Today we’d like to introduce you to Auset Cook.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Auset. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I looked up to my auntie Marva so much. My auntie was a hairstylist, freelance model, and dabbled in real estate…I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!
I started doing my own hair at the age of thirteen but didn’t start seeing clients until I was 16. 2010 was when the natural hair world exploded! So many black women were cutting their relaxed tresses to grow afros and dreadlocks were starting to become a common hairstyle amongst black men and women as well. So in 2010, at the age of 16, I grew out 2 inches of my natural hair and cut my relaxed ends off. This surprised everyone I knew because I was so young and it was such a bold move. No one really understood why I cut my hair until it started flourishing. As my hair grew, so did my hair styling skills. Eventually, I had my principal asking me for afro tips, and classmates meeting me at my house after school for a loc retwist or two strand twists. After high school my family allowed me time to work and figure out the direction I wanted to go. At 19, my mother suggested I go to cosmetology school so I went. After I graduated I decided to focus on natural hairstyling because I found it easier to attract clients who want styles I wear myself! I’ve been working at a premier natural hair salon on the South Side for 4 years now and I love it. The (late) owner mentored me for almost two years before his untimely death and taught me everything he knew.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth having comes easily. The journey here (and I’m still traveling) has been super rough but I wouldn’t change anything about it. Halfway through cosmetology school, during a 15 minute break, I got ran over by a jeep wrangler. My injuries were extremely serious and still affect me today. Finishing the program while recovering was very trying and I definitely still have some bad days but that event has molded me in a way that I am so grateful for.
Starting off in the beauty industry requires a lot of patience because the clients don’t line up around the block out of the blue. Building a clientele requires a lot of patience and persistence. There were so many times I got tired of having an empty chair and wanted to do something else. I’m so grateful I stuck with it because it was so worth it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Nzuri means beauty in Swahili. Nzuri Naturals is my natural beauty brand. I specialize in loc maintenance and styles and I think that’s what I’m most known for. Hooking someone up and making them feel good about their (natural) self is what gives me the most pride. I think what sets my brand apart is that it’s not about me or any particular client that I work with. My brand is about cultivating natural beauty for my people, and eventually all people upon expansion.
What were you like growing up?
I would say that I haven’t changed much but I was definitely more bossy and girly. I am so thankful for the art programs, camps, and tons of dance classes that I was privileged to experience. Dance (particularly ballet) was a huge part of my life growing up and I was very good! I always got the solos at school, my dance schools performing company, and competition team. I was also very lucky to be a part of the Joffrey Ballets children cast for The Nutcracker performance for a couple of years. Baby Auset is so proud of me…I remember dreaming of who I am today and that is what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7732256050
- Email: ausetkali@gmail.com
- Instagram: nzurinaturals , auset
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