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

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

At a very young age, Asha Downes dreamed of being able to have long hair. She loved playing hairdresser alongside her peers and trying out various styles. However, she was told repeatedly that it was not possible to develop her hair with afro texture to the lengths she desired.

The world changed drastically when Asha was at the end of her teens. When she was browsing YouTube, she discovered an artist with the similar hair type with naturally, long hair. Despite everyone saying that it couldn't be done his hair was strong and healthy. Asha was aware that if the creator was able to do it, she could too.

Today, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that aids women to grow their hair by providing personalized mentorship and info-packed workshops . She was the recipient of the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were wowed by her gentle, holistic approach to caring for her clients. On top of that, she's working towards an advanced qualification in trichology to deepen her expertise in her area of expertise.

This is how Asha transformed her love of hair into a coaching and educational business that's changing hairstyles of women -- and lives -to the good.

Making a passion-driven project an innovative business with authenticity

As Asha started to study the benefits of natural hair She wasn't the only one. Many women from around the globe were also sharing their own natural hair-care adventures. The woman recalls "This was prior to when YouTube was the internet-based commercial platform it is now, so people were just sharing their tips, recipes, trials and tribulations."

"It was paradigm-shifting to see an array of Black women discussing this issue together and yet we're located in different parts of the world. All of us are living through this journey, and now it has a name: The Natural Hair Movement."

If Asha decided to share her story publicly She was attracted to YouTube since it was where many other YouTube creators were spending their time. "I was joining the crowd," she explains. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I was just looking to participate in it."

Through her YouTube channel, Asha documented everything as she began to unlearn and learn how to take proper care of her hair. It was a personal for her that was a passion project, and Asha was focused on sharing her true self. People loved watching her videos, and over the years, her YouTube channel as well as her her Instagram page have grown.

"While I was capturing my experience in its very initial stages, I wasn't looking at the views or subscribers" she recalls. "It was an opportunity to share my journey by revealing my hair. Many people found it fascinating and started to follow."

With Asha's reach on social media increased, her creation procedure became more methodical, and she brainstormed future resources for her users.

In the meantime, Asha was working full-time as a freelancer and living in different cities throughout Europe. She looked into hair-related jobs for big companies, but they all didn't feel the way she wanted to be.

Asha was a YouTuber just to talk about her own experience. The videos she created with her upbeat, transparent style attracted attention from viewers and she began to realize that she could have a real impact. The idea of monetization was to enable her to put her money back in her fans and growing her expertise. In her mind, this hobby was going to transform from a hobby to a business opportunity If she were able to devote her entire attention to it. Then everything fell into place.

Asha was on her way to the Caribbean as the pandemic caused the world to lock down. There was no place to go and time on her hands the situation was like the perfect time to jump in.

"There wasn't an opportunity in front of me to do something I believed in. It was during lockdown when I got that chance to me that I decided that I was going to create my own opportunities."

So Asha began to do her job.

The power of a super simple launch

Asha initially planned to sell physical haircare products, but a mentor looked at her online presence, which was a huge one, and recommended that she provide customized consults instead. That advice, combined with difficulties sourcing supplies during a global pandemic, led Asha on a digital journey.

Her first offering was a 1:1 regimen-building consultation. She wasn't sure the response of her clients to her product, which is why she created a simple launch plan. She created a Typeform application, and shared the URL on Instagram with an explanation about her coaching services.

"I shared what I was up to and offered encouragement applicants to consider applying," she shares. "I received over 200 applications. They were only applying to be coached by me which means they don't need to make a payment, however they gave me their email addresses and discussed their hair concerns. Then I responded to them and included a booking link."

It's a great approach to evaluate the idea with no upfront investment. Asha created a product that was affordable and gauged how much interest she received from her intended group of customers.

Through the applications, she learned the needs of her customers through their own words, and increased her list of email subscribers. The people who thought they were a perfect match would become her first clients, and she showed that the idea was viable before spending endless hours and money on a big launch.

Asha began to meet with clients, but she soon realized that the demands of clients' deeper than recommending products and formulating custom hair care regimens.

"I realized this work involves more than just picking items and designs. You'll need be able to think differently."

