Every now and then, you may come across someone who makes a point to take a seemingly mundane task and turn it into an opportunity to create a brand that exceeds expectations. For this month’s N_Ovator of the month Reason Ali, the topic of hair care is something she decided to put her own spin on and use it as a way to help others.
Raised in Philadelphia, Ali has always been business-minded, even from a young age. “When I was either seven or eight, me and my old best friend used to walk around and shovel people’s steps for money,” she said, reflecting on her entrepreneurial roots. “I’ve always been business-minded and I think I get that from my parents.”
After graduating from Central High School, Ali went on to start her own hair care brand, Beyond Beauty, and opened her own hair salon. “I want to do way more and go beyond the standards of the beauty industry,” she explained as she described her brand’s mission
She instantly looked to do her part and improve flaws she has seen in the hair industry. When thinking about some of the negatives in the hair industry, she realized that the quality of customer service has diminished.
“Customer service has died within the hair industry,” Ali admitted. “So many stylists will have their client waiting for hours, don’t really listen to their request, and don’t really care about the health. I want to bring back the respect for the client.”
With every trend, positive or negative, there is always a motivating factor that drives things in a certain direction. Ali believes that money has been the cause of declining customer service. “Most of the stylists that are really making the money don’t really care about the money,” she said. “I think they get comfortable, and I don’t think I will ever get comfortable.” Ali uses methods such as appointment-only and one-on-one scheduling to ensure that her clients feel respected and properly cared for.
Ali also invests a substantial portion of her craft in helping people through their respective hair journeys and ensuring that they are well-informed before making any decisions. While some may not know all the ins-and-outs to hair journeys, Ali understands that a lot of thought and dedication goes into it and proudly lends her knowledge to helping others, something she recognizes as one of her main purposes.
“I want to touch as many people as I can and impact as many lives as I can and I’m grateful that I have an outlet for that through hair,” she said.
Part of Ali’s mission to help people also results from issues that surround the topic of natural hair. “There are a lot of black women who feel that their natural hair texture is ugly or considered nappy.” She reflected on personal clients of hers who have either faced criticism in the work world or from people close to them.
Despite what some may say or think about the trend, Ali reminds those who are interested in going natural to hone in on their confidence. “Keep the confidence within it because it is very beautiful to be able to rock your natural hair and be confident about it. That to me is the most amazing thing.”
In terms of Beyond Beauty, Ali only sees bigger and better things on the horizon. “I definitely want to expand and just be well off,” she said as she thought about where she wants herself and her brand to go.
When it comes to owning any business or being an innovator, Ali’s simple piece of advice that people remember that communication is key. “Keep communication on top of any relationship you have,” she said. “Just make sure you’re always open enough to express yourself.”
You can hear more of Ali’s journey by tuning into her interview on N_Ov8TV debuting on May 15th here on Novationvalley.com.
To view a special screening of Ali's N_Ov8TV episode make sure to join us for our birthday celebration May 9th!! For more information click here.
