Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabrielle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Gabrielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

As a woman of minority, I often have felt the need to push myself. I grew up with a father who often pushed me to my fullest potential. I achieved a PhD at the age of 26 and am now a college professor teaching cellular and molecular biology at the age of 27. Along side of obtaining one of the highest terminal degrees, I worked part time as a licensed nail tech and started my own mink lash company Exotic Blinks by Gabby Cosmetics. Most people try to put college educated women in a box as if we were only supposed to go to school and get a great paying 9-5. However, I always knew that wasn’t the case for me. I knew I was born a mogul. I was never meant to be average. One of my biggest passions is to be an advocate for black women in STEM and to project an image that proves you can be your own boss and create the lifestyle you want for yourself despite what others around you may say. I always say when I leave this Earth, what will people say about me? What mark have I made? What legacy will I leave behind. I aspire to continue to grow and evolve and pursue my passions as both a black woman in STEM , in the field of academia, and as an entrepreneur so that I can serve as a mentor to other women and give back to my community in various ways.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I became a licensed nail tech before I graduated high school. When I began college at South Carolina State University, I did nails on campus and back at home in Charleston, SC. I gained a passion for making women like me feel beautiful and it gave me a creative outlet outside of being a biology major. When I graduated college and started graduate school to get my PhD in biology at Clark Atlanta, I realized how much I loved enhancing my look with mink eyelashes and how much they brought out the most beautiful features in women. That is when I started my mink lash line Exotic Blinks by Gabby Cosmetics. Some women come to me very timid about trying new looks or things to enhance there beauty and my goal was to always help them step out of their comfort zone and become more confident whether its with their nails or eye lashes. The mission of both of my brands, The Nail Lab LLC and Exotic Blinks by Gabby Cosmetics LLC, is to create a space for women to come get services or purchase a product they are proud to wear and that simply makes them feel like “That GIRL”.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One important thing I had to learn was to stop being discouraged because it seems like there is too much competition or people only support who they want. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that nobody has your talent, your talent and gift is yours, and you have to continue to set yourself apart. Nobody can do what you do like you.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I make it my business to vlog my lifestyle over all not just my businesses and have provided a very transparent platform. You have to capture interest, show who you are and make your presence stand out. Just simply put yourself out there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @i_am_gabbs
• Youtube: Keeping Up With Gabbs