Rahel Tesfai, Founder of FroHub, experienced firsthand the struggle of finding hairdressers and beauty experts who understood the unique needs of curly Afro hair and brown skin. Frustrated by the lack of representation in both highstreet stores and online platforms, Rahel launched FroHub in 2019. Initially conceived as an online community aimed at improving information transfer, her side hustle has since evolved into a comprehensive online hub dedicated to Afro hair and beauty.
By 2025, FroHub has established itself as the largest booking platform for Afro hair and beauty services in the UK.
Building a thriving community
One of FroHub’s greatest triumphs has been the cultivation of a loyal community that drives real economic impact. The platform empowers black hair and beauty professionals by facilitating business growth through its services. Securing a £50k Innovate UK grant and successfully raising angel investment have been pivotal milestones, allowing her team to expand operations and generate revenue. These achievements transformed Rahel’s personal frustrations into a thriving business model.
Overcoming challenges: The solo founder’s journey
Navigating the challenges of being a solo founder has been a significant hurdle for Rahel. Constantly juggling multiple responsibilities while tackling uncertainties can lead to feelings of isolation and mental fatigue. She has actively engaged with founder support communities, accelerators and networks such as Newable to combat these challenges. Gaining access to mentors, peer groups and expert guidance has proven invaluable, helping her build resilience and gain fresh perspectives.
Future aspirations and objectives for the coming year
Looking ahead, FroHub has set ambitious goals for the next year. Key objectives include:
- Relaunching the platform and introducing the company’s first mobile app to better serve clients and beauty professionals alike
- Scaling the onboarding process for new professionals, leveraging AI to enhance onboarding, support and quality control efficiency
- Exploring market entry into the US, capitalising on the fact that over 50% of their inbound interest currently originates from there
Support from Newable: A transformative partnership
Newable has played a crucial role in supporting FroHub’s growth journey. Rahel said: “From offering strategic advice and workshops to refining growth plans, Newable’s guidance has been instrumental. They have opened doors to new opportunities and provided hands-on support, consistently advocating for FroHub’s mission.” For Rahel, having such comprehensive backing as a solo founder has made a profound impact.