Meet Gabrielle McKoy

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

Hi Gabrielle, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
AllThingsNatural was started in my kitchen after I recognized the need for products to maintain a healthy crown. I used to use chemicals in my hair and then realized my hair would not grow past my shoulders so I cut out all the chemical processes and decided to grow out all my hair until its return to its most natural state. After that I began using castor oil as that was the oil known to me from my grandmother’s own hair care regimen but started researching and experimenting with other oils and natural ingredients and realized that my own hair was growing from the care I had implemented with my own product line. During this time I had started working in the hair care industry specializing in dreadlocks. My hair was flourishing and people started asking what it was I was using. Once I started using my home made product on my salon clients, they started requesting it and that is how my business idea began. It was then that I started filling the need for a hair care product that didn’t flake and leave residue on the scalp and hair and actually encouraged growth… so I created my own. Since then I have been exploring my creative side and it has manifested itself not only in the salon but also on canvases. I have also had the pleasure of painting a few murals and have since then explored so many facets of my creative self.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my ability to build connection by merging natural hair care with artistic expression in order to celebrate individuality and beauty. I am most proud of the transformation when people sit in my chair. People like to feel cared for and it’s so magical to adjust their crown (their hair) and watch their confidence bloom. I have been doing hair for the past 20 years and have since then called myself a “hairapist” as I am blessed with the ability to provide a safe space for my clients to be able to freely express themselves. I have learned from many mentors along the way and also educated myself in certain areas. The entrepreneurial journey has been full of failures and rewards but each leg of the journey has lessons that help build character and I literally feel the growth as I progress. I used to get disappointed whenever things were not in alignment with MY plan but after a few years I realized that a delay wasn’t necessarily a denial and that if I stayed focused then things would work out in divine order.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend visiting the area would definitely be treated to a beach day starting at Las Olas beach strolling along the boulevard to explore boutiques and galleries followed by dinner at one of the various restaurants in the area. For some nature and adventure we would kayak through Hugh Taylor Birch State park and tour the Bonnet house museum and gardens and probably end the day with tacos and margaritas from a local spot. One of the days would be a boat day where we would coast the Intercoastal via a Water Taxi and have lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. The artist in me would be sure to dedicate an entire day to visiting Fat Village Arts district and Wynwood Arts district and dine at one of the restaurants in the area like The Alchemist or Dunkanoos. The Broward performing arts center would be a destination one evening as there is always a play or a concert being held there on weekends. There would also be a day dedicated to yoga on the beach or a spa day at the Ritz Carlton, lunch at Lulu’s Bait shack, and an elegant dinner at Eddie v’s prime seafood. Toward the end of my bestie’s stay I would be sure to go for a drive along A1A, soak up the last rays at Ft Lauderdale beach park and end with dinner at My Favorite Spot, a restaurant in Hollywood. These are just a few of the things I would do for entertainment but also add some competitive sports like bowling or a game of pool. With so many things to choose from my bestie would have the greatest time because I live where so many people vacation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first time I read the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” I realized it was all up to me and my mindset if I was going to be a successful entrepreneur. Along the way I was fortunate enough to be mentored by friends and colleagues who were thriving in their own entrepreneurial space. I took some of the advice and ignored others but was always a student as I felt as though learning would never end. My shout out goes to everyone in the entrepreneurial space right now as this journey is not an easy one but its definitely worth it.

Website: www.allthingsnatural.life

Instagram: allthingsnaural4life

Other: The info above is for my hair page. I speak of art as well and have a separate page for art: www.realmckoyart.com