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

Hi Zeenat, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process I had for starting the product line, Haku Holistics, began quite some time before the product line became my first possible business startup. It all started when I accepted the challenge to acknowledge and utilize the skills I already possessed and those I acquired from my brother, Salih, the owner of Loc Lov Salons. Salih’s encouragement was instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial drive.

I spent the next few years educating myself, in research mode, from taking herbal apprenticeship classes to Trichology certifications. I took over the product line from my mother that was originally branded under the Loc Lov name and expanded upon it. I immersed myself in learning about natural ingredients and their benefits, aiming to create products that not only catered to the general clientele but also addressed specific hair and scalp issues.

Here is where the Haku Holistics adventure began. I wanted to offer more support to our clients. To not just make products to support the average client with no issues but to focus in on those struggling with hair or scalp issues. The desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, particularly those facing hair challenges, was a driving force behind my venture. Every formulation and every product release was rooted in the intention to provide holistic care and effective solutions.

Through this journey, I discovered a lot about myself—my resilience, my passion for holistic wellness, and my ability to turn challenges into opportunities. I hadn’t realized until way later that my first business was actually me.

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.
My career has been a journey of passion, creativity, and resilience. Starting in Culinary Arts and then moving on to hair, I’ve spent years demonstrating my love for creating art with my hands. This foundation made the transition to cosmetology almost seamless, as I began to view hair care as another medium for artistic expression. The common thread has always been the joy of creating something beautiful and meaningful.

I take the most pride in how I’ve bounced back from multiple stages of burnout. Once I gave myself time to recoup, I moved forward, continuing my education and returning even stronger. I’m most excited about venturing into the cosmetology wellness space, as this new endeavor will bring new experiences in industry specialization, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

However, the road to where I am today has not been easy. Balancing work and personal life has been a constant challenge. The birth of my child and later, my marriage, brought significant shifts, teaching me the importance of harmony over mere work-life balance. My spouse played a crucial role in helping me see the value in maintaining boundaries and creating a life where work supports rather than overwhelms. I’ve learned that to be truly self-aware, you must acknowledge both what you need and what is not needed for your well-being, even when certain things do not initially appear to be heavy burdens.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to community, wellness, and education. This journey culminated in the vision for the Haku Wellness Center, which will be coming to Washington, DC in or before 2027. Our center will not just be a business; I hope to create a sanctuary where creativity and healing intersect. We will offer divisions focused on culinary wellness, trichology, hair care, and education. Each division reflects my journey and dedication to nurturing both physical and mental well-being.

My “why” is deeply rooted in the desire to create spaces of hope, healing, and empowerment. I want the world to know that the Haku Wellness Center will be a place where people can find harmony and support in their journey toward well-being. My brand stands for the belief that true success lies in nurturing others and fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Washington, DC, I would want to set them up with the best food experiences ever, with everything else just being an add-on. Given our shared interests as foodies who avoid pork and alcohol, here’s the itinerary I would curate.

We would start our mornings with a hearty breakfast at Busboys and Poets, a cultural hub that combines a restaurant, bookstore, and event space. Milk and Honey would be another spot to capture our hearts and bellies first thing in the morning. Following breakfast, a visit to the African American Museum would be essential—to walk off our meal, of course.

For lunch, we could head to Zaytinya for its amazing Mediterranean food, offering a blend of Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Another favorite of mine we could visit on another day is Jinya, where my favorite dish is the Spicy Creamy Vegan bowl with kale noodles. We would also check out the flavors at NuVegan Café, known for its delicious vegan soul food.

Afternoons would be spent exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown, once a historically African American community, and wandering into the Dumbarton Oaks Museum. For those adventurous and active days, a hike at Great Falls Park would help to walk off more calories so we can head to our next meal. Then we would visit hidden gems like the O Museum or the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which offers a mix of modern art and outdoor sculptures, perfect for eclectic tastes.

Dinner reservations would include spots like Cane, a celebrated Trinidadian restaurant by Chef Peter Prime and his younger sister, co-owner Jeanine Prime, offering flavorful comfort dishes. I would also want to dress up and visit places like Bronze by Chef and Owner Keem Hughley for some Afrofuturistic-inspired flavors, or make reservations at La Vie, another amazing Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the Wharf where we can stroll by the water afterward.

We could attend events at The Kennedy Center or Howard Theatre, both offering a range of performances from music to spoken word. To unwind and enjoy some relaxed time, we would hang out at Sankofa Video Books & Cafe, an intimate space perfect for conversations over a cup of coffee or tea. Throughout the week, we would book our spots and attend events at venues like the Anacostia Arts Center, which hosts a variety of art exhibits, performances, and workshops.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I want to dedicate my shoutout to T. Sanders, the Founder and Executive Director of Long Winding Roads Programs. This non-profit organization is a key partner of the Haku Wellness Center, and their collaboration is central to our vision of community outreach and empowerment.

Our partnership with Long Winding Roads Programs is designed to run several integrated programs that align seamlessly with the wellness center’s mission. One such program focuses on teaching parents in the community at-home hair care skills. This is especially beneficial for those caring for children with different hair textures, whether through adoption or guardianship, who might be unfamiliar or unskilled in hair care.

Another vital program targets young adults in the transitional phase between high school and college, offering them career development skills. This integration ensures that the Haku Wellness Center and Long Winding Roads Programs work cohesively to promote community wellness and development.

Through this collaboration, we aim to provide a holistic approach to nurturing and empowering our community, making sure that every individual has the tools and support they need to thrive.

Website: https://www.hakuholistics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakuholistics/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav

Image Credits
Kelvin Bulluck, Hazel Monae, Zaidi O.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.