We had the good fortune of connecting with Reshaunna Austin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reshaunna, how do you think about risk?
I was about 9 years old when I first grasped what it meant to live with big dreams. As a child I thought, “I am ready to live the peaches and cream adult life I often saw others live.” It was not until the first day that independence hit, and I was forced to take risks. As I got closer and closer to my final days of high school, my dreams turned into nightmares, and I felt I needed more time as a child. I was forced into petrifying risks, which I now have a tremendous appreciation for.

My first risk was immense, daunting, and especially a challenge. I joined the military straight out of high school. It was a risk that I wanted to take with only my thoughts located behind my decision to join. The military helped me to define and connect with risk-taking. The lessons learned from risk-taking in the military helps me, to this day, to make ethical decisions in my personal and professional life. After my first tour in Afghanistan, I was ready to take on more independent risks.

I find pleasure in being an innovative risk-taker. Risk-taking allows me to lose the mindset of, “what-if,” and gain consciousness of an “I have no regrets” mindset. For me, not being a risk-taker creates barriers that make it hard to connect with life and meaningful experiences. Even in bad experiences, I never accept them as being a mistake. I always tell myself it was a risk I was willing to take. I am a firm believer that God makes no mistake. Any situation that I am faced with creates a decision to take a risk or let the opportunity pass. So, whether good or bad outcomes, risks are always a learning opportunity for me.

Taking risks has played a critical role in my life. I find that risk-taking in my personal life has poured over into my professional life. I no longer have the desire to want to do, just the desire to do. This mentality has guided me in to starting my own business, uniYque Hair, and an up-and-coming nonprofit organization, uniYque Youth. Risk-taking in my professional life encourages me to use my innovative and creative skills to succeed in the high demands of my customers who purchase from uniYque Hair and the youth I am dedicated to in uniYque Youth.

“Life’s too short. I’m either going to leave this world wishing I had done more or remembering epic moments!” Every day that I take risks, I am reminded of this quote. It gives me the opportunity to rid negative thoughts and wishful thinking and, instead, apply myself and push me to live my best life. Because of risks, I am satisfied, motivated, and at peace with life.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2019, I founded uniYque Hair to fund my nonprofit organization, uniYque Youth. Little did I know, the business would exceed my expectations.

uniYque Hair is a natural hair care product line. The company specializes in the manufacturing and selling of plant-based hair oils, shampoos, curl-aides, loc’ing gels and more. I pride myself on providing the highest quality products because our hair is important to us – it is the crown we never take off.

Starting my business from ground up was not easy. It took a lot of late nights, long days, understanding of financing and budgeting, and networking to get to where I am today. I overcame these challenges by stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks.

I have learned that being an entrepreneur requires patience, humbleness, and trust in the business process. I have also learned that when you enjoy what you do, you become highly motivated to meet customer demands. In fact, customer service becomes your number one priority. I want the world to know that uniYque Hair believes in the definition of your hair! I am committed to providing satisfying customer service and high-quality products.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On the first day, we would not do much since she just flew in and want to get a little rest. Later that evening, we would have dinner at one of my favorite local spots, a vegan pizzeria.

On the next day, we would go downtown to check out the museums such as the Civils Rights Museum, Fernbank Science Center and the High Museum. There are tons of great spots to eat downtown so we can grab a bite from something that interests us.

On the third day, we would spend the day at Stone Mountain. It’s an all-day activity that includes a hike up the mountain, a boat ride, ropes course and of course great food.

On the fourth day, we would visit Atlantic Station that has tons of shopping options, a few entertainment options and dessert shops!

The next day, we’d wake up early to walk the stairs of Amicalola Falls that has an amazing waterfall view. After the hike and a quick rest, we’d go to Ponce City Market to grab a bite to eat and visit the rooftop area to see Atlanta.

On the sixth day, I would have to take my friend to see the Atlanta staples – the CNN center, the Coca-Cola Factory, and Centennial Park. Later that evening we’d visit the Painted Duck that has games like life size pool and drinks to get some nightlife fun in.

On the last day, brunch is a must, so we’d go to The Battery where the Braves stadium is located. There are shops, eateries located within The Battery but my favorite is Punch Bowl Social where they have mimosas first and board games. In my view the most fun things to check out are the hiking trails, especially the ones with waterfalls.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom and sister, Sandra and Tanaysia, for the tremendous support they have shown with every decision of my personal to professional life.

I would also like to dedicate my shoutout to my ambassadors, who have made large contributions to the success of my business.

Lastly, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my partner, Nateya, who, contributes effortlessly in all aspects of my success.

Website: www.uniyquehair.com

Instagram: @uniyquehaircare

Image Credits
Lindsey Eltinge Crystal Kinsey

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