women to grow their hair by providing personalized coaching and informative workshops . She won 's 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were wowed by her kind, comprehensive method of caring for her clients. Additionally she's working toward the advanced level in trichology to increase her understanding of her area of expertise.

Here's how Asha made her love for hair into a coaching, education and coaching company that is changing women's hair and lives- for the better.

Making a passion-driven project an innovative business with authenticity

When Asha started to study natural hair care and how to maintain it, she was not alone. Women from all over the world were also documenting their personal hair-care adventures. The woman recalls "This was before YouTube was the commercial space it is now, so the people shared their experiences, tips, recipes and tribulations."

"It was a paradigm shift to witness so many Black women discussing this together and yet we're in different countries. We're all experiencing this which is now getting been given a name: the Natural Hair Movement."

When Asha decided to share her personal story She was attracted to YouTube as it's where the other creators in the space were already spending time. "I wanted to join the crowd," she explains. "I wasn't sure which direction I was taking. I was just looking to be part of it."

On her channel, Asha took pictures of everything while she was attempting to learn and learn how to take care of her natural hair. It was a passion undertaking, and Asha determined to share her real persona. People loved watching her videos as she shared her story, and throughout the years, her YouTube channel as well as her Instagram profile have grown.

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

As Asha's social media reach increased, her creation process became more strategic, and she conceived of future sources to help her viewers.

In the meantime, Asha was working full-time as a freelancer and living in different cities all over Europe. Her research included hair-related positions at big firms, but nothing felt the way she wanted to be.

Asha became a creator just to tell her story of personal experiences. Her upbeat and transparent videos were a hit with viewers, and she realized that she could have a real effect. Her understanding of the potential for monetization would allow her to invest back to her viewers and growing her expertise. She believed that this dream project was changing from a hobby to a business opportunity, if only she could devote her entire attention to it. Then everything fell into its proper.

Asha was between jobs visiting the Caribbean when the pandemic forced the world to lock down. Without a place to go, and a lot of time to spare this was a sign to take the plunge.

"There was not a chance in the way of doing what I was passionate about. The lockdown was the time when I got that chance to me that I decided that I was going to create my own opportunities."

So Asha got to work.

The potential of a simple launch

Asha originally planned to market items for her hair, but an advisor looked over her substantial online presence and recommended that she provide individual consults instead. That advice, combined with the difficulty of sourcing products in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, sent Asha to the internet.

The first item she launched was a one-on-one regimen-building consult. It was unclear how her audience would respond and so kept her launch plan simple. She made a Typeform application, and shared the URL to Instagram with an explanation about her coaching services.

"I shared what I was doing , and encouraged individuals to take part," she shares. "I received over 200 applications. They were only applying for coaching by me, so they didn't have to pay, but they provided me with their email addresses and discussed their hair concerns. After that, I contacted them with a link to book."

It's a great method to try out the idea with no upfront investment. Asha made her product attainable and gauged how much interest she had from her target group of customers.

Through the applications, she learned what her audience needed through their own words, and increased her list of email subscribers. Those who felt like they were a perfect match became her first customers, and she proved that the idea was viable before spending endless hours and dollars on an enormous launch.

Asha began to meet with clients, but she quickly learned that the demands of clients' deeper than recommending products and developing customized hair regimens.

"I discovered that this job requires much more than picking the right items and designs. It's going to be necessary be able to think differently."

"There's an underlying relationship between self-acceptance, and the growth of your hair healthy and long at first. The hair you have is saved and damaged. Hair is a dying fiber. It's not revivable, so everything you make to your hair your hair's memory will influence the future of your hair."

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

"One of the core tenets of my program is the concept of radical kindness. When you are gentle when it comes to your hair, you have to be willing to accept it. Be patient with it, and accept that it looks a particular way. There's a link between radical self-acceptance and gentleness in preserving your hair, so it can grow longer."

The feedback she received from her customers was a huge help in helping Asha develop the contents of her coaching program as well as define the structure of her business as a whole. While working with customers, Asha discovered that one-time coaching could be beneficial for clients who were happy with their hair. However, it was not working for customers that needed to be more accountable.

The result of this inspired her to develop an extensive coaching program known as Longer Lengths(tm) and gives ongoing assistance over an extended period while customers build healthy mental and behavioral habits for their hair.

Today, longer Lengths(tm) is Asha's signature coaching service and is the main approach she takes to working with individuals on a personal basis. In order to accommodate clients of all stages of their hair journey, Asha provides a 90-minute Grow-Your'Fro Long-Hair course. .

Asha sells her on-demand crash course as an evergreen service that lets customers get a quick win at anytime her, and she also takes groups of longer Lengths(tm) customers several occasions per year.

Having an intentional mix of different programs can be a good option for those who provide coaching. Self-service products are less expensive and expandable, giving your customers the opportunity to talk to your company prior to making a larger purchase. High-end 1:1 services are perfect for clients who want more hands-on interactions. By having both the ability to connect with many more of the people within your targeted demographic.

In the next installment, we'll look at Asha's strategy for overcoming obstacles and maintaining a sustainable business which is in tune with her love of her work as well as the demands of her clients.

Asha's suggestions for getting free of obstacles

Every company has its share of challenges, but Asha is able to overcome the challenges head-on. The secret to her success? Get help from experts, fight the imposter syndrome and tap into the individuality.

The ability to ask for assistance will save you time.

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

"I am aware that I don't have the complete answer... speaking with an expert can help me cut through the clutter and avoid wasting time. That's why I place a high value on that type of knowledge."

Do you need help with your company but don't know what to do?

Finding proof to face imposter syndrome head-on

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

To build your own good record, create an account on your personal computer that you keep five-star feedback as well as notes of appreciation from clients. When you feel down or uncertain, open your folder and remember the awesome person you are.

Third, you should make yourself an authority within your area of expertise. According to Asha, "Another way to battle imposter syndrome is to get completely obsessed with what you're offering. I'm not afraid to be obsessive about something to the point that others think that it's somewhat odd. I've got a huge collection of information about hair. I'm always reading regarding hair as well as hair research."

Exploring your area of expertise and learning more about it can ease your anxiety. This can be done through individual research, practice or investing in higher education certificates like Asha .

After she spoke to her accountability coach regarding the incident, they realized the lack of details made it hard to film in the moment -- the script for the video wasn't completely developed, and its purpose wasn't clear. When she clarified her objectives and re-viewed her video and made improvements the imposter syndrome faded.

And now, Asha asks herself, "How do I approach the task so that regardless of my feelings, I still feel good? Why did I decide to create this video? And what do I want people to do after they've watched it? If I can answer that question, it's easier for me 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. In the words of Asha states, "The great thing about confronting this issue is that you begin becoming a person who isn't afraid to walk away in the face of the fear."

Be aware of the aspects which make you different

Be aware of the traits that help you stand out as a creative. Being a person with a certain trait or skill set could differentiate you from others and provide you to more potential customers.

"Apply yourself to the task and then go for the best," 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 am also able to provide consultations in German or Spanish."

Asha is also a researcher with a background which lends her work it's own scientific flavor.

"Don't be too focused on the specifics of what the other players do in your field. Bring your unique angle and continue to strengthen those things that make you distinct."

By asking for help, managing imposter syndrome, and sharing your special skills and talents, you'll soon get on your way to making a company you're proud of .

"Follow your passion. I'm very happy to have designed this program, which involves self-acceptance, the ability to empathize, hair science, scientific research in cosmetics, accountability and nutrition, as well as styling and health and to merge all that together into one."