We were lucky to catch up with Zakiyyah Suluki recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zakiyyah, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

1st Impreccion Salon – The Birth of a Dream (2001)
On 9/11/2001, I took a leap of faith and had a grand opening of 1st Impreccion Salon. At the time, I had already been a licensed cosmetologist and educator for years, but I knew I wanted to create more than just another hair salon—I wanted a space where clients felt seen, heard, and truly cared for.

The early 2000s were a time when relaxers, heavy chemical treatments, and heat-styling reigned supreme. Women were coming to me with severe scalp damage, hair thinning, and breakage. I realized that the traditional salon model wasn’t enough. Clients needed education, holistic care, and products that actually nurtured their hair—not just styled it.

I opened 1st Impreccion Salon with the belief that the first thing people notice about you—your hair, confidence, and energy—should be a reflection of health and self-care, not just aesthetics. I focused on creating an experience where women (and men) could regain control of their hair health while still achieving the styles they loved. My salon became a place of transformation, where clients could grow their hair naturally, heal their scalps, and feel beautiful in the process.

Hunie Hair Care 2.0 – Solving a Problem (2006)
By 2006, my clientele had grown significantly, and so had my frustration. I was constantly treating dry scalps, excessive shedding, hair thinning, and slow growth, but the products available on the market were filled with harsh sulfates, drying alcohols, and toxic chemicals. I saw firsthand how many of my clients suffered from scalp conditions that weren’t being properly addressed.

I knew there had to be a better way.

That’s when Hunie Hair Care was born. I started crafting my own herbal-infused treatments, blending ancient remedies with modern hair science. I researched deeply into natural ingredients—burdock, fenugreek, turmeric, hibiscus, rosemary, stinging nettle, castor oil, and honey—ingredients known for their ability to stimulate hair growth, soothe the scalp, and restore moisture.

The first product I ever created was my root stimulator treatment, designed to wake up dormant follicles and promote thicker, healthier hair. When my clients started seeing real results—hair growing back in thinning areas, scalps no longer itching or flaking, and hair strands feeling stronger—I knew I was onto something.

What got me most excited was the transformation. Seeing someone who had given up on their hair—maybe from stress, postpartum shedding, or years of chemical damage—suddenly regain confidence was the ultimate reward.

The Logic Behind the Vision
I knew Hunie Hair Care would work because I wasn’t just guessing—I had years of hands-on experience treating real hair and scalp issues. Unlike big brands, I wasn’t formulating based on trends. I was formulating based on what my clients actually needed.

I also understood that people were shifting toward clean beauty and were tired of harmful ingredients. I was ahead of that movement, offering a holistic, scalp-first approach before it became mainstream.

More Than Just a Business – A Mission
The success of 1st Impreccion Salon and Hunie Hair Care 2.0 wasn’t just about selling products or running a salon. It was about educating, empowering, and providing real solutions for people struggling with their hair health.

I wasn’t just styling hair—I was healing it.
I wasn’t just selling products—I was restoring confidence.

And that’s what still drives me today!

Zakiyyah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I graduated from high school in 1994. Strongly believing in my passion I found a hair school, I would set up an interview to see the environment & if I or the hair school would be a good fit for each other. At the time I was 17, so I needed my parents to join me for the interview process. My mother was always supportive, however my father not so much. He would have wanted me to follow in my two older sister’s steps & go to college. As a passionate hairstylist at the age of 12 I always cut, curled, colored my friends & families hair. I knew what I wanted & nothing & no one would stop me from my goal. I did not have a vision of owning my own business until I was accepted to Jean Madeline Education Center in Philadelphia PA. for cosmetology. Learning different curriculums while in hair school I was taught to think as a business owner not an employee, I had to have a vision board not knowing that is what it was at the time & in order to graduate I had to build out a Hair Salon. That is when I started to dream of owning my own salon.

After years of working in various salons and gaining experience in the industry, I decided to take the leap and start my own
business in 2001. In 2006 I decided to build my hair care brand from scratch due to not having clean ingredients to use on my customers scalp & hair. My passion for healthy hair & scalp was/is always my main focus for my customers to moisturize, strengthen, and repair damaged hair, leading to healthier and more vibrant hair over time. Many conventional hair products that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances can strip the hair of its natural oils, cause scalp irritation, and may even be linked to long-term health concerns. Natural hair products typically use gentle, plant-based ingredients that are less likely to cause harm.

When I decided to build my hair care brand there were only 3 Melanated companies that were in business, however a lot of the ingredients were not natural. I knew I wanted a high-quality hair brand, so I needed to invest in research development, and test my hair products to maintain standards as I scale.I knew I needed to develop a robust marketing plan. I would study my clients and employees clients hair. Asking vigorous hard questions trying to get to the root of why woman, men & children are loosing hair & suffering from scalp issues so rapidly. I would then consult with my mother because she was a herbalist. My mother would give me books to study, I would read about health, stress, food & chemicals in products to realize it is all connected. My mission was/is to help individuals embrace their natural hair while maintaining its health and vitality.

