Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabrielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Early in life, I learned what it meant to be self-sufficient. I was seven when I lost my mother to cervical cancer; she was 26. After my mother’s death, my older brother graduated high school and joined the army, leaving me with my father and stepmother until they divorced years later. I was still in school at the time, so I was forced to bounce around a little, living with different family members, still going to school and maintaining my grades until I completed high school in 2015. Walking across that stage as an Honor Graduate meant more to me than your typical student; it proved that I could not only survive but thrive despite my circumstances. Knowing this, three days after graduation, I moved out and began living on my own.
Shortly thereafter, I enrolled in cosmetology school. I have always been drawn to how rapidly the trends changed in the beauty world. I love taking on the challenges of trying new styles and techniques; I guess you can say that’s the Aries in me. Seeing how versatile weaves and hair extensions were as well as how an amazing hairstyle could change a women’s entire demeanor, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue professionally. Some might say it was meant to be. I remember being a senior in high school, doing hair and constructing wigs on a regular basis, so cosmetology school was the obvious next step.
Once in school, I quickly gained a large clientele. During that time, I was also blessed to work with some of the most talented stylists who were not only the best teachers but some of the best mentors I could ask for. They took, what I would consider my raw talent, and refined it into something I instantly knew could really make me successful.
With my passion for the field, my talents, my innate ability to prosper despite difficult circumstances, and the mentors I gained while in cosmetology school, I decided to further my dream past being a beautician. I wanted to be a business owner. So, in November of 2017, I constructed a binder labeled “The Glamorous Effect—BLUEPRINT” and relocated to Houston, Texas.
After establishing myself in my new city, at the age of 21, I decided to take a leap of faith in 2019. I officially launched “The Glamorous Effect.” Using my social media following, I built my platforms and marketing techniques. What started as a passion quickly became a booming business. With just a few hundred dollars, I purchased business cards, a few bundles, & a DBA under the name “The Glamorous Effect by Gabrielle.” Writing my goals down in my blueprint binder made them easier to obtain because I craved the feeling of checking things off the list.
As a young entrepreneur, I graciously share my knowledge and techniques in videos & tips to inspire others. I want to empower young entrepreneurs to venture off into their own lanes. You do not need a lot of money. You do not need support. All you need is a plan and a prayer. Your business will always be as serious as you take it. Although I am young, I am embedding my name in the beauty industry one day at a time and I plan to soon take it over. This is only “The Glamorous Effect by Gabrielle—CHAPTER 1.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Launching a business will never be a smooth road. I have most definitely faced challenges along the way. Marketing techniques, developing a consistent clientele, especially after leaving the city where I began, and targeting my customer base were some of my struggles. I had to learn to find a balance between working long hours and business success.
When I first created the blueprint for my brand, I was in cosmetology school while working two jobs, attempting to grow my clientele, and trying to get settled in my new home as a Houstonian. I didn’t grow up taking handouts, so hustling has always been my way of life. I enjoy being able to say I overcame the impossible without needing to lean on others. My startup was one of my most troubling times. My generation feeds off social media, so I knew it would be imperative that I find a way to use those platforms to my advantage, all while still running the other components that come with a hair business. Promoting on all social media sites, answering DM’s, booking appointments, and shipping orders alone became overwhelming. I didn’t have a team working under me, so there were plenty of late nights and early mornings where I was working alone, getting everything done and pushing out products in a timely manner. I knew being a woman running her own business independently not be easy, so I prayed, constantly re-envisioned my goal, and pushed through.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Glamorous Effect by Gabrielle story. Tell us more about the business.
In January 2019, The Glamorous Effect by Gabrielle was officially launched. My black-owned beauty and hair extensions line was created to help empower women by building their confidence and enhancing their essence of beauty. We offer custom made wig units, virgin hair bundles, hair accessories and much more.
In February of 2020, we launched our “VIVID Collection,” which is our custom hair bundles that are offered in a full-color spectrum along with matching closures and frontals. We created this specific line for women who dare to be different, those wanting to make a statement without saying a word; have their hair do the talking. For me, it was important that my business cater to all women, modest and artistic. Here at TGE, we specialize in custom units and installations while preserving the integrity of the hair. Best known for our lightweight and luxurious bundles, we have created the perfect hairline for the woman from the boardroom to happy hour.
Being able to start this line with little to no money and prayer is what makes me beyond grateful for the outcome. Knowing where I came from and then, being able to experience being completely sold out three days after my initial launch in 2019, I honestly have never been prouder. The feedback and support I have received while being a business owner have been phenomenal as well.
What sets me apart from other businesses is that I do not chase the money; I chase the purpose. Informing and educating my shoppers on all things hair related so that they can spend confidently makes me feel accomplished. I take pleasure in helping a woman build her confidence or helping her get her groove back. My personal investment in all my clients is what makes my business unique; I’m not a huge conglomerate company that is impersonal, cranking out cookie-cutter products for all its shoppers. There is a personal interest in the satisfaction of all my clients that keeps them coming back because they know I care and want them to look their best so they can be at their best. Even just a simple smile of satisfaction when the client leaves my chair makes my day. They could have gone anywhere, but they chose me. Their fulfillment keeps me going.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Honestly, I do not believe in luck. I believe in prayer. I believe in manifestation. I believe in faith. These three things have helped me tremendously, not only in the success of my business but in the joy of my life as well. There were times at the beginning of this journey and sometimes now where I lack confidence and become discouraged because I know the field I chose to pursue is heavily populated with icons in the industry. It’s a competitive field for a new young entrepreneur like myself, to think I can compete with the likes of companies that I grew up on and whose companies are still flourishing to this day—it can be intimidating. Despite those doubts, every morning, I wake up and pray. Before I touch my phone, before I roll over, and before my feet touch the floor, I pray. Prayer reassures me that I’m on the right path and puts my mind at ease so that I can confidently pursue the day worry-free.
People will take your business as seriously as you make them. I manifest where I want to be. I think it; I see it, and I believe it. Besides, my faith is what got me where I am today. I traveled to Houston alone with just a $700 paycheck and landed a home, job, and started a business. That was not lucked; that was God.
Contact Info:
- Website: theglamorouseffect.net
- Phone: 4094440444
- Email: glameffctbygabby@gmail.com
- Instagram: @theglamorouseffect
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gabriellejohnson
Image Credit:
Tommeyee
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
