How Asha Downes started a natural hair coaching business that is based on research and self-acceptance |

Find out the ways Asha Downes turned her own natural hair experience into a coaching and education business centered on radical gentleness scientific research, self-love, and science.

From a young age, Asha Downes dreamed of having long hair. She was a hairdresser who loved playing with friends and experimenting with hairstyles of different types, however, she was told repeatedly that it was impossible to get her Afro-textured hair into the lengths she desired.

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 long, natural hair. Despite everyone saying that this couldn't happen, the creator's hair was full and healthy. Asha was aware that if the creator was capable of it, she could too.

Presently, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that aids women to grow hair naturally through personal coaching and informative workshops . She won 's 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were wowed by her kind, comprehensive way of looking after her clients. On top of that she's working toward an advanced qualification in trichology to further enhance her knowledge in her area of expertise.

This is how Asha turned her passion into a coaching and education business that's changing hairstyles of women and lives- for the better.

Making a passion-driven project an authentic business by being authentic

When Asha began to learn about healthy hair and natural ways to care for it She wasn't the only one. Many women from around the globe were also sharing their own natural hair experiences. She recalls "This was before YouTube was the internet-based commercial platform that it is today, and users were sharing advice, recipes, experiences and triumphs."

"It was paradigm-shifting to see the sheer number of Black women discussing the same thing in spite of being in different countries. Everyone is experiencing this which is now getting a name: The naturally-haired movement."

As Asha decided to share her experience publicly and share her story with the world, she found herself drawn to YouTube since it was where many other creators in the space were already spending time. "I wanted to join them," she explains. "I did not know what I was going to do. I just wanted to join in."

Her channel Asha recorded everything she experienced in her quest to understand and learn how to take care of her natural hair. It was a passion undertaking as Asha was focused on sharing her true self. The people who watched her channel loved it, and over the years, her YouTube channel as well as her her Instagram page have grown.

"While I was capturing my journey in the very early stages, I wasn't looking at the views or even the readers," she says. "It was an opportunity to tell my story with my hair. People found it interesting and started to follow."

As Asha's social media reach expanded, her content creation procedure became more methodical, and she conceived of future sources to help her viewers.

At the same time, Asha was working full-time and was living in various countries all over Europe. She looked into hair-related jobs at big firms, but none of them felt quite appropriate.

Asha became a creator just to share her personal experience. The videos she created with her upbeat, transparent style resonated with people, and she realized that she could make an effect. The idea of monetization was to enable her to put her money back into serving her audience as well as enhancing her skills. Her mind was convinced that her passion project was transforming from a hobby to a business opportunity should she give it her full attention. After that, everything was in its proper.

Asha was between jobs visiting the Caribbean as the pandemic caused the world to lock down. Without a place to go, and a lot of time to spare the situation was like a sign to get involved.

"There wasn't an opportunity in the way of doing what I was passionate about. When I was in lockdown, I was able to be myself that I decided I was going to create my own opportunities."

And so Asha went to work.

Powerful and powerful simple launch

Asha originally planned to market the products for hair care in physical form, however an advisor looked over her substantial online presence and advised her to offer individual consultations instead. This suggestion, along with the difficulty of sourcing products during a global pandemic, led Asha on a digital journey.

The first item she launched was a one-on-one regimen-building consult. It was unclear the response of her clients and so created a simple launch plan. She created an Typeform application, and shared the URL to Instagram with an explanation of the coaching she offers.

"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 have me coach them, so they didn't have to pay, but they gave me their email addresses and discussed their concerns about hair. After that, I contacted them with a link to book."

This is a genius method to try out the idea with no upfront investment. Asha put her idea in a market that is accessible and gauged how much interest she received from her intended audience.

By using the apps they helped her understand what her audience needed through their own words, and increased her list of email subscribers. The people who thought it was the right fit would become her first clients, and she demonstrated that her concept was viable prior to spending hours and millions of dollars for an enormous launch.

Asha began meeting with customers, however she realized quickly the needs of her clients went deeper than recommending products and formulating custom hair regimens.

"I have realized that my job involves more than simply picking out products and styles. We're going to have to do some mindset work."

"There's an underlying link between self-acceptance and making your hair to be healthy and long for the first time. The hair you have is saved and removed. Hair is a dying fiber. You can't revive it, consequently, everything you do to your hair your hair remembers and will affect the future of your hair."

