We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Guerlińe Richardson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Guerlińe below.
Guerlińe , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
I came to America at a young age from Haiti with my parents and siblings, and they arrived with nothing but two suitcases. At that time, Haiti was not a safe place to raise children, and my parents made the brave decision to leave everything behind to give us a better chance at life.
Their resilience and sacrifice shaped who I am today. They always encouraged us to chase our dreams and never give up, no matter how difficult the journey. Because of their support, I’ve been able to achieve so much. I’m a proud author of a book that empowers African American women to care for their hair using simple ingredients from their kitchens. I’m also a successful hairstylist and barber, living out my purpose and helping others feel confident in their own skin.
My parents’ unwavering belief in our potential has been the driving force behind my success, and I carry their lessons with me every day.
Guerlińe , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I originally went to college to become a heart surgeon, driven by the lack of Black women in that field. But while I was pursuing that path, something unexpected happened: I started doing hair in my dorm room. What started as a simple passion quickly grew into something I loved deeply, and I never looked back. That’s how my journey in the beauty industry began, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
One of the biggest challenges I face in this industry is managing the expectations clients bring with them. People often come in with inspiration photos, wanting to look exactly like the person in the image, but the reality is that many of these photos are touched up and edited, making it nearly impossible to recreate the same look. Another challenge is that, sadly, not enough people love themselves as they are. My mission is to change that—every person who sits in my chair should feel important, cared for, and leave feeling more confident and beautiful.
I offer a range of services for both men and women. For my female clients, long lengths and extensions are often a favorite, as they want the full, glamorous looks they see on TV. My male clients appreciate sharp cuts and attention to detail that keep them looking their best.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to personalizing every experience. It’s not just about hair—it’s about helping people feel seen and valued. I’m proud to say that I’ve also authored a book, *Mastering Your Textures*, where I teach African American women how to care for their hair using simple, everyday ingredients. That’s one of my proudest accomplishments—helping women feel empowered and knowledgeable about their hair.
In everything I do, whether it’s cutting hair or sharing knowledge through my book, my goal is to uplift and inspire. I want people to leave my space feeling better than when they came in—both inside and out.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Everything changed when COVID hit. The world shut down, and it felt like everything came to a standstill. When the city shut down, there was no income coming in, and I wasn’t able to get approved for any loans or financial assistance. So, I had to pivot in my business.
That’s when I decided to create my own shampoo and conditioner set. It wasn’t easy—I had no clue what I was doing at first. But I knew I had to spend money to make money, so I tapped into my “nerdy side” and created a formula that worked. I mass-produced the product, but soon after, I faced a major setback. The person I hired to design the bottle covers ripped me off, and I ended up with 6,000 bottles featuring an image that was being used for other people as well.
Despite this challenge, I didn’t give up. I pushed forward and worked to get my products into local stores in my area, and by the grace of God, it happened. From there, my next goal was to target big brands like Walmart and Target.
This journey taught me the importance of working on my business instead of just in my business. I’m still learning, but that pivot during the pandemic was a turning point that helped me grow as an entrepreneur.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation has been built on a foundation of consistency, personalized care, and a genuine passion for making people feel their best. As a hairstylist and the owner of Gigis Hair Designs, I’ve always focused on providing more than just a service—I aim to create an experience where my clients feel seen, valued, and confident when they leave my chair.
One of the things that has really helped me stand out is my ability to listen and cater to each client’s individual needs. Whether it’s a specific style or the desire for a complete transformation, I work closely with my clients to ensure they feel heard and leave feeling their best. I specialize in both men’s and women’s services, offering everything from classic cuts to long extensions, and my clients often rave about the results. My clients’ satisfaction is reflected in the incredible reviews I’ve received on platforms like StyleSeat, where they appreciate not just the quality of my work but also the care and attention I give to each appointment.
Additionally, my dedication to educating clients on healthy hair care, especially through my book *Mastering Your Textures*, has helped me build trust within the community. Sharing knowledge and empowering others has always been a key part of my brand, and I believe that’s been instrumental in shaping my reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.gigishairdesignz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigihairdesigns?igsh=MWx1M2swNW1rZnllaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Gigishairdesigns
- Youtube: Gigishairdesigns
- Other: Tiktok : Gigishairdeisgns
