Meet Isana Ashaneya | Educator & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Isana, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
Throughout my work, I have always wanted to change the world, improve the lives of others, and generally give back to children—the world’s future and those in greatest need. And I believe that this is only the start of my adventure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Over time, my career underwent a significant transformation. In 2020, I launched my first company, and over the years, we succeeded in passing COVID and expanding globally. After returning to school to get my certification as an esthetician, I quickly discovered that I had a soft spot for kids. I decided to try my hand at daycare while still attending classes and managing a business, and I soon got my first teaching position as a stem instructor. During this period I launched my merchandise in a local beauty supply store. It was really difficult to balance everything that came with becoming an educator, but I came to see how important it is to have teachers who are enthusiastic and caring about what they do. Just like we need doctors and firefighters, we also need educators. These days, I collaborate with nonprofit group to educate underprivileged kids who lack the means or access to a better education. Working in education provided me with the freedom and opportunity to concentrate on my second venture, Girl Boss Cbus, an August 2023 launch for female entrepreneurs in Columbus, Ohio. Despite the difficult path thus far, which has included numerous setbacks, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

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.
If my best friend was visiting the city for the first time, I would take her to Parable Cafe and my favorite restaurant, Eddie Merlots, and probably go biking through Scioto Mile and take a walk on the Alum Creek Dam Trail.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Reading the Quran, deepening my faith, and becoming closer to my creator were, I believe, the three things that aided me the most on my path to success. Without my faith, I would not be here today. In 2019, I also read Dr. Henry Townsend’s book Safe People, which was suggested to me just when I needed it most. After reading this before starting my business, my life and perspective have evolved, which has eventually helped me become the woman I am today. Therefore I send a thank you to everyone who has supported me in my journey.

Website: iaglam.com

Instagram: girlboss.cbus

Other: Instagram: ia.glam