We had the good fortune of connecting with Aasiya Coppin-Ali and Alyssa Felton of Hookah Hotline and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aasiya and Alyssa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Our main thought process on starting our own business stemmed from our desire for the ability to provide for our families on our own terms and our own time. Ironically, we actually met through a different business opportunity 4 years ago where we both acquired our base knowledge of becoming business women, After that venture, we wanted to turn something that was a shared hobby into something monetary and still be able to enjoy it. Historically, we are not taught anything about business , so when we were exposed to ways of building generational wealth, we just ran with it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Specifically to Hookah Hotline, we both shared a common interest in hookah and travel. That interest led us to finding the perfect hookah experience for us that we wanted to share with others. Now yes, we know that smoking in general is not the best hobby to pick up, but since we live in Atlanta, which is also known as Hookah capital of the world, we wanted to give people a better alternative to a not so great habit.

We did some research and were introduced, by a friend, to Acrylic Hookahs. Immediately we were attracted to these hookahs because they are more compact, and eliminate the inner metal components and fragile material that your regular everyday hookah are composed of. We decided to expand our research to the products we were using with our hookahs. To our discovery, herbal/ fruit based shisha eliminated our tobacco and nicotine usage while coconut coals, that are made from compressed coconut shells, provided less harsh chemicals than those used with regular quick lite coals. This is where our saying, “A new way to Hookah” came in to play.

Ultimately, we envision people being able to pack up, travel with, and enjoy their hookahs anywhere, anyplace, and anytime they want to. We foresee our business appealing to a larger crowd due to the versatility and quality of the products we provide. Whether you’re wanting to turn up with friends or vibe out by yourself, we strive to create an enjoyable experience for everyone.

It was not easy getting this off the ground at all. It is so simple to think and dream of an idea, but it takes real work and tenacity to see it through. Anyone who is an entrepreneur can relate when we say that it’s always something. If we stopped every time that we were faced with an obstacle, there would be no business to even talk about today. No matter how many unexpected and challenges there are, there is always a teaching moment from every obstacle. You will never know how much you have improved if you don’t get up, get out there and keep testing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta in general is one of the most exciting places to visit as you have an array of places to go for entertainment. Some of our favorites include Spice House, which is a fun place with a great twist on island and Jamaican food. Definitely go there for the vibes, some good rum punch and some hookah. If you’re looking for hookah and vibes with some great tasting pizza, Sauce would be the place for you for a chill night with some friends. Now everyone knows you can’t come to Atlanta without going to brunch! BQE has some of the best brunch vibes out there. The DJ will definitely get you just as lit as the drinks and the food will keep you coming back. Now if you want to check out some of the things that really made Atlanta what it is today, you have to stop by the trap museum for a fun take on a history lesson, And last but not least you can’t leave without seeing a beautiful view of the city from the Skyview Ferris wheel in downtown Atlanta. Make sure you get on a couple times. The view is just too good.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would like to shoutout Amber Reign Smith (@theamberreign) for introducing us to this style of hookah in itself.

We cant forget Maiya Ali (@innovativepages) who helped us brand ourselves with innovative designs and content ideas.

Last and most certainty not least, Joyce Lane (@gothookah4life) who brought our branding visions to life.

Website: hookah-hotline.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hookah.hotline

Facebook: Hookah Hotline

Image Credits
Chris Triplett (@chris_triplett)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.