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

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

At a very young age, Asha Downes dreamed of having long hair. She was a hairdresser who loved playing alongside her peers and trying out hairstyles of different types, however, she was constantly told it was difficult 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 another creator who had the same hair texture with naturally, long hair. Although everyone said it was impossible his hair was full and healthy. Asha realized that if her creator could do it, she should be able too.

In the present, Asha runs Naturally High Hair, a company that assists women in growing their natural hair through personalized mentorship as well as informative workshops . Asha was awarded the 2022 Fall Creator Fellowship, and we were amazed by her kind, comprehensive approach to caring for her clients. On top of that she's on track to earn the advanced level in trichology to increase her understanding of her area of expertise.

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

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

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 natural hair adventures. She recalls "This was prior to when YouTube became the business space it is now, so people were just sharing their tips, recipes, trials, and tribulations."

"It was an eye-opener to hear the sheer number of Black women talking about this together in spite of being living in different places. We're all going through this experience that's now got an official name: "The naturally-haired movement."

As Asha chose to publish her experience publicly and share her story with the world, she found herself drawn to YouTube because that's where other YouTube creators were spending their time. "I wanted to join with them," she explains. "I did not know which direction I was taking. I just wanted to be part of it."

Through her YouTube channel, Asha took pictures of everything in her quest to understand and learn how to take proper care of her hair. This was an obsession undertaking as Asha focused on sharing her real self. Her audience loved following along as she shared her story, and throughout the years, her YouTube channel and Instagram account have grown.

"While I was recording my experience in its very early stages, I wasn't watching the view or even the readers," she recalls. "It was a platform 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 procedure became more methodical, and she brainstormed future resources to help her viewers.

In the meantime, Asha was working full-time and living in different countries across Europe. She looked into hair-related jobs for big companies, but nothing felt the way she wanted to be.

Asha began her career as a filmmaker to talk about her own experience. The videos she created with her upbeat, transparent style were a hit with viewers, and she began to realize that she could make an impact. She knew that monetization would allow her to invest back to her viewers and growing her expertise. In her mind, this dream project was changing into a business opportunity, if only she could give it her full attention. After that, everything was in its proper.

Asha was between jobs visiting the Caribbean when the pandemic forced global lockdowns. With nowhere to go and time on her hands, it felt like an opportunity to jump in.

"There was not a chance in front of me to do what I was passionate about. When I was in lockdown, I had that time to myself that I decided I would make my own opportunity."

And so Asha got to work.

The potential of a simple launch

Asha initially planned to sell items for her hair, but she was approached by a mentor who looked at her extensive online presence and suggested that she offer individual consulting instead. The advice, coupled with difficulties sourcing supplies as a result of the global pandemic caused Asha on a digital journey.

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 created an Typeform application and shared the URL on Instagram along with a description of the coaching she offers.

"I talked about what I was doing and encouraged individuals to take part," she shares. "I received over 200 applications. The only reason they were interested was to have me coach them and didn't need to pay, but they did provide me with their email addresses as well as shared the hair issues they had. After that, I contacted them and included a booking link."

It's a great way to test the idea with no initial investment. Asha put her idea in a market that is accessible and gauged how much interest she had from her target public.

By using the apps that she used, she learned what the audience wanted in their own words and grew her email list. Those who felt like 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 the launch of a major campaign.

Asha began meeting with clients, but she soon realized that the demands of clients' beyond recommending products or creating custom hair regimens.

"I realized this work involves more than just picking the right products or styles. We're going to have to do some mindset work."

"There's there is a significant connection between self-acceptance and growing your hair long and healthy at first. Hair can only be preserved and destroyed. It's dead hair. It's impossible to revive it. so everything you do to your hair, your hair's memory will influence its future."

In this way, Asha shifted to a more holistic style focusing on hair acceptance and self-love .

"One of the fundamental tenets of my program is this idea of radical kindness. To be gentle in your hair, you have accept the fact that it is. You have to be patient with it and comfortable to look a certain style. There's a link with self-acceptance that is radical and softness as well as preserving hair so it can grow longer."

Being attentive to the feedback of her clients assisted Asha expand the content of her coaching curriculum and establish the direction of her business overall. When she worked with clients Asha discovered that one-time coaching is beneficial for proactive clients who already enjoyed a relationship with their hair. But it was not working for customers that needed to be more accountable.

This inspired her to create an extensive coaching program known as Longer Lengths(tm), which offers ongoing support for an extended period and helps clients build healthier hair mindsets and habits.

Today, Longer Lengths(tm) is her most popular coaching service and is the main approach she takes to working with individuals individually. To accommodate clients at all stages in their hair journey, Asha is also able to offer a 90-minute Grow-Your-'Fro Long Hair course. .

Asha sells her on-demand crash course as an in-demand service that lets customers get a quick win at anytime they want, and she takes batches of longer Lengths(tm) customers a couple of times a year.

An intentional blend of programs is a great choice for creators who offer coaching. Self-serve products are more affordable 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 interaction. With both options, you can reach the larger audience of your segment.

In the next installment, we'll look at the strategies of Asha to overcome challenges as well as ensuring a sustainable company aligned with her passion as well as the demands of her clients.

Asha's tips for getting free of obstacles

Every company has its share of challenges But Asha has learned how to deal with obstacles with confidence. The secret to her success? Bring in experts, wrangle an imposter syndrome and then lean toward individuality.

Helping others will save you time.

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

"I am aware that I don't know everything there is to know... Speaking to an expert is a great way for me to cut through the clutter and save time. So, 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

The first step is to keep a positive track. "I keep a record of anything good that I do," Asha elaborates. "I have a list of my accomplishments, so I begin to train my brain to be focused on the positives within my own life."

To create your own positive record, set up the computer with a folder where you save five-star feedback as well as notes of appreciation from clients. If you're feeling down or scared, access your file and remember 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 don't mind being obsessed with an item to the extent that some people find it somewhat odd. I've got a huge data base on hair. I'm constantly reading about hair and hair science."

Diving into your niche and gaining knowledge can lessen your anxiety. This can be done through individual research, practice or investing in higher education credentials like Asha .

When she spoke with her accountability coach concerning the incident, they discovered the lack of details caused it to be difficult to record during the present moment. the script for the video wasn't completely developed, and its purpose wasn't clear. After she had defined the goals, revisited her video, and made changes, her feelings of Imposter Syndrome dissipated.

Now, Asha asks herself, "How do I approach the task so that even if I'm experiencing those feelings, I still feel okay? Why am I creating this video? And what do I want viewers to accomplish after they watch the video? Once I have that answer, it's easier for me to endure any pain I'm feeling."

Simply put, imposter condition is common occurrence for creatives however it does not have to be a dealbreaker. In the words of Asha states, "The great thing about facing that situation is that it allows you to become the kind of person who does not run from fear."

Take advantage of the qualities that distinguish you

Take advantage of the qualities that will make you stand out as an creator. A particular characteristic or skill can set you apart from the competition and connect your business with more clients.

"Apply yourself, and try it," Asha says. "And keep applying yourself to other fields to bring your unique twist to whatever you are doing. For me, I can also provide assistance on German and Spanish."

Asha is also a researcher with a background which lends her work an extra scientific twist.

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

In asking for help, managing imposter syndrome, and sharing your special skills and talents, you'll soon be well on the road to creating a business you're confident about .

"Follow your passion. I'm extremely happy that I designed this program, which involves self-acceptance compassion, empathy, hair science, makeup science, responsibility and nutrition, as well as styling and health and to merge everything to create one."