Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Ickes

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Bio: Natasha Ickes is a 3x best selling author, international motivational speaker, entrepreneur, 4x TEDx speaker and success coach. She has a degree in Social Science and has been featured in multiple publications from MunaLuchi Bridal to the LA Tribune and Hudson Weekly. In 2019 she was a judge for Miss Teen USA as well as received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. Natasha’s path took her from a troubled childhood, addiction and two attempts to take her own life to finding her strength, breaking through insurmountable obstacles, and becoming the person she always wanted to be – a successful salon owner, mother and loving wife. Outside of the salon and coaching she regularly provides free haircuts in homeless shelters throughout the Bay Area. Her passion is to empower others and make the world a better place for everyone.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I have had my fair share of challenges. As a result of childhood abandonment and instability (living with different family members and in various motels) I struggled to find a sense of self worth. I suffered from depression since I was a young child and as a result my 1st suicide attempt I was 9 years old, my 2nd attempt at 16 left me hospitalized. Despite always doing well in school my home life made it challenging to stay focused. So by 16 was homeless, addicted, high school drop out. At 20 I got pregnant and decided to turn my life around. I got sober, enrolled in cosmetology school and aimed for stability. By 26 years old I was making 6 figures, opened my own hair salon and began traveling the world with my daughter.

I currently have owned my hair salon for close to 12 years, I am completely sober, am a 4x TEDx speaker, author and facilitator and am able to navigate painful transitions with much more grace and grit than I was before. I have found that all of my challenges, all of my lowest moments, have led to my greatest breakthroughs.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

My salon not only provides beautiful transformations for our clients and jobs for women in the community- but we also regularly provide free haircuts and styles to men, women and children in local homeless shelters. My work has led to awards and recognition from the CA State Senate.
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Outside of the salon I am best known as a Resilience Guru, helping people navigate and transcend life’s most challenging transitions. I do that through my books, keynote speeches, courses and coaching. My specific focus is on creating a generation of purpose based leaders who change the world first for themselves, then with their families and out in the world. My goal is to make the world better one leader at a time.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

Yes! Mentors and coaches can accelerate your path to success. My first mentor Mahima, was the reason I moved beyond just owning my salon and launched an entire new career. She saw more in me than I saw in myself and it was a life changing experience for me.

The most important part of picking a mentor is listening to your intuition. Yes do the research, make sure they are qualified to help you in your area(s) of need. Speak to them to make sure you get along, understand each other and seem to be on the same page. Look to make sure they have accomplished the things you need help with. However, in the end, listen to your intuition and let it guide you towards the person you are meant to work with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://natasha-ickes-saman.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n_shearpassion/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natasha.ickes.s
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLxdncvtb110sZ_Og43nYWQ
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shear-passion-hair-salon-oakland