Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Asia Chianta Muhammad-gary. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Asia Chianta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Nine years ago in New Mexico, Asia and Kia met when Kia’s husband introduced himself to the Muhammads, the only African American couple in the neighborhood. The Muhammads invited the Kennedys to Mr. Muhammad’s birthday party, marking the beginning of Asia and Kia’s friendship. The Kennedys were delighted to learn that the Muhammads also hailed from Detroit, Michigan.
Their friendship flourished as Asia and Kia shared their hair care struggles, realizing the New Mexico climate severely affected their hair. They both chose to embark on a natural hair journey, which meant eschewing chemicals for straightening their hair. They underwent the “Big Chop,” cutting off all chemically treated hair. The ladies found that the products they used in Michigan were ineffective in New Mexico and struggled to find suitable products to keep their hair moisturized in the arid heat. They noted that local beauty supply stores lacked natural products for their hair type.
The duo started researching the ingredients in their current products and found many contained alcohols, which are drying for curly or coily hair. They became amateur mixologists, creating hair oils and creams to nurture and retain moisture in their curls and coils. Their close friends supported their venture, testing the products on various hair textures and lengths, and documenting their experiences, including usage before and after washing and conditioning. Based on this feedback, Asia and Kia refined their formulas until they achieved satisfaction.
Confident in their product, they designed a logo, labeled their products, registered their business, and prepared to launch their marketing efforts. These two entrepreneurs used their personal resources to launch their brand, as neither were in a position to secure a loan at the time. Kia and Asia participated in many local trade shows, and events to begin spreading the word in the community, they were even featured in a local newspaper article. Their most popular product is their Light Hair & Body Oil as this is a universal oil perfect for all hair types as its consistency is very light and airy and smells amazing. Today this is the top selling product. Why? This oil was created due to Asia being diagnosed with skin lupus. The two ladies began really researching ingredients that would help treat her condition. They soon learned that their formula helps many with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, sun burns, and just dry skin.
The goal is to help heal, repair dry hair and skin from a natural approach. Our market is for anyone who has the desire to have healthy hair and skin.
Asia Chianta, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Asia and Kia 9 years ago in New Mexico when Kia’s husband introduced himself to the Muhammad’s the only African American couple in the neighborhood. The Muhammad’s invited the Kennedy’s to a birthday party for Mr. Muhammad and that was the start to a Kia & Asia’s friendship. The Kennedy’s soon learned that the Muhammad’s were from Detroit Michigan as the Kennedy’s were.
Light Hair & Body Oil is a non-greasy, light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin and scalp to add hydration and moisture while reducing dryness and itchiness. It nourishes and protects your hair and/or body, leaving it soft and supple. The light, beautiful scents of lavender and cucumber make it perfect for everyday use. Avocado oil easily absorbs into the hair and scalp, grapeseed oil is weightless yet strengthening, and camellia oil restores the hair’s natural shine. These primary oils, as well as others, combine to make a product that controls frizz, moisturizes, and conditions.
Elle Naturalle’s leave in detangler Hair Mylk is perfect for all hair types. Yes! Even the finest of hair won’t feel weighed down by this light yet moisturizing spray. Perfect for stubborn tangles and knots. Elle’s Hair Mylk is so soothing because of the organic aloe and neem, nourishing pro-vitamin B5, smoothing castor oil, strengthening hydrolyzed wheat protein and more, leaving your hair tangle-free and incredibly soft and smooth with a shiny bounce.
Elle’s Cleansing Conditioner is exactly what your hair needs. Our creamy cleanser offers a light but effective use of ingredients that leaves your hair clean, healthy, and soft. It cleanses, conditions, adds shine, repairs damaged hair or split ends, and soothes an irritated scalp.Babassu oil combats dandruff and encourages a healthy scalp while tea tree oil treats dandruff, unclogs your hair follicles, and encourages hair growth.
What problems we solve? Customers with dry hair and skin conditions.
What are we most proud of and what are the main things we want customers to know about our brand? We are most proud of our faithful customers that have stuck with us since 2015, and we are still evolving to provide quality products with ingredients that you can actually pronounce.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Starting a new business is not easy . It is worth it . There will be times that business may be slow and sometimes it may be very busy. Stay in there . Don’t give up ! Keep your faith and keep your motivation going . In my moments of slow business I still find what I can do to engage my clients and potential clients. Use social media to find new ways to show and tell.
Show them where you were educated and how you earned your certification. Tell them more about you by doing a video that they can get to know their potential artist
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When business became slow ( because it will) , The number one thing I do is continue to learn, There is always room for growth and getting more educated allows you to match or excel beyond your competition . When I got certified I thought it would be more permanent make up clients but it was not so I had to learn how to pivot by adding different services and also being innovative with what I am offering. It allowed me to offer semi permanent services and that allowed me to give other alternatives , Now those services that I implemented actually are the most popular .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Iamabeaute.com
- Instagram: Abeautebrims, abeauteinkboutique
- Facebook: A beaute Ink Boutique, A beaute brims
- Yelp: A Beaute Ink Boutique
Image Credits
Pic Credit: Ericka Canty
Photo Credit: Capture A Pose