It is an absolute pleasure to feature this amazing business woman, the QUEEN of the natural hair care industry, TALIAH WAAIJID!! I had the pleasure of meeting her during her MAJOR trade show that celebrates natural hair, health and beauty right here in Atlanta over the weekend!! She was sweet and smile for all of my 100’s of photos, lol. With all of that said please meet, Taliah Waajid!!

1. Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?

Believe it or not, I am very shy and quite reserved. However, I do enjoy meeting people.  I am also a very creative person who enjoys new experiences. I am looking for something new to do and explore and that drive to make new discoveries is what keeps me going.

2. What’s a normal day like for you?

Admittedly, I am a workaholic so I am constantly speaking to and collaborating with others in the industry as I investigate ways in which I can deliver more natural hair care product choices and styling options to my customers. Some days, just finding the time to eat is a challenge with all that I do. But honestly, there is really no such thing as a normal work day for me. Every day is different from the next. I may fly to California one day, have a radio interview on another day, and meet with my team on the next day.

3.  What inspired you to start your business?

Since I was very young, I have styled and braided my own hair and I was motivated when people wanted me to style and braid their hair. I was even more motivated when people offered to pay me to do their hair. From that time on, I envisioned myself doing and braiding hair professionally in a salon and one day owning my own salon.

4. What are some of the challenges you face as a woman in business?

My biggest challenge overall is being able to stay on trend and meet the needs of naturalistas. I am always striving to connect with consumers right away and share my vision and mission of creating the best and most current products to maintain the health of those with natural hair. 

5. Running a business is not easy how do you stay motivated?

I remain motivated by embracing my natural curiosity and innate creativity. I’m constantly looking for the next thing. I’m always willing to try something new. I find that embracing this side of myself always keeps me going.

6. What are three things that no one told you about being an entrepreneur?

No one told me just how much dedication it takes to be an entrepreneur.  I also had to see firsthand the long and sleepless nights required and how necessary it is to have the ability to motivate a team to share in my vision and work hard right along with me. I’ve definitely learned these lessons along the way and I remain open to learning as I grow my business.

7. What advice would you give to your much younger self?

I would tell my younger self to always make sure to find a balance with caring for my family, managing my business and building upon my success.  Having a healthy work/life balance is extremely important.

8. What’s next for you and your business? 

What’s next is my Protective Styles line which will be presented at the upcoming Taliah Waajid World Natural Hair and Healthy Lifestyle Event. This line is specifically designed to care for and maintain natural hair underneath protective styles such as weaves, extensions, updos, braids, twists and faux locs.

9. What are some of your favorite inspirational quotes? 

I live my life and run my business every day according to one quote in particular by Michelle Obama: “Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.”

10. Any words of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Dream big. Be in the company of those who inspire you. Network. Educate yourself on how to build a successful business. And most importantly, never ever give up.

Follow  Taliah Waajid and her brand on Facebook: Taliah Waajid  Instagram: @TaliahWaajidBrand  Twitter: @Taliah Waajid