We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashanti Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashanti, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started my business in 2020. When I realized my drive for the medical field had changed due to all the new viruses, I knew it was time to try out my plan B, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. If I can go back in time I would have definitely started my business journey sooner. Looking back in time I feel as if I wasted all my time and energy with going from job to job and putting my all in college which had many bumps in the road, and began to come something that didn’t make me happy anymore. I honestly sit back and think of much of the things I could’ve accomplished If I would have took the business route first. Although, I am grateful for everything I’ve accomplished in the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m just a 24 year old girl who loves to see the beauty in everything possible! I started MxxiiCO (Ten Twenty Two Company) in 2020, when I was taking a break from college. Growing up I’ve always loved helping people and making them feel good any way possible, I loved painting peoples nails and toes, playing in their hair, I loved lipgloss and beauty products, but as I grew up, watching and helping my mom take care of my granny made me want to help take care of more people. Which is why I feel in love with the thought of me becoming a doctor, and the beauty industry became my plan B. In 2020, as we all know, our whole world had changed, and I lost my passion for the medical field and decided to go with plan B. The best decision I’ve made in my life.

Starting a business is scary, spending money on your business when no revenue is coming in is scary. But I promise it’s worth it. MxxiiCO isn’t just a brand, it’s my lifestyle now. My business consists of lipgloss, lashes, hair extensions, as well as hair products, and other beauty items. I’m also a lash and nail technician.

“A brand is not just a logo, a website, or your business cards, it’s an experience” and I’m loving every minute of it. Everyday it’s more and more progress. Everyday I’m one step ahead of where I use to be! I remember when this was just a vision in my head, now it’s real and I’m never turning back, I’ll always do my job “Making you feel like the Queen you are” Some days are slow, some days I’m on fire, either way I’m happy and looking back and noticing my own growth makes me even happier. My passion to expand amazes me and pushes me harder. Even just a little progress everyday adds up to big results, consistency is key, and trusting the process, and moving at my own speed is what separates me from others.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I first started my business I actually used the money I had saved up from working. The money saved was initially invested for my car but I decided to start off my business instead, and I’m so glad I did, now I have so much more than just a car. I did start off small, but as time passed each investment on products and supplies was better than before.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my business has been promoting my own brand nonstop. Promoting on social media, wearing my own products, and hoodie or flip flops with my logo on it, or leaving my business cards in public places. Someone is always watching and looking to find better, whether it’s better quality, better prices for them or distance. Any and everything counts.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Mxxiico.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mxxiico?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mxxiicompany