
Gabrielle Goodwin may only be nine-years-old, but she’s already one of the most promising business owners in the nation. As the President and CEO of GaBBY Bows, Goodwin was named 2015 South Carolina Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and the honor earned her a seat on The Real.
Over the span of two years, GaBBY Bows has garnered national attention, and through online sales, made parents and their daughters happy in 48 states and eight countries. In addition to its virtual success, the hair accessory is sold in 25 retail stores in the Southeast.
“She’s always been divinely inspired,” Rozalynn Goodwin, Gabrielle’s mother, told JET. “It’s amazing to see the growth and development over two years.”
Among GaBBY Bows’ offerings is the the Double-Face Double-Snap Barrette, which is engineered to prevent hair slippage. With the two faces, the design of the barrette is always visible–even when the hair moves.
So, yes, that means no more lost barrettes!
The mother-daughter duo is now looking to manufacture more designs and colors for GaBBY Bows.
Through their Kickstarter Campaign, the entrepreneurs are working to reach their goal of raising $25 thousand.
“Local Black-owned businesses have