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 šĀ
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 āØ I have a womenās empowerment blog āHer Aspirations,ā and I even wrote a book āHow To Start A Business With Little To No Money,ā which can be found on amazon kindle. I also recently started a YouTube channel āExquisitely Tayā 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 šĀ
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 š And boy was it right! God has truly blessed me!Ā
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!Ā
Being a woman of color can sometimes feel like you have a target on your back. I work in a predominantly āwhiteā hair salon and just the other day someone called me āthe little black girlā lol.Ā
I love being a strong educated black woman! I am super ambitious and I strive for perfection š so in instances where Iām referred to as just the little black girl, I take pride in knowing that Iām the best at what I do. Killing them with kindness and slaying them with my amazing work!Ā
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! Iām here for the womenās empowerment #girlpowerĀ
I started selling hair extensions in 2014. When I first started it wasnāt as saturated of a market as it is now. Iām 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 Iāve learned to stay in my lane and stick to what I know š and that works great for me!Ā
My biggest challenge has been support. I thought my family and friends would be jumping up and down to support me, but Iāve learned not to expect anything from anyone. No one wants it as bad as you! Iāve been building Exquisite Hair by Ashonte for 5 years now, and Iāve learned to root for myself, promote myself heavy, and go after my goals and dreams no matter who supports me.Ā
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 š
I used to really be into social media but the more Iāve matured and become focused I only use it for business. I donāt do much browsing on gossip or whatās going on in the world; therefore itās easy to stay away from imposter syndrome. I spend countless hours thinking about my own unique ideas that will set me apart šĀ
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!Ā
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 š 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 š 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 wonāt know what can happen unless you try. You got this girl! I believe in you and I want to see you win! Letās win together š
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!