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

Discover how Asha Downes turned her own natural hair journey into a coaching and education business that is based on extreme gentleness, science, and self-love.

Since her earliest days, Asha Downes dreamed of having long hair. She enjoyed playing hairdresser alongside her peers and trying out hairstyles of different types, however, she was told repeatedly that it was not possible to get her Afro-textured hair to the lengths she desired.

All of that changed once Asha was at the end of her teens. When she was browsing YouTube she came across an artist with the same hair texture with long, natural hair. Although everyone said it couldn't be done the hair of the creator was strong and healthy. Asha was aware that if the creator was capable of it, she would be able to do.

In the present, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that assists women in growing their hair by providing personalized coaching and informative workshops . She was the recipient of the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were impressed by her gentle, holistic approach to caring for her customers. On top of that she's on track to earn the highest level of trichology certification to deepen her expertise in her area of expertise.

Here's the story of how Asha transformed her love of hair into a coaching, education and coaching business that's changing hairstyles of women -- and lives -and lives -.

The transformation of a passion into an authentic business by being authentic

When Asha began to learn about natural hair care She wasn't the only one. Many women from around the globe were also documenting their personal hair journeys. She recalls "This was before YouTube became the business space that it is today, and people were just sharing their advice, recipes, experiences and tribulations."

"It was an eye-opener to hear the sheer number of Black women discussing this together and yet we're living in different places. All of us are going through this experience, and now it has been given a name: the Natural Hair Movement."

When Asha chose to publish her story publicly She was attracted to YouTube as it's where the other YouTube creators were spending their time. "I was joining them," she explains. "I did not know which direction I was taking. I was just looking to participate in it."

Her channel Asha recorded everything she experienced while she was attempting to learn and learn how to take good care of her hair. This was an obsession project that was a passion project, and Asha determined to share her true herself. People loved watching her videos, and over the years, her YouTube channel and her Instagram page have grown.

"While I was documenting my journey in the very initial stages, I wasn't taking in the views, or even the readers," she says. "It was an opportunity to share my journey with my hair. Many people found it fascinating and began to follow."

With Asha's reach on social media increased, her creation process became more strategic, as she thought of new resources for her users.

Meanwhile, Asha was working full-time and was living in various countries all over Europe. She was looking into jobs related to hair for big companies, but they all didn't feel appropriate.

Asha became a creator just to talk about her own experience. Her positive and honest videos attracted attention from viewers and she realized she had the potential to make an effect. She knew that monetization would let her invest to her viewers and growing her expertise. She believed that this hobby was going to transform from a hobby to something that could be a profitable business If she were able to devote her entire attention to it. Then everything fell into place.

Asha was in between work trips to the Caribbean when the pandemic forced worldwide lockdowns. There was no place to go and a lot of time to spare this was the perfect time to take the plunge.

"There was not a chance in the way of doing something I believed in. When I was in lockdown, I got that chance to myself that I decided I would make my own opportunity."

So Asha got to work.

Powerful and powerful simple launch

Asha initially planned to sell physical haircare products, but she was approached by a mentor who looked at her online presence, which was a huge one, and recommended that she provide personalized consults instead. The advice, coupled with the difficulty of sourcing products as a result of the global pandemic sent Asha down the digital path.

Her first offering was a 1-on-1 regimen-building session. It was unclear how her audience would respond and so kept her launch plan simple. She made an Typeform application, and posted the link to Instagram along with a description of the coaching she offers.

"I spoke about the work I was up to and offered encouragement individuals to take part," she shares. "I got over 200 responses. The applicants were just applying for coaching by me and didn't need to pay, but they did provide me with their email addresses as well as shared the hair issues they had. Then I responded to them and provided a booking form."

This is an excellent approach to evaluate the idea with no cost upfront. Asha made her product attainable and analyzed how much enthusiasm she received from her intended audience.

By using the apps, she learned what the audience wanted through their own words, and increased her list of email subscribers. Those who felt like it was the right fit would become her first clients, and she showed that the idea was viable before spending endless hours and millions of dollars for the launch of a major campaign.

Asha began meeting with clients. However, she quickly learned the needs of her clients went further than just recommending hair products and developing custom hair regimens.

"I discovered that this job requires much more than picking the right products and styles. You'll need take on some mental work."

