Meet Gabrielle Johnson | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Gabrielle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was a constant use of both critical and reflective thinking. I remember before I started my business, I sat down and created a blueprint. I wanted to make sure I covered all corners for for my target audience. In order to do that, I had to put myself in my customer’s shoes. My blueprint help me determine who I was selling to, what products/services would be more beneficial for my audience, and which products generated more income and consistency. Leading up into starting my business I had to prepare myself mentally. This is something I coach to my mentees who are launching their businesses. It is almost imperative that we cut off desires/distractions or minimize them in order to focus on the goal. Incorporating a consistent routine of prayer and manifestation has allowed me to think positively and concentrate on what’s to come VS what I have no accomplished yet. I like to think of my business as my child. I prepare for it’s arrival, I birth it, I nourish it, and watch it grow. I got rid of all worry and doubts, cleared my mind, and made it happen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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.”

For me actually launching the business was easy but where the challenge came was being consistent. Especially with social media. It can become overwhelming trying to juggle your business, social life, family, work life etc. We live in a world where social media can either help or hinder you so I try to stay as consistent of socials as I can. Creating content, doing photoshoots, or just uploading memes are ways that helped me stay consistent on social media to keep the engagement up with my followers aka potential customers.

I’ve learned many lessons along the way such as money management, marketing do’s and dont’s, and many more. My favorite lesson that I love to share is “You cannot please everyone.” This is something I struggled with when I first started. Over time I realized my business cannot satisfy everyone and that’s ok. It’s no need to stress over what you can’t control.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Luckily, in 2020 my bestfriend actually moved to Houston. We are both foodies/vloggers! I’m originally from Beaumont, TX which is right outside of Louisiana so I am a HUGE crawfish lover! Seafood, Cajun food, and Soul food are all my favs!! My favorite go-to spots for food are Turkey Leg Hut, Lost and Found, Cool Runnings, Taste Bar, and The Breakfast Klub. I have many more, but these would have to be my top ones not to mention they are all black owned. LA Crawfish Shack, Parma, and LTK Crawfish are my top seafood spots to hit. They remind me of home and the flavor is consistent every time!

I’m not really into the night life club scene so a nice hangout spot to me would be lounges like Seaside, Bar 2200, and Prospect Park. I love site seeing so I’d definitely like to hit the downtown area, and also take pics at the Graffiti Park by the George R. Brown Center. Houston has a lot of great food, drinks, vibes, and cultures. It’s like one big melting pot. I love the diversity of the city yet the culture still remains true and authentic. I’ve met some amazing people while in the spots I named earlier, some who have been great business opportunities, or just great friends along the way. You guys should definitely check out those places if you haven’t already!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I give all honor and glory to God. I talk to him daily, he listens, and talks back. I never make any decisions without consulting with the man above first. So many people have played apart in the success of my business and do not even know the impact they have made. I most definitely would not be here if it was not for my clients/customers. I’ve been blessed to cross paths with some amazing spirits who genuinely wanted the best for me and my business. I thank God everyday for the amazing women he has brought into my life simply through my business. This is why it’s important to chase the passion and not the dollar. I’ve had the pleasure of servicing some pretty wise woman and wisdom is something you cannot put a price on. The support from my clientele/customers has carried me through this journey thus far and for them I’m going to keep going. I’ll always give thanks to my second family at Salon Chantel located in Beaumont, TX (my home town) . Chantel Channel and Kelsha Pouncy along with the other amazing stylist there have been phenomenal mentors for me every step of they way. These ladies have taught me almost everything I know from styling techniques to social media marketing. They’ve also instilled in me how important it is to keep God first in all you do. For that, those ladies will forever and always hold a special place in my heart.

Website: www.theglamorouseffect.net

Instagram: Business IG: theglamorouseffect Personal: iamgabby_j

Facebook: Gabrielle Johnson