Gabrielle Lewis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Gabrielle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with checking my schedule and getting ready for my clients. I spend most of my day styling hair, managing appointments, and making sure every client leaves feeling confident and satisfied with their look. Between clients, I handle social media updates, respond to booking inquiries, and plan content or new styles. After work, I focus on my school assignments and classes, balancing my education with my career goals. My routine keeps me motivated, organized, and always striving to grow both personally and professionally.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gabrielle Lewis, and I’m the owner and stylist behind Laid by Gabby LLC. I specialize in creating flawless, natural-looking styles such as sew-ins, silk presses, and custom looks that make each client feel confident and beautiful. What sets my brand apart is the full experience I provide—focusing on healthy hair care, professionalism, and making sure every client leaves feeling their absolute best.
In addition to running my business, I’m currently in school finishing my degree in criminology with a concentration in criminal law. Balancing both has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance—all of which I apply to my brand every day. My next big goal is to open a Laid by Gabby storefront—a luxury, welcoming salon space where clients can enjoy top-quality service, learn about hair care, and feel empowered through beauty and self-confidence.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my parents taught me the most about work. They both came from Trinidad and Tobago around the age of 26 or 27 and made it their mission to build a better life for themselves and our family. I’m 28 now, and when I think about my work ethic, I know it comes directly from them.
My mom has worked in the healthcare field most of her life, often overnight shifts at the hospital, and she’s always shown me what dedication and sacrifice look like. My dad started working as a teenager and is incredibly skilled with his hands. Whether he’s building two- or three-story decks for family members or making a simple bench for us to sit on while my mom braided our hair, he’s always been an example of hard work and craftsmanship. Watching both of them taught me what it means to hustle, stay consistent, and never give up on your goals.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think I’ve had moments where I fall in and out of love with different things in my life. Sometimes I get stuck and don’t feel like applying myself to anything, but those moments usually force me to slow down and reflect on what I’d been overlooking while going nonstop—basically, burnout.
Back in 2020, I went through a really rough patch in my life and ended up putting school to the side. My grades were slipping, I was losing weight, and things just weren’t going well. I knew I needed to step back and reset. Looking back now, I realize that giving myself that time was necessary.
Today, I’m back in school, passing all my classes with A’s, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Almost giving up on something so important to me taught me that everything happens for a reason. I’m human, and it’s okay to give myself grace while still chasing my goals.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say the public version of me is definitely real, but it’s the more polished side of who I am. What people see through my brand, Laid by Gabby, is my professionalism, creativity, and passion for what I do—but behind that, I’m also just a regular person who goes through things, takes breaks, and has to remind myself to give myself grace.
I try to make sure that the energy I give off publicly matches who I am in private—someone who works hard, genuinely cares about people, and loves helping others feel confident. The only difference is that the public version of me is the one that keeps it together even when things get hard, while the private me is still learning, healing, and growing. Both are real—I just show them in different ways.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would definitely miss the experience and energy I bring to every appointment. I’ve always made sure that whoever sits in my chair feels seen, comfortable, and confident when they leave. It’s never just about doing hair—it’s about the vibe, the laughs, and the genuine care that come with it.
And honestly, I know they’d especially miss my braids! I still have clients who get on to me about not braiding as much anymore. That just shows me how much love and trust they have in my work. I think my clients would miss that connection we’ve built—the consistency, quality, and the comfort of knowing they’ll always leave Laid by Gabby feeling beautiful and taken care of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laidbygabbyllc.as.me
- Instagram: laidbygabby
Image Credits
Gabrielle Lewis