Based on this knowledge, Asha shifted to a more holistic style that focuses on acceptance of hair as well as self-love .

"One of the tenets of my program is this concept of absolute tenderness. When you are gentle with your hairstyle, you need to accept it. You have to be patient with it and comfortable to look a certain way. There's a link with self-acceptance that is radical and softness and preserving your hair in order to make it grow more."

Listening to her audience helped Asha to expand the scope of her coaching curriculum as well as define the structure of her business overall. As she continued to work with customers, Asha realized that one-off coaching was helpful for proactive clients who already had a positive relationship with their hair. However, it didn't work for those who required more responsibility.

It inspired her to design the comprehensive program of coaching called Longer Lengths(tm), which gives ongoing assistance over an extended period while customers build healthy hair mindsets and habits.

Today, longer Lengths(tm) is her most popular coaching offer and the primary method she uses to work with clients on a personal basis. In order to accommodate clients of all stages in their hair journey, Asha is also able to offer the 90-minute Grow Your'Fro Long Hair Crash Course .

Asha is selling her on-demand crash course as an in-demand product so customers can be quick to win at anytime as well as she accepts batches of longer Lengths(tm) clients a few times 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 the opportunity to talk to your company prior to making a larger purchase. High-end 1:1 services are perfect for those who require more personal interaction. With both options, you can reach more people in your target group.

Up next, we'll explore the strategies of Asha to overcome challenges and sustaining a business which is in tune with her love of her work as well as the demands of her clients.

Asha's tips for getting away from your own obstacles

Each business is prone to having its own challenges, but Asha has learned to handle 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 realize that I do not know everything."

"I am aware that I don't have the complete answer... speaking to an expert helps me cut through the clutter and help me avoid spending time. That's why I place a high value on that sort of understanding."

Do you need help with your company but don't know how to begin?

Find evidence to confront imposter syndrome head on

Start by keeping an optimistic record. "I keep a list of all the good things that I accomplish," Asha elaborates. "I have a list of all my achievements. I start programming my mind to be focused on the positives in my life."

To create your own excellent record, you need to create the computer with a folder in which you can save 5-star reviews and notes from your customers. When you're feeling low or scared, access your folder and remember how awesome you are.

Third, you should develop into an expert in your subject area. According to Asha, "Another way to battle imposter syndrome is to get completely obsessed with what you're offering. I don't mind being fascinated by an item to the extent that some people find it odd. I've got a huge database about hair. I'm always reading regarding hair as well as hair research."

Diving into your niche and learning more about it can ease those feelings of uncertainty. This can be done through your own research, practicing, or investing in higher education qualifications like those of Asha .

In her conversation with her accountability partner regarding the incident, they discovered the lack of details meant it was difficult to shoot during the present moment. the film script was not fully developed, and its purpose wasn't clear. When she clarified her objectives, revisited her video, and made improvements and adjustments, the feeling of Imposter Syndrome dissipated.

Then, Asha asks herself, "How do I approach the project so that even if I'm experiencing those sensations, I'll feel at ease? What is the reason I'm making this film, and what should I expect viewers to accomplish after they watch it? When I know that, it's easier for me to endure any pain I'm experiencing."

In simple terms, imposter's syndrome is a part of life for creators, but it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. In the words of Asha puts it, "The great thing about facing that situation is that you begin to develop into a person who doesn't run out in anxiety."

Take advantage of the qualities that distinguish you

Take advantage of the qualities that will make you stand out as an creative. A particular trait or skill set will set you apart from others and provide you with more customers.

"Apply yourself, and try it," Asha says. "And keep applying yourself to other fields to bring your unique twist to what you're doing. For me I also offer consultations for you in German and Spanish."

Asha also has a research background that gives her content it's own scientific flavor.

"Don't be too focused on the particulars of what the other players within the industry are doing. Create your own angle and keep enhancing the things that help you distinct."

In asking for help by tackling imposter's syndrome and sharing your unique skills and traits, you'll be on the way to creating a business you're proud of .

"Follow your heart's desire. I'm extremely happy that I designed this program, which involves acceptance of oneself and empathy, hair science, scientific research in cosmetics, accountability and nutrition, as well as styling as well as health. I've also merged all of that to create one."