You can always find a person that just understands your drive through masterminds and business communities! This time around I have managed to build a strong relationship with this bright spirited individual, who I can not only call a boss babe, but also a friend! I’ve had great excitement hearing about all of the great ventures Ashonte has lined up in the upcoming year. Let’s see what she’s been up to in the business realm.
Meet Ashonte…
Hello loves 🙂Â
A peek into my lifestyle may be a little crazy because I have a packed schedule. Between being a mom, an entrepreneur, and working full time in a salon things get pretty hectic. My name is Ashonte and I own Exquisite Hair by Ashonte ✨ I have a women’s empowerment blog “Her Aspirations,” and I even wrote a book “How To Start A Business With Little To No Money,” which can be found on amazon kindle. I also recently started a YouTube channel “Exquisitely Tay” so as you can see I have a lot on my plate, but I just take things day by day and enjoy my rise to the top 🙂Â
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur or be my own boss! When I was in high school I wanted to be a lawyer and when I got to college I decided to go to school to be an orthodontist. Both careers would allow me to have my own practice and be my own boss! I was in the dental field 2 years before I decided to start my hair extension company. I always loved beauty so at the time it just seemed right 🙂 And boy was it right! God has truly blessed me!Â
Through my business and my life, I want people to love themselves and believe in themselves. I want people to know that no matter what they can make it. So I feel like my purpose with my business is to be a light and spread love and kindness while making an impact!Â
Being a woman of color can sometimes feel like you have a target on your back. I work in a predominantly “white” hair salon and just the other day someone called me “the little black girl” lol.Â
I love being a strong educated black woman! I am super ambitious and I strive for perfection 🙂 so in instances where I’m referred to as just the little black girl, I take pride in knowing that I’m the best at what I do. Killing them with kindness and slaying them with my amazing work!Â
Empowered women empower women! And what a wonderful time it is to be an entrepreneur and be surrounded by like minded woman who are standing up and standing out. The most fulfilling part of it all is just seeing women win! I’m here for the women’s empowerment #girlpowerÂ
I started selling hair extensions in 2014. When I first started it wasn’t as saturated of a market as it is now. I’m really happy I got in early, but with tons of people joining the market and selling cheap hair this has changed the dynamics of it in some ways. But I’ve learned to stay in my lane and stick to what I know 🙂 and that works great for me!Â
My biggest challenge has been support. I thought my family and friends would be jumping up and down to support me, but I’ve learned not to expect anything from anyone. No one wants it as bad as you! I’ve been building Exquisite Hair by Ashonte for 5 years now, and I’ve learned to root for myself, promote myself heavy, and go after my goals and dreams no matter who supports me.Â
I am most proud that I built my business on my own. It was slow and steady but these last 2 years have been amazing for me! And things just keep getting better and better 🙂
I used to really be into social media but the more I’ve matured and become focused I only use it for business. I don’t do much browsing on gossip or what’s going on in the world; therefore it’s easy to stay away from imposter syndrome. I spend countless hours thinking about my own unique ideas that will set me apart 🙂Â
When I went to cosmetology school the whole culture was about positivity. I started reading more books about positivity, listening to podcasts about positivity, just everything positivity. Being positive has completely changed my life and the way I run my business. I believe in treating everybody like a somebody and this has been the greatest tool that has helped me in the entrepreneurial world!Â
In June of this year I will be participating in Black Girls Making Millions, which is an extension of a show on the OWN (Oprah) network 🙂 So look out for Exquisite Hair by Ashonte, there are so many great things coming! To follow my journey you can follow me on Instagram @ex.quisite.hair or subscribe to my YouTube channel Exquisite Tay 🙂 I have so much more to come!!
If you are thinking of starting your own business I say go for it! Believe in yourself and your abilities. You won’t know what can happen unless you try. You got this girl! I believe in you and I want to see you win! Let’s win together 🙂
It was such a pleasure hearing your story Ashonte! I hope you all enjoyed just a peak into Ashonte’s business successes. Be sure to share her story and the other black women in business stories with someone who needs encouragement!
Ann Wallace says
You are a remarkable and inspiring young woman. To say that you are going to be something is an understatement because in my eyes you are already somebody. Through your life’s experiences and perseverance, you have come a long way and I couldn’t be prouder of who you are and who you’ve become….a mom, an entrepreneur, a leader, a strong, beautiful Black woman, and our daughter!! We love you!!