Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 2022 member
Ataji

Ataji Hair Care creates & provides products to make textured & afro hair more manageable in its natural state.
We use natural ingredients that are researched to ensure they are effective and efficient for a healthy hair journey. We step away from the norm by not including ingredients such as coconut oil & shea butter, but include many other healthy and traditional ingredients instead. We take pride in educating how to look after hair, giving a sense of pride to rock natural hair proudly and confidently.
Why did you join the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator?
It is a chance to be a part of an exclusive group of like-minded individuals which will allow us to network and build together. Also, it provides the opportunity to learn and be influenced by mentors that want to see me succeed.
Why did you want to start your business?
I had the desire to have my two girls appreciate their afro hair, however there were not many products on the market that gave me the results I was looking for. Also, the products on the market at the time contained coconut oil and shea butter, two ingredients that have an adverse affect on my daughters hair. So I created what I was searching for.
What would be your desired outcome from this programme?
To come away with the knowledge I need to expand Ataji and to have become part of a network of entrepreneurs.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
I recently read Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis Jackson. His portrayal of his work ethic and his determination to succeed was inspirational. He didn't start with anything and had a really hard start to life. Despite this he was able to rise up and become the mogul that he is today.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
To date our biggest win has been being selected to be a part of Small Biz 100 in 2021.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Outside of having enough time to do everything that's needed, the biggest challenges we face are in finance and having access to the right knowledge to take us forward in business.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
I paid for webinars and online courses where I could, I have also had a few one to one sessions.
What drives you to make your business a success?
As a black woman with black children, I understand that there can be a lifelong struggle with loving our afro hair. Ataji Hair Care was created for my daughters. Creating a product line that brought out the true beauty of their type 4 afro hair was the goal, and will always be the goal, not just for my girls ... but for all the little girls out there struggling to feel proud and love their hair.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
There is never a right time to start your business, it will never be the perfect time, start with what you have, stay focused and dedicated. Fix it along the way.