Meet Kirigo Kabuga

We were lucky to catch up with Kirigo Kabuga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirigo, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

For me, overcoming imposter syndrome began with the crucial step of recognizing and accepting its presence in my life. Once I acknowledged that I sometimes felt like an imposter, I could begin to understand how these feelings were impacting my confidence and hindering my progress.

To address these feelings, I prioritized intense self-care. This meant carving out time for activities that nurtured my well-being and surrounding myself with people who uplifted me and recognized my strengths, even when I couldn’t see them myself. If I didn’t have a supportive community available, I sought one out or built one through networking and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Another key strategy was identifying my personal strengths. I used tools like the Clifton StrengthsFinder to gain insights into my unique abilities. Additionally, I spent time reflecting on my achievements and skills, often with the help of trusted friends or mentors who could provide an objective perspective. This helped me see myself more clearly and appreciate my own talents.

Affirmations played a significant role in my journey. I chose phrases that resonated with me and repeated them regularly to reinforce a positive self-image and boost my confidence. I also paid attention to my physical appearance, as feeling good about how I looked positively impacted my self-esteem. Simple acts like getting a new haircut or trying a new nail design helped me feel more confident and empowered.

Maintaining a gratitude journal was another powerful tool. Each day, I wrote down at least five things I was grateful for, which helped shift my focus from self-doubt to appreciation. This practice not only improved my mood but also strengthened my resilience, making it easier to bounce back when feelings of imposter syndrome crept in.

By consistently practicing these strategies, I gradually built a stronger, more confident self-image and learned to manage imposter syndrome more effectively.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Natural Hair business coach, a Sisterlocks master stylist, and the CEO of Dadalocks™️. Our mission at Dadalocks is to transform the lives of 10,000 women, helping them move from poverty to entrepreneurship. We achieve this through scholarships, educational training techniques, challenges, and building a supportive community, all supported by a year of comprehensive business coaching.

Having been in the Natural Hair industry for over 20 years, I have witnessed an incredible evolution. The industry now generates over $20 billion annually, presenting immense opportunities for brown-skinned individuals to create home-based and commercial businesses, develop their own products, educate others, and thrive within their communities. However, the industry’s lack of regulation has led to issues such as poor customer service, inadequate client education, and subpar hygiene practices. This is where I come in.

I coach women to elevate their businesses from their current state to a level of excellence. We utilize a framework called the Crown Up & Scale Theory. This framework helps us identify existing problems through thorough analysis, after which we develop a plan to strengthen the business foundation, promote growth, and scale operations. I firmly believe that by empowering women to earn more, we can positively impact our entire community.

One significant challenge in the industry is misinformation spread through social media and untrained individuals. I believe in the importance of continuous investment in oneself (learning, implementing, growing, and scaling your business with new knowledge annually). In my coaching practice, I often encounter individuals who lack a clear understanding of their business metrics. Without knowing crucial numbers like revenue, expenses, and client frequency business decisions become guesswork. By understanding these numbers, we can make informed decisions that drive revenue growth and reduce risks, leading to a substantial return on investment.

Another major hurdle is the mindset of business owners, often plagued by imposter syndrome and inflated egos. This combination can create turbulence within a business. To run a stable and successful business, one must exercise patience and join a community of like-minded individuals who are already achieving what they aspire to do. Overcoming mindset limitations, regularly monitoring financials, and incorporating movement and meditation into your routine are crucial for business growth. The sooner you embrace these practices, the quicker your business will start to thrive.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities and areas of knowledge that were most impactful for me are:

1. Empathy and Understanding – Having been on the other side of the chair as a client, I deeply understand the women I serve. My own experiences with poor and excellent stylists have shaped my approach to client care. For instance, at a young age, I experienced trauma from negative salon experiences, which led me to cut my hair as a form of rebellion and self-liberation. This empathy allows me to connect with clients on a personal level, especially those undergoing challenging experiences like chemotherapy. My advice to those starting their journey is to truly understand and relate to your clients. Your personal experiences can help you serve them better and build a loyal client base.

2. Resilience and Learning from Failure – Rejection and failure are tough, but they always come with valuable lessons. In the early days of the Natural Hair industry, we had to do a lot of groundwork—printing cards, going to malls, and talking to people on the streets. This taught me resilience and the importance of learning from every setback. For newcomers, I recommend embracing failures early and learning from them quickly. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are stepping stones to success.

3. Self-Care and Boundaries – Prioritizing self-care has been crucial for my growth. It has taught me to set strong boundaries, delegate effectively, and maintain my well-being. For women, especially those balancing multiple roles, self-care is essential. It increases our value, builds confidence, and teaches others how to treat us. My advice is to make self-care a priority from the start. It will help you create a sustainable career and a balanced life.

In today’s world, there has never been a better time to start a Natural Hair business. With the wealth of information available and the power of social media, the opportunities are vast. Focus on understanding your customers, marketing effectively, and continually improving your services. Aim for excellence, and you will not only grow your business but also make a significant impact on your community and your own life.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to nurture and support my dreams from a young age. They allowed me to transform our basement into a makeshift salon, even before I fully realized I was building the foundation of my future business. My mother encouraged me to set pricing for my services, teaching me the value of my work. I recall offering snacks and juice to my clients, only for my mother to remind me that these expenses needed to be covered by my earnings, instilling in me the importance of budgeting and financial responsibility.

My father, on the other hand, had one firm condition: the space had to be left spotless after every session. He made it clear that no hair should be left behind in the family room, as he loved walking barefoot in the house. This taught me the importance of cleanliness and respect for shared spaces, principles that are vital in running a professional salon today.

Additionally, my parents emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity. These lessons have been invaluable in shaping my character and guiding my journey as an entrepreneur, business coach, and master stylist.

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