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

Learn the ways Asha Downes turned her own natural hair journey into an education-based coaching company that is founded on radical kindness scientific research, self-love, and science.

Since her earliest days, Asha Downes dreamed of having hair that was long. She was a hairdresser who loved playing 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 into the 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 identical hairstyle that was growing long, natural hair. While everyone was saying this couldn't happen the hair of the creator was strong and healthy. Asha knew that if this creator was able to do it, she could too.

Today, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that assists women in growing their hair by providing personalized mentorship as well as information-packed classes . She was the recipient of the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were wowed by her gentle, holistic method of caring for her customers. In addition she's working toward the highest level of trichology certification to further enhance her knowledge in her field.

This is the story of how Asha turned her passion into a coaching and education business that's transforming women's hair -- and lives -and lives -.

The transformation of a passion into a creative business through authenticity

When Asha started learning about healthy hair and natural ways to care for it She wasn't the only one. Many women from around the globe were also documenting their natural hair experiences. Her words "This was before YouTube became the business space it is now, so users were sharing tips, recipes, trials and triumphs."

"It was paradigm-shifting to see so many Black women discussing the same thing and yet we're located in different parts of the world. Everyone is living through this journey, and now it has been given a name: the naturally-haired movement."

When Asha chose to publish her personal story and share her story with the world, she found herself drawn to YouTube since it was where many other YouTube creators were spending their time. "I joined them," she explains. "I wasn't sure which direction I was taking. I just wanted to participate in it."

Through her YouTube channel, Asha recorded everything she experienced as she began to unlearn and relearn how to take proper care of her hair. It was a personal undertaking that was a passion project, and Asha determined to share her authentic herself. Her audience loved following along, and over the years, her YouTube channel and her Instagram page grew.

"While I was documenting my experiences in the early stages, I wasn't watching the view or the subscribers," she recalls. "It was a place to document my experience with my hair. The people who read it were interested and decided to join in."

As Asha's social media reach expanded, her content creation method became more strategic as she thought of new resources to help her viewers.

In the meantime, Asha was working full-time as a freelancer and living in different cities across Europe. She was looking into jobs related to hair with big corporations, however they all didn't feel right.

Asha was a YouTuber just to share her personal experience. Her positive and honest videos attracted attention from viewers and she realized that she had the potential to make an impact. The idea of monetization was to enable her to put her money back into serving her audience and advancing her knowledge. Her mind was convinced that her hobby was going to transform from a hobby to an opportunity for business If she were able to give it her full attention. Then everything fell into the right place.

Asha was on her way to the Caribbean at the time that the pandemic triggered the world to lock down. With nowhere to go and no time this was a sign to jump in.

"There wasn't an opportunity in front of me to do the things I loved to do. It was during lockdown when I was able to be myself that I decided I could create my own chance."

So Asha got to work.

The potential of a simple launch

Asha initially intended to sell physical haircare products, but she was approached by a mentor who looked at her extensive online presence and advised her to offer individual consulting instead. The advice, coupled with difficulties sourcing supplies during a global pandemic, led Asha down the digital path.

The first item she launched was a 1:1 regimen-building consultation. She wasn't sure how her audience would respond, so she created a simple launch plan. She created a Typeform application and put the link up to Instagram with an explanation about her coaching services.

"I talked about what I was doing , and encouraged individuals to take part," she shares. "I got over 200 responses. The only reason they were interested was for coaching by me which means they don't need to make a payment, however they provided me with their email addresses and discussed their hair concerns. Then I responded to them with a link to book."

This is an excellent method to try out an idea without a huge initial investment. Asha created a product that was affordable and analyzed how much enthusiasm she had from her target audience.

By using the apps, 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 customers, however she realized quickly the needs of her clients went beyond recommending products or formulating customized hair care regimens.

"I discovered that this job requires much more than picking the right the right products or styles. We're going to have take on some mental work."

"There's an underlying relationship between self-acceptance, and the growth of your hair long and healthy in the very first time. Hair can only be kept alive and then damaged. It's dead hair. You can't revive it, therefore, whatever you do to your hair, the hair will remember and alter the future of your hair."

