Today we’d like to introduce you to Girlene “Gigi” Herring.
Hi, Girlene “Gigi,” 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.
My journey with Locs started when I was around 18 when I decided to lock my hair. I have been into Hair & Beauty since I was a child. I would do my friends and family’s hair as a hobby, which developed into something much more over time. About 17 years ago, I started working in Corporate America and easily became caught up in the Workforce of life. During my time in Corporate America, I excelled and easily adapted to the required image. While meeting my goals at my job, I began taking clients after work and on the weekends for Loc maintenance. I started taking courses and classes to better my craft, and over time, I began to offer all services for Locs. Once I noticed the rate at which my clientele began to grow, I started to brand myself. For 10 years, I did hair on the side and grew the “Locs by Gigi” brand into a well-known Loc Business.
In 2020, I realized how much time I was dedicating to my day job, which was someone else’s dream. I started to think of doing something for my family and myself that would bring value and time full circle. In June 2021, I decided to step out on faith and open my first salon, “Locs by Gigi Hair & Beauty Studio.” Once the salon was ready for business, I resigned from my Salaried Position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida after 14 years of service. The salon is set up for Booth Rentals as well as Commission positions. In 2 1/2 years, the salon has grown in popularity and has been a tranquil space for clients to receive local services. In 2023 alone, we checked out over 2,300 appointments. My team and I are looking forward to the future of the salon. In March 2023, I released my “Great Roots Beauty” product line, a stimulating hair growth oil. So far, I’ve sold over 400 bottles of the hair growth oil. I have so much more in store for the Locs by Gigi brand. As we continue to provide valued services, we continue to grow our knowledge and become an asset to the Jacksonville community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success has been smooth for me from a Loc specialist aspect as putting in the time and energy over the past 12 years has truly paid off. From a salon owner aspect, there have been bumps in the road regarding creating and maintaining a solid team. The last year has taught me much about dealing with different personalities and how they can affect the salon’s atmosphere and collaborative team environment. I had to learn to identify the qualities that would make for a great team player, creating a cohesive environment.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Locs by Gigi Hair & Beauty Studio “Where “Locs” of Beauty is crowned with Confidence, Care, and Respect. We offer exceptional Loc and Natural Hair care services for the Jacksonville community and surrounding areas. We specialize in all things Locs; whether you’re starting your journey or you’ve been on your Loc journey for quite some time, we are here to service you. We offer Detoxes for Locs, Loc repairs, Loc styling, and much more. Our stylists have the tools and knowledge to provide each client with professional, quality local services. What sets us apart from most salons is that we specialize in all things Locs. I am most proud of how known my salon has become in the last two years of having a brick & mortar. Creating a great atmosphere for the stylist and clients to thrive in has been rewarding. We constantly receive compliments on how clean and peaceful our establishment is, and that’s also something we take pride in.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that is most important to my success is knowledge. Being teachable at all times is essential to me. No matter my success, I know there is always room for improvement. I always want to be open to constructive feedback. It’s detrimental to my growth.
Pricing:
- Loc Maintenance $85-145
- Insta Locs $600-$900
- Loc repairs $7-$10 per Loc
- Loc Detox $40
- Two Strand Twist Style $25 (add-on)
Contact Info:
- Website: Locsbygigi.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/locs_by_gigi
- Facebook: Facebook.com/locsbygigi
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@locsbygigihairbeautystudio6110
- Other: Linktree/GirleneGigi