My product line would include shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners/ treatments, styling creams, and oils. I would focus on individuals who prioritize natural and organic products and are willing to invest in high-quality hair care products.I was not utilizing social media at that time however I would utilize google. For Thirteen years my products were sold & used exclusively in my Salon. The idea of my brand’s reach was the most fulfilling moment. Once social media started to grow, I finally gave my hair care line a chance to crossover & Hunie Hair Care 2.0 would then have an online presence.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty – The COVID-19 Shutdown

When COVID-19 shut the world down in 2020, it felt like everything I had built over the years was slipping through my fingers. 1st Impreccion Salon, a business I had poured my heart and soul into since 2001, had to close its doors indefinitely.

I remember the day I locked up the salon, unsure of when—or if—I’d be able to reopen. The uncertainty was heavy. My clients, many of whom had been with me for years, were suddenly left without the services they depended on. Income stopped overnight, but the bills didn’t. Like so many other small business owners, I was faced with a terrifying question: How do I survive this?

But giving up was never an option.

Turning Setback into a Comeback
With the salon closed, I had to pivot—fast. I took a step back and asked myself: What do my clients need now? How can I still serve them even if they can’t sit in my chair?

That’s when I realized that Hunie Hair Care 2.0 could be the answer. My clients still needed solutions for their scalp health, hair growth, and maintenance—but now, they had to take care of their hair at home.

So, I shifted my focus to e-commerce and education.

I started promoting my products online more aggressively.
I created tutorials on how to maintain hair at home using Hunie Hair Care.
I connected with my clients through social media, offering guidance and support from a distance.
I researched how to build an even stronger online presence, knowing that digital marketing was now more important than ever.
The Lesson: Resilience Is About Adaptation
COVID-19 forced me to adapt, and in doing so, I uncovered a new level of strength, creativity, and resourcefulness I didn’t know I had.

By the time the world started reopening, I wasn’t just returning to business as usual—I had built a stronger brand, a wider audience, and a new way of connecting with my customers.

The biggest takeaway?
Adversity will come. The key is to pivot, adapt, and find a way forward—because when passion and purpose drive you, no obstacle is too big to overcome.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Most Effective Strategies for Growing Clientele
For both Hunie Hair Care 2.0 and 1st Impreccion Salon, the most effective strategies have always been about solving real problems, building trust, and creating a personalized experience.

1st Impreccion Salon – Growth Through Relationship-Building & Expertise
1. Word of Mouth & Client Referrals

From the beginning, my salon grew because of results and relationships. When clients saw real hair transformations—stronger, healthier hair—they couldn’t stop talking about it.
I encouraged referrals by offering discounts or incentives when clients brought in family or friends.
2. Scalp & Hair Health Focus

I positioned myself as a specialist in scalp health and hair growth, not just another stylist.
I gave personalized consultations to educate clients on their unique hair needs, which built trust and loyalty.
3. Exclusive & Consistent Client Experience

I made sure my salon offered more than just hair styling—it was an experience.
From the calming atmosphere to the one-on-one attention, clients felt valued and cared for, making them return regularly.
4. Social Media & Before/After Transformations

I showcased real results on Instagram and Facebook—before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and even live tutorials.
This visual proof attracted new clients who were looking for solutions beyond just styling.
Hunie Hair Care 2.0 – Growth Through Digital Marketing & Problem-Solving
1. Educating Through Content

I didn’t just sell products—I educated my audience on why they needed them.
I created videos, tutorials, and blog posts about scalp health, hair growth, and how to properly use my products.
2. Targeted Social Media & Influencer Marketing

I leveraged Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to reach the right audience—people struggling with scalp issues, hair thinning, and dry hair.
Collaborating with beauty influencers and hairstylists helped build credibility and expand my reach.
3. Customer Testimonials & UGC (User-Generated Content)

Happy customers became my best marketers!
I encouraged clients to share their results using Hunie Hair Care and reposted their content, building trust with new potential customers.
4. Email Marketing & Special Offers

I used email marketing to stay connected with my customers, offering exclusive discounts, hair care tips, and product recommendations.
Limited-time discounts and bundle deals helped increase average order value and repeat purchases.
5. Loyalty Programs & Subscription Model

I introduced a rewards program where customers earned points for purchases, referrals, and social shares.
I also explored subscription options for my most-used products so customers never ran out.
The Common Thread? Trust & Value
The biggest key to growing both businesses was proving value first. I built a reputation for actually helping people solve their hair problems, and that trust naturally converted into loyal customers.

Bottom Line: If you give people real solutions and consistently show up with value, they’ll not only buy from you but also bring others with them!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://huniehair.com
• Instagram: huniehair2.0
• Facebook: 1stimpreccionsalon
• Linkedin: Zakiyyah Suluki
• Youtube: Hunie Hair 2.0
• Other: tik tok: huniehair

Image Credits

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