Mia Ashanti, founder of Mane Nutrients, is reshaping the natural hair care industry with a mission to inspire self-acceptance and empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves. Rooted in Mia’s journey as a natural hair content creator, Mane Nutrients has become more than a product line; it’s a movement encouraging people to celebrate their natural hair in a society that often promotes narrow beauty standards.

Movespot, a community-driven social platform focused on fostering mental well-being, has been instrumental in helping Mia connect with like-minded individuals and grow her brand. Mia’s passion for self-expression and authenticity aligns perfectly with Movespot’s mission to create healthier, meaningful connections,” says Carl White III, CEO and Founder of Movespot. “We’re thrilled to support entrepreneurs like Mia who are not only building a business but also uplifting others and championing a supportive, inclusive community.

With Movespot’s unique community support, Mia has successfully connected with a broader audience, from creatives to potential customers, and has even promoted her upcoming events, such as the launch of the Mane Nutrients Natural Hair Salon. “Mia’s drive and commitment to representing natural beauty resonate deeply with Movespot’s values,” Carl continues. “It’s inspiring to see her grow a brand that empowers people to be unapologetically themselves.”

In this article, Mia shares the journey behind Mane Nutrients, the role of Movespot in supporting her mental health, and her vision for the brand’s future in the natural hair care industry.

1. Tell us more about your business. What inspired you to start it?

Mane Nutrients was born out of my journey in natural hair content creation, a path I began over a year before launching the brand. After working with numerous hair care companies and experiencing the impact I could make, I decided it was time to pursue a long-held dream of creating my own line of hair products. Mane Nutrients is more than a brand; it’s an extension of my platform’s mission to inspire others to embrace their natural hair fully. Growing up, society often implied that our hair wasn’t manageable or that it needed to look a certain way to be acceptable. Mane Nutrients was created not just to provide products but to empower people to celebrate and care for their natural hair, whether it’s kinky, coily, or curly.

2. How has Movespot helped improve your mental health through interacting with the platform?

Social media has a powerful influence in our lives today, but it often leads to stress from comparison and the pressure to meet external standards. Movespot offers a refreshing change, it’s a space where I can connect with like-minded people, attend social events, and support other creatives in an environment that prioritizes mental well-being. The community-driven aspect of Movespot has been invaluable, helping me network while offering a supportive space to recharge. It has also been an excellent way to promote my events, like the opening of the Mane Nutrients Natural Hair Salon. Reaching a targeted, engaged audience through Movespot has been essential in spreading awareness about my brand and attracting new customers.

3. Can you tell us more about the Mane Nutrients scholarship giveaway?

The Mane Achievement Scholarship is a special project I created to support students with similar backgrounds to my own, especially those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a Talladega College graduate, I recognize the importance of representation and self-expression, especially when entering professional spaces. This scholarship encourages students to explore the theme of “natural hair professionalism” by reflecting on their personal experiences. The initiative aligns with efforts like the Dove Crown Act, which challenges hair-based discrimination, emphasizing that issues related to natural hair persist even in 2024. Through this scholarship, I hope to support not just educational aspirations but also foster discussions on diversity, representation, and equality in the workplace.

4. Where do you see Mane Nutrients in the next 5 years?

In five years, I envision Mane Nutrients evolving into a leading choice in the natural hair product industry. As I navigate the transition from college to a full-time career while managing the business, I’m focused on creating consistency across our social media platforms and building meaningful relationships with our customers. A central part of our growth strategy includes expanding product availability both online and in retail stores nationwide. We are committed to maintaining our core values which include transparency, quality, and exceeding customer expectations—as we grow. By remaining true to our mission, I am confident that Mane Nutrients will continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the natural hair care industry in the years to come.

As Mia Ashanti continues to expand Mane Nutrients, her dedication to fostering self-acceptance and authentic self-expression shines through every product and initiative she undertakes. With supportive platforms like Movespot, she has found a community that aligns with her mission, helping her reach others who share her values. “Seeing Mane Nutrients grow and positively impact others has been incredibly fulfilling,” Mia says. “This journey is about so much more than hair care, it’s about encouraging everyone to embrace who they are fully.

Through initiatives like the Mane Achievement Scholarship and the opening of her natural hair salon, Mia is creating a space where others feel seen, empowered, and celebrated. As she looks toward the future, Mia envisions Mane Nutrients continuing to advocate for inclusivity and representation, making waves in the beauty industry, and inspiring others to join her on this journey toward embracing natural beauty.To stay connected with Mane Nutrients and keep up with Mia’s journey, follow her on Movespot at @MiaAshanti and on Instagram at @manenutrients. There, you’ll find updates on new products, natural hair care tips, and announcements for exciting events, including the upcoming salon opening. Join Mia and the Mane Nutrients community to celebrate natural beauty and self-expression every step of the way!