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 core concepts of my programme is this idea of absolute kindness. To be gentle when it comes to your hairstyle, you need to accept the fact that it is. Be patient with it and be okay to look a certain way. There's a link between self-acceptance, radical acceptance and kindness and preserving your hair in order to make it grow more."

Being attentive to the feedback of her clients assisted Asha to expand the scope of her coaching programs and establish the direction of her business in general. When she worked with clients Asha discovered that one-time coaching could be beneficial for proactive clients who already enjoyed a relationship with their hair. However, it was not working for customers who needed more accountability.

It inspired her to design a comprehensive coaching program called Longer Lengths(tm) that gives ongoing assistance over a longer period of time while customers build healthy hair habits and mindsets.

Today, Longer Lengths(tm) is her signature offering of coaching and the principal approach she takes to working with individuals individually. To accommodate clients at all stages in their hair journey, Asha is also able to offer the 90-minute Grow Your'Fro Long Hair Training Course .

Asha offers her online crash course as an in-demand service that lets customers get a quick win at any time her, and she also takes groups of Longer Lengths(tm) clients a few times per year.

A well-planned mix of courses is an excellent option for those who provide coaching. Self-serve services are cheaper 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 customers who prefer hands-on interaction. By having both, you can reach many more of the people within your targeted group.

Up next, we'll explore Asha's approach to overcoming challenges and sustaining a business that is in line with her interests as well as the demands of her clients.

Asha's tips for getting out of your own way

Every business has hard moments, but Asha has learned to handle challenges with confidence. The secret to her success? Get help from experts, fight the imposter syndrome and tap toward individuality.

The ability to ask for assistance can save time.

"I know I don't have the complete answers."

"I am aware that I don't have all the answers... Speaking with an expert can help me sort through the chaos and avoid wasting time. So, I place the highest value on this kind of insight."

Need help in your business , but aren't sure how to begin?

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

Start by keeping an optimistic note. "I keep a record of anything good that I do," Asha elaborates. "I am able to keep track of my accomplishments, so I can begin programming my brain to think of positive aspects that happen in my life."

To create your own positive record, set up the computer with a folder that you keep five-star feedback as well as notes of appreciation from clients. When you're feeling low or uncertain, you can open your file and remember your awesomeness.

Second, make yourself an authority within your area of expertise. According to Asha, "Another way to battle the imposter syndrome is by becoming extremely enthralled by the product that you're selling. I don't mind being fascinated by things to the point where other people think it's odd. I'm the owner of a collection of information about hair. I'm reading constantly about hair and hair science."

Exploring your area of expertise and gaining knowledge can lessen the anxiety. This can be done through individual research, practice or taking the time to acquire higher education certificates like Asha .

After she spoke to her accountability mentor regarding the incident, they realized that the absence of any specifics meant it was difficult to shoot during the present moment. the video script wasn't fully completed, and the goal was not clear. After she had defined the goals, revisited her video, and improved it and adjustments, the feeling of imposter syndrome faded.

Now, Asha asks herself, "How do I plan this task in a way that, even if I'm experiencing those emotions, I'm okay? Why did I decide to create this video? And what would I like viewers to accomplish after they watch the video? When I know that I'm able to endure any pain I'm feeling."

In simple terms, imposter's disorder is an inevitable aspect of the creative process for all However, it doesn't need to be an issue. As Asha says, "The great thing about confronting this issue is that it allows you to become the kind of person who doesn't run away in the face of anxiety."

Lean into the things which make you different

Be aware of the traits that help your company stand out as a creative. Having a particular personality trait or skill set will set you apart from the competition and connect you with more customers.

"Apply yourself to the task and then go for it," Asha says. "And then continue applying yourself to other fields in order to add your own unique spin to what you're doing. In my situation, I can also provide consultations on German as well as Spanish."

Asha is also a researcher with a background that gives her content a special scientific spin.

"Don't be too focused on the details of what others do in your field. Create your own angle and build on the things that help you stand out."

If you ask for assistance by tackling imposter's syndrome by sharing your own unique talents and characteristics, you'll get on your way to building a company that you're happy with .

"Follow your heart's desire. I'm very happy to have designed this program, which involves acceptance of oneself compassion, understanding, empathy, hair science makeup science, responsibility hair styling, nutrition as well as health. I've also merged everything in one."