"There's an underlying relationship between self-acceptance, and the growth of your hair long and healthy at first. The hair you have is saved and removed. Hair is a dying fiber. You can't revive it, consequently, everything you make to your hair your hair remembers and will influence the future of your hair."

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

"One of the core tenets of my program is this idea of absolute tenderness. If you want to be kind with your hair, you have to accept it. Be patient with it and comfortable that it looks a particular way. I realized there's this connection with self-acceptance that is radical and softness and preserving your hair to allow it to grow."

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 clients, Asha discovered that one-time coaching is beneficial for proactive clients who already had a positive relationship with their hair. But it was not working for customers that needed to be more accountable.

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 and helps clients build healthier hair mindsets and habits.

Today, Longer Lengths(tm) is Asha's signature coaching offer and the primary method she uses to work with clients in a one-on-one manner. For clients who are at different stages in their journey to hair, Asha is also able to offer the 90-minute Grow Your'Fro Long Hair course. .

Asha is selling her on-demand crash course as an in-demand product so customers can have a quick win any time, and she takes batches of Longer Lengths(tm) customers several times a year.

A well-planned mix of different programs can be a good option for those who provide coaching. Self-service products are less expensive and scalable, giving customers an opportunity to interact with the creator before making an investment. Higher-ticket 1:1 programs are ideal for clients who want more direct interactions. With both options the ability to connect with more people in your target demographic.

Next, we'll examine the strategies of Asha to overcome challenges and sustaining a business that is in line with her interests as well as the demands of her clients.

Tips from Asha for getting away from your own obstacles

Every company has its share of challenges But Asha has learned to handle challenges with confidence. What is her secret? Get help from experts, fight the imposter syndrome and tap toward the individuality.

Asking for help is a time-saver

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

"I know I don't have all the answers... Talking to an expert helps me get through the muck and avoid wasting time. That's why I place the highest value on this sort of understanding."

You need assistance with your business , but aren't sure what to do?

Find evidence to confront imposter syndrome head-on

Start by keeping an upbeat 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 think of positive aspects that happen in my life."

To build your own good record, create an account on your personal computer where you save five-star feedback as well as notes of appreciation from clients. When you feel down or uncertain, open the file, and think about how awesome you are.

The second step is to develop into an expert in your subject area. According to Asha, "Another way to battle imposter syndrome is to become extremely enthralled by the product you're offering. I'm fine with being fascinated by things to the point where some people find it odd. I have a whole collection of information about hair. I'm always reading regarding hair as well as hair research."

Inquiring into your field and gaining knowledge can lessen those feelings of uncertainty. This can be done through personal research, practice, or making the investment in higher-education certificates like Asha .

After she spoke to her accountability coach regarding the incident, they realized that the absence of any specifics caused it to be difficult to record in the moment -- the video script wasn't fully completed, and the goal was unclear. Once she defined her goals, revisited her video, and made changes, her feelings of Imposter Syndrome dissipated.

Then, Asha asks herself, "How do I approach this task in a way that, even when I'm feeling those feelings, I still feel good? Why did I decide to create this video? And what do I want viewers to accomplish after watching it? If I can answer that question I'm able to sit through any discomfort I'm feeling."

Simply put, imposter syndrome is a common occurrence for creatives, but it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. According to Asha says, "The great thing about dealing with this is that you start to become the kind of person who doesn't run away in the face of anxiety."

Lean into the things that distinguish you

Embrace the characteristics that make you stand out as a creative. A particular quality or expertise could differentiate you from others and provide you to more potential customers.

"Apply yourself and go for this," Asha says. "And then continue applying yourself to other fields in order to add your own unique spin on whatever you're working on. In my case, I can also provide assistance for you in German or Spanish."

Asha also has a research background that gives her content a special scientific spin.

"Don't concentrate too much on the details of what other people in the space are doing. Create your own angle and keep enhancing your strengths that allow you to stand out."

In asking for help, managing imposter syndrome, by sharing your own unique talents and talents, you'll soon get on your way towards making a company you're confident about .

"Follow your heart's desire. I'm extremely happy that I designed this program, which involves self-acceptance and the ability to empathize, hair science, cosmetic science, accountability and nutrition, as well as styling as well as health. I've also merged all of that in one."