Mimi Ikonn is an entrepreneur, an influencer, and a self-proclaimed ‘Girl Boss’. Originally a beauty blogger with 810K YouTube subscribers, Love Hair has made up a third of Mimi's business ventures. The British-born businesswoman is also the founder of luxury hair extension company Luxy Hair, and the co-founder (along with her husband Alex) of the popular journal brand, Intelligent Change.

Hi Mimi! What is something you have been learning or working on recently in your personal development?

I just returned from a pottery class! I’m taking a five-week course on the basics of pottery, and so far, it’s taught me to be more present, to go with the flow, to drop the idea of perfection, and aim for authenticity.

You radiate so much love, life, and positivity, what practices have helped you cultivate this lifestyle and attitude?

I am naturally a glass-half-full kind of person. However, like many of us, I was raised in an environment where it was normal to constantly judge and complain. On my own self-growth journey in my early twenties, I realized that those toxic habits do not serve me, but harm me. I replaced these negative habits with positive ones, such as filling out the Five Minute Journal every morning and evening. This helps me focus on gratitude and abundance. I also learnt how to meditate, and I’ve made this a regular habit, and it has positively transformed my life.

What inspired you to start your beauty brand Love Hair?

Many years ago, when I started my YouTube channel, I committed to promoting only products I’m passionate about and believe in. Quite early on, I realized that people actually paid attention to me and what I wore and the products I used, and they were going out to buy them. This made me more mindful of my choices and whether the products I promoted were wise and safe to recommend. This sparked a journey where I slowly converted to using only natural beauty products.

I quickly found many great options out there, but when it came to hair care, this wasn’t the case. I struggled to find a natural hair product that would still perform as I wanted: products that would leave my hair looking full, shiny, and not frizzy. That’s when the dream was born: to create a hair care line that is genuinely natural, and actually worked. I’m so grateful that we have succeeded in this mission.

What were some of the challenges you faced when starting the company?

One of the biggest challenges was making sure that all the product’s ingredients were completely natural and safe to use. We also needed to make sure that the products actually worked, and worked well. Take the shampoo, for example: we wanted to ensure that it left hair looking and feeling soft, smooth, and shiny. In total, we created 17 iterations of shampoo samples, making sure we were getting it just right.

Do you have a favorite Love Hair product?

Definitely the Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. I have been exclusively using it for years, and my hair has never looked and felt this great.

Photography: www.lovehair.com

You also co-founded Intelligent Change with your husband, Alex, and have sold over 1 million Five Minute Journals. Can you tell us a little about the company and what hitting that milestone felt like for you?

Intelligent Change is on a mission to positively change the lives of 1% of the global population. We create tools that help people improve their lives for the better on their journey of self-growth. We are extremely grateful for the success that Five Minute Journal has received organically since its launch. It positively changes people’s lives, and that’s why people talk about it, share it on their social media, and buy it as gifts for their loved ones. We believe we are still at the very early stages of the wellness and self-growth global movement, and the best is yet to come. We are excited to be at the forefront of this movement - providing people with tools to support them on their journey of wellness and self-actualisation.

Photography: www.intelligentchange.com

What are some of the biggest life lessons you have learned while raising your daughter, Alexa?

One of the biggest lessons has been to love myself unconditionally and accept myself as I am. Since Alexa was born, I consciously allowed her to be free to shape into who she wants to be, not who I want her to be. I love and accept everything about her, and my only wish for her is to be happy. Seeing her grow up makes me reflect on my relationship with myself and how I can be hard on myself sometimes. Often, the love I gave myself was conditional, depending on how much success I could attain. It was definitely a wake-up call—if I can love my child unconditionally, I can surely find the same unconditional love for my inner child.

Another great lesson I have learnt is to be more present in the moment. I want to enjoy the little things in life, like cooking together, reading a book, cuddling on the sofa, or having a chat. I savor all these little moments so much more now that I’m a parent. I’m hyper-aware that Alexa won’t always be a child, and one day she will be independent, so remember that makes all the everyday moments extra special.

You practice healthy eating and living, are there any new discoveries you have made along your journey of leading a healthy life?

The best thing you can do for your health is to make conscious decisions to avoid stress. If trying to eat healthily is causing too much stress, then it’s simply not worth it, as it’s causing too much harm. My goal now is to relax—not only physically, mentally, and emotionally, but relax in the health goals that I set for myself. I once read a good line that stuck with me. “Everything in moderation, including moderation”.

What does living a conscious lifestyle mean to you?

It means being aware of your choices and how they impact your life, the environment, and your reality.

If you could share one piece of advice with the next generation of women, what would it be?

Become your own biggest supporter. Only when you believe in yourself will others as well. Everything starts with self-belief. It separates successful people from those who have great ideas but never try. Believe you can do it, and go for it. □

Article Credits

Mimi Ikonn’s Instagram: @mimiikonn

Mimi Ikonn’s Youtube: @MimiIkonn

Love Hair’s Instagram: @lovehair

Love Hair’s Website: www.lovehair.com

Intelligent Change’s Website: www.intelligentchange.com

Photo Credits: Alex Ikonn, Love Hair & Intelligent Change