Athalia Monae’s path to success didn’t happen overnight. She started as an advocate, using her voice to bring attention to important social issues affecting women. Her experience advocating for change prepared her for the challenges she would face as she ventured into the world of product development.

With a passion for creating products that truly make a difference, Athalia founded ALAHTA, Inc. Her company rapidly gained recognition for its commitment to innovation and product excellence. Athalia’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving people’s lives swiftly propelled her to the forefront of the industry.

Throughout this article, we will explore how Athalia Monae’s journey unfolded, from her early days as an advocate to her current role as an influential innovator. Along the way, we will uncover the unique contributions she has made to the fields of product development, entrepreneurship, and media. Stay tuned to discover how this remarkable woman has revolutionized the business landscape and continues to inspire women everywhere.

Can you tell us about your experience in product development and innovation?

Athalia: Product development and innovation were not in my career plans. There was no experience, but I’m naturally creative. I started my journey of innovation due to not being able to find a product I needed to solve a problem I had. I created the solution to my problem and hoped it would solve that same problem for many others.

What motivated you to create the Alahta Pouch and why do you believe it fills a need in the market?

Athalia: Because of my experience with stray hairs transferring from my hairbrush to the interior of my purse, I decided to start wrapping my hairbrush in a paper towel before throwing it in my purse. The paper towel wasn’t cute, nor was it as effective as I needed it to be. One day after combing my hair right after my salon visit, I wrapped my comb in a paper towel and threw it in my purse. The paper towel unraveled causing the hair product, which was an oil sheen, to soil an envelope. Out of frustration, I started my journey of trying to find a case or pouch to store my hairbrush or combs in to prevent this from happening in the future. I searched locally and didn’t find what I was looking for. I then took my search to the internet, nothing there as well. So, at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., I sat at my kitchen table excited at this failed search for a product I felt I needed, possibly being a business opportunity. I believe it fills a need in the market because it solves the problem of not having something to keep your hairbrushes or combs organized and protected while you’re traveling.

How did you go about identifying the specific features and design elements that make the Alahta Pouch stand out?

Athalia: Another great question. I sometimes wear wigs, extensions, braids, and of course my natural hair. Being so versatile with my hairstyles causes me to use different hairbrushes and combs. When I searched for a hairbrush pouch or case, I wanted a product that would accommodate the different hair tools I use. I didn’t find the product that offered what I was looking for. When I designed the Alahta hairbrush pouch I uniquely designed it in a way that it would accommodate a paddle, denman, detangling, blow dry, or boar brush. As well as rat tail, rake tail, wide tooth combs, and picks. I wanted to design a product that would provide the investor more for their investment.

As an entrepreneur and advocate, how do you balance your passion for social causes with your business goals?

Athalia: My children and I volunteered for Feed My Starving Children in 2012, for the first time. When my children were younger, we made a lot of memories doing fun things. Things they wanted to do. My idea behind our volunteering was to show them that we can make even more memories while working to help others. They loved it. I integrated social responsibility into my business strategy from the beginning because FMSC is one of the causes that aligns with my personal and business values. It was seamless because I was already working with that organization.

Can you share any insights or lessons learned from your experience as a published author that have helped shape your approach to product creation?

Athalia: Yes, be original in whatever you do. One of the things I love most about myself is how much of creative I am. Being able to say “I created this” feels good because that’s something I thought enough of to invest my time and money into creating and developing. I take pride in knowing that no one can claim any of my Intellectual Property as theirs. I wrote my book before creating and designing my product. It started as a short story for the Essence Magazine short story contest many years ago. It was the first piece I had written, so I was very excited at the possibility of being able to share this piece with strangers, whom I was hoping would connect with the characters and the storyline. I had fun creating these relatable characters. More importantly, I wanted the theme of the book to be the cause of people starting to be open to having difficult but necessary conversations for the sake of saving their relationships. When I say relationships, I mean that regarding any type of relationship. So, when creating this short story, I wanted to think outside of the box, while also being realistic.

When I created my product, I used the same approach as I did when creating my story. I would say to anyone, be original and comfortable with thinking outside the box.

What steps have you taken to ensure that the Alahta Pouch meets high-quality standards while also being user-friendly and easy to use?

Athalia: Knowing that sustainability, quality, ease of use, and care were my priorities when creating and designing this product, I made sure that I kept all of that at the forefront of my thoughts when shopping around for the components that I would use to manufacture this product. After my prototype was made, I did quality control. Although I was satisfied with the results, I did a second round of quality control before going into production. All was well.

In what ways do you envision the Alahta Pouch evolving or expanding in the future?

Athalia: Soon I would like the Alahta hairbrush pouch to become available in more prints and colors, and available in retail stores. Ultimately, I would like us to grow into a global brand. I’ve updated my business plan with my vision so that when it’s time, I will know what I want and what I need to do.

How do you see ALAHTA, Inc. contributing to improving the everyday lives of men and women beyond just product development?

Athalia: We are going to continue to donate a portion of our sales to Feed My Starving Children. Also, we’re going to get more involved with support programs to empower individuals, especially women and underrepresented groups, to pursue their goals and overcome barriers in various aspects of life, including education, career, and personal development.

More on Athalia Monae

Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of ALAHTA, Inc., one of the newest product development and innovation companies in the U.S. Monae’s primary mission in launching ALAHTA is to produce high-quality, easy-to use products that improve the everyday lives of men and women. The company’s flagship product is the ALAHTA Pouch, designed to store a hairbrush or comb, while protecting the inside of a purses, gym bags, or travel luggage.

For more information or to order the Alahta Pouch for hairbrushes and combs, visit www.pouchesbyalahta.com.

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