Manifesting Miracles with Natasha Ickes- Saman

BBC: We are super excited to be talking to the one and only Mrs. Manifesting Miracles herself, Natasha Ickes- Saman! Welcome Natasha, tell us a little about you, how did you get started and end up where you are today?

NS: I was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Growing up as a child I struggled with abandonment, depression and low self esteem issues. I was a competitive ice skater who excelled in school and loved animals, but there was a dichotomy, I was deeply depressed. At age 9 I stood in my fathers kitchen with a knife pressed to my wrist, contemplating suicide for the first time. By the time I turned 15 I became an addicted, homeless, high school drop out. That led to a suicide attempt which left me hospitalized. It was the most painful period of my life.

However by age 20 I was determined to turn my life around. With faith, hard work and a radical shift in mindset I created the life of my dreams. I opened Shear Passion Hair Salon at 25 years old, which is still successfully running today. In 2019 I received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for the work I do in the community, regularly providing free haircuts for homeless men, women and children. I currently live in Oakland, CA with my husband of 9 years and our 3 children. I constantly marvel at Gods blessings in this beautiful thing called life

BBC: Wow! What a testimony and such a blessing that you realized you were meant to be here to bless others. Tell us about your business. What do you offer?

NS: I currently own 2 businesses. The first is Shear Passion Salon, my baby for the last decade. I am so blessed to be booked out months in advance providing weave, loc and color services. The 2nd business is Manifesting Miracles, which helps women step into the next version of themselves through coaching, online courses and mini retreats. Whether I'm teaching women how to turn their passion into a 6 figure business or how to use the difficulties of their past as a catalyst for their success- I'm on a mission to help women step into the next version of themselves.

BBC: Congratulations on your successful 2 businesses! That is truly amazing and inspiring. Can you tell us some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

NS: Let me be clear, you will face challenges with any business you decide to pursue. That's why it is vital that your business is in alignment with your passion and purpose. It is sometimes difficult to balance running two businesses. I've learned to create a schedule which gives time for both and hired people to take the load off my shoulders. Another big struggle for me was marketing. That's not something I have ever done in the salon. I built it 100% off word of mouth. So learning to brand myself, put myself out there (through interviews, speaking engagements and various online outlets ) was new to me.

I learned to just take one step at a time, being open to where the universe would take me. As I explored more and more, I learned what my own unique path looked like. There was so much freedom when I stopped comparing my journey to others. Instead I deepened my trust in God, the universe and myself. That was a huge turning point in my business.

BBC: That is great advice about being in alignment. Natasha what is your go to personal motto?

NS: I'll give you my favorite. Faith without works is dead. Yes I know that is a bible verse. To me, it means that we have to have radical faith and radical accountability. God, the universe, our angels, ancestors, etc. will help us, but only as we take action and help ourselves.

BBC: As we wrap up can you tell us what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in entrepreneurship?

NS: The power of a refusal to give up. When you are determined to succeed, you will find a way to do so. That means being creative, willing to pivot, choosing to learn and being determined to make it. When doors are closed on you learn how to kick down the walls.