Meet Gabriel McLeod | Training Manager

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

Hi Gabriel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Hair care had always been a problem growing up. Trying desperately to find the right products and methods to maintain healthy and growing hair proved to be more challenging than just perusing the hair aisle of a beauty store.
“Black girls don’t grow long hair” was the sentiment shared by not only close friends but family and even
professional hairstylists alike. Having a science background, I knew that this empty statement had no real basis and
set out to discover what blossomed into the hair care line H A S A N I Care. H A S A N I is a Jamaican owned,
woman operated enterprise for woman’s complete hair care. With years of research and consistent testing amongst
different hair types the products have been proven to help strengthen hair, and help hair to retain moisture, thus
bringing forth long luscious mane coveted by generations before. HASANI uses a grand mix of natural ingredients
that have been proven to help maintain hair’s integrity no matter the curl type, and is suited for persons of all ages
and backgrounds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The thing that I am most proud of is my daughter and I am excited about her enthusiasm and the unlimited potential that she displays even at her young age. My early work experiences were aligned with my major in Physics, specifically Renewable Energy systems and Environment. Shortly after I was an educator at the Cedar Grove Academy, which resonates with my passion for teaching and learning. Subsequently, I worked as a Technical Information Officer and currently I am the Training Manager at the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC). Nothing in life is easy and heaven knows I’ve had my fair share of character building! However, I think each experience has prepared me for my current role and I am grateful for the life lessons along the journey. Lessons like:
(1) Trusting yourself to make the right decisions about people, circumstances and just anything
(2) Understanding that not every one will want you to win, but wanting yourself to win is enough
(3) Knowing when to walk the road alone and when to ask for help
(4) Persistence and consistency are key
(5) The fear of trying is often really the fear of failing, but count all your “no’s” as one step closer to a yes. Think of it as okay great! I just need a few more “no’s” to get me where I want to be

Words that I want the world to identify with HASANI are: gentle, nourishing , luxury and delicate care. The brand was made to take care of your hair, no matter your gender, age or background. It’s hair care with you in mind.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So the first thing we’re doing is taking a trip to a river! I love fresh water scenery and the relaxing energy that follows. I’d recommend Reach falls in Portland, Jamaica and stopping along the way to get jerk chicken from Boston Jerk. After that we can have a fabulous night dinner in the hills at Majestic and if you’re feeling up to it hit a throwback party in the town. Winding down we can relax at a day spa and then catch a movie and some drinks

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter Tori-Elise’s willingness to help me experiment with new combinations and formulas helped me to stay interested and excited about the process. When I finally found a formula that worked exactly the way I intended it to I was holding on to it, somewhat afraid of others accepting it. However I’m grateful for my friend group for their support and encouragement namely Jay, Michelle, Andrei and Seymone. Gavin for helping me to source raw materials a lot of the times. My parents for letting me know that they have my back.

Website: eventsjeanie.com

Instagram: @gabisamantha1,@hasanicare.co

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-mcleod-978625b6

Youtube: GabiSamantha