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

Hi Gabrielle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been wearing crochet braids since 2016, and I would always get stopped and asked where I get my hair from and how I install it. So I started The Crochet Mane to provide a community for ladies who wear crochet braids to find quality, affordable extensions and a space where they can get the most out of their crochet installation. I also wanted to eliminate the myths around crochet braids and show everyone that it’s the perfect, low-maintenance protective hairstyle for naturalistas!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a policy researcher/analyst; when I’m not working on The Crochet Mane. I started in my professional career as a lawyer but realized I didn’t care much for going to court, and I preferred working on the research and writing behind the scenes, so I. made the change. Making this change taught me that it’s never too late to discover your passion and that if it no longer serves you, it’s okay to let it go.

It has not been easy working a 9-5 while managing a business; these days, you got to be active on all socials to get your business out there. This includes creating TikToks, reels, tweets, taking photos, creating pins and scheduling emails. However, there’s a saying in my home country, Jamaica; ‘if yuh want good, yuh nose haffi run,’ which means to achieve your dreams, you have to be willing to work hard and persevere along the pathway until you attain your goal.

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?
My sister and also my best friend from law school for supporting me on this entrepreneurial journey. For talking me out of quitting when I had bad days, listening to my crazy ideas, and helping me execute them!

To my parents for supporting me, my mom who helps to pack orders and my dad who built me storage space!

Finally, to my accountability partner, Q, who checks in to ensure I’m sending out my emails and posting on my socials weekly!

Website: https://the-crochet-mane.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecrochetmane

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrochetmane

Image Credits
Nishetta’s Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado 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.