Today we’d like to introduce you to Noiyah Hall.
Hi Noiyah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Atlanta in 2010 for a change and discovered so many things about myself. I started doing a lot of new things that I was once close-minded to. I enjoyed the diversity that came with being in a new place with people from all walks of life. I became obsessed with learning about different cultures specifically Africa. I was around Africans a lot at school and work. As I started meeting new people and making friends in the African community, I learned about the different countries in Africa and their ethnicities. One night, I went to an African club and the rest is history. I was in love with the culture, food, and music. I tried hookah for the first time at my favorite African club and it quickly became a new hobby for me. Hookah was not popular where I’m from so I had never seen it before. The coolest thing about smoking hookah is the flavors that you taste through the smoke and that’s what amazed me the most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Starting a new business is not easy. When things do not go according to your plan or a certain timing, you get frustrated and ready to give up. Getting the tobacco license is one of the struggles I faced along the way. The county told me one thing and the state was telling me another. Every county has different requirements so everything is not the same depending on where you live or the location of the business. They had me going in circles especially due to it being a mobile hookah business. There’s really no guidelines in place by the state specifically for mobile hookah businesses. I was totally confused about what direction I needed to go in to obtain my tobacco license. My thought process was I want to start a hookah business so I just need to apply for a tobacco license and that’s all, but I was wrong. I also had to apply for a sales and use tax certificate because tobacco sales are regulated by the state and of course, they want their portion of those sales. All tobacco sales must be reported to the state on a monthly basis. The tax examiner called me to discuss the license and I was overwhelmed just listening to everything she was saying. Its so many things that goes into having a tobacco license for a mobile hookah business that I wasn’t expecting. I was so discouraged in that moment that I cried and started to second guess the whole idea of doing a hookah business. Then, my partner and I decided it would be easier to find a space for a hookah lounge instead of doing it as a mobile business. I started reaching out to leasing properties but none of them was interested in leasing to a hookah business. I found this odd considering there’s a smoke shop on every corner and hookah lounges all over Atlanta. I kept getting no after no but didn’t let it stop me from moving forward. So after that, I went back to the original plan of doing it mobile. My biggest challenge has been trying to keep things together with my lash business while working on the hookah business. Trying to book clients, redesign my lash training manual, plan lash trainings, staying present and posting on social media, working with graphic designers, traveling, testing different hookahs, and learning the hookah industry all at the same time has been alot. I’m still trying to find a balance!
We’ve been impressed with MorFish Hookahs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am mostly known for being a lash and brow artist. I thought about doing a hookah business a few years ago but didn’t really act on it. Anybody who knows me, knows I like hookah and always want some more. My dad passed away two years ago and his nickname was “Fish”. MorFish Hookahs is not only a business but a dedication to my dad, which makes it much more special to me. The passion I have for doing things I love is unmatched. My personality and impeccable customer service skills is what sets me apart from others. MorFish Hookahs provide mobile hookah services for private events here in Atlanta and the surrounding metro areas. We will bring the ultimate hookah lounge experience to you. Book us for your next ladies night, adult sleepover, party, meeting, or social gathering!!! The hookah industry is growing fast and I’m happy to be a part of it. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @morfishhookahs !!!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say persistence is the most important quality to my success. Every successful person has experienced failure multiple times, and in multiple ways. What separates a person from the rest isn’t that they fail less, it’s that they persist even more. When faced with a setback, even a large one, I don’t let it stop me from trusting the process and continuing forward, keeping in mind that everything will manifest in God’s timing!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morfishhookahs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morfishhookahs
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MorFishHookahs
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@morfishhookahs