"There's there is a significant relationship between self-acceptance, and the growth of your hair healthy and long at first. The hair you have is kept alive and then damaged. It's a dead fiber. It's not revivable, consequently, everything you make to your hair your hair's memory will affect its future."

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

"One of the core tenets of my program is the concept of extreme gentleness. To be gentle in your hair, you must to accept it. You have to be patient with it, and accept to look a certain manner. There's a link with self-acceptance that is radical and softness in preserving your hair, in order to make it grow more."

Being attentive to the feedback of her clients helped Asha expand the content of her coaching curriculum as well as define the structure of her company overall. When she worked with customers, Asha realized that one-time coaching could be beneficial for proactive clients who already had a positive relationship with their hair. However, it didn't work for those who required more responsibility.

This inspired her to create a comprehensive coaching program called Longer Lengths(tm) and provides sustained support over a longer period of time while customers build healthy hair mindsets and habits.

Today, longer Lengths(tm) is her signature coaching offer and the primary method she uses to work with clients individually. In order to accommodate clients of all stages in their hair growth journey Asha is also able to offer 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, and she takes batches of Longer Lengths(tm) clients a few occasions per 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 flexible, giving clients an opportunity to interact with your company prior to making a larger investment. Higher-ticket 1:1 programs are ideal for clients who want more personal interactions. With both options, you can reach more people in your target segment.

Up next, we'll explore the strategies of Asha to overcome challenges as well as ensuring a sustainable company that is in line with her interests as well as the demands of her clients.

Asha's suggestions for getting free of obstacles

Every business has hard moments But Asha has learned to handle challenges with confidence. Her secret? Engage experts, combat imposter syndrome, and lean toward your individuality.

Asking for help can save time.

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

"I know I don't know everything there is to know... speaking to an expert helps me get through the muck and avoid wasting time. So, I place an emphasis on that sort of understanding."

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

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

First, keep a positive note. "I keep a note of everything good I do," Asha elaborates. "I am able to keep track of all my achievements. I can begin programming my brain to be focused on the positives within my own life."

To build your own positive record, set up a folder on your computer that you keep five-star feedback as well as notes of appreciation from clients. When you're feeling low or uncertain, open your folder and remember the awesome person you are.

The second step is to make yourself an authority in your subject area. According to Asha, "Another way to battle imposter syndrome is to become completely obsessed with what that you're selling. I'm fine with being fascinated by an item to the extent that some people find it somewhat odd. I have a whole data base on hair. I'm always reading about hair and hair science."

Inquiring into your field and learning more about it can ease those feelings of uncertainty. This can be done through personal research, practice, or investing in higher education credentials like Asha .

When she spoke with her accountability mentor about the situation, they realized that the absence of any specifics meant it was difficult to shoot during the present moment. the film script was not fully developed, and its purpose was not clear. After she had defined the goals and re-viewed her video and made improvements and adjustments, the feeling of Imposter Syndrome dissipated.

And now, Asha asks herself, "How can I prepare the task so that even when I'm feeling those sensations, I'll feel at ease? Why am I creating this video? And what would I like people to do after they watch it? Once I have that answer it's much easier to endure any pain I'm experiencing."

Simply put, imposter condition is aspect of the creative process for all however it does not have to be a cause for concern. As Asha states, "The great thing about facing that situation is that you begin becoming a person who isn't afraid to walk out in the fear."

Be aware of the aspects which make you different

Take advantage of the qualities that will make your company stand out as a creative. Being a person with a certain quality or expertise could differentiate you from your competitors and help connect you with more customers.

"Apply yourself to the task and then go for the best," Asha says. "And you can continue to apply yourself in other areas to bring your unique twist to whatever you are doing. In my case, I can also provide assistance on German and Spanish."

Asha is also a researcher with a background that gives her content it's own scientific flavor.

"Don't concentrate too much on the specifics of what the other players in the space are doing. Bring your unique angle and continue to strengthen your strengths that allow you to stick out."

In asking for help, managing imposter syndrome, by sharing your own unique talents and talents, you'll soon be well on the road towards building a company that you're happy with .

"Follow your heart's desire. I'm really glad to have developed this program which focuses on acceptance of oneself compassion, empathy, hair science, scientific research in cosmetics, accountability and nutrition, as well as styling as well as health. I've also merged all that together to create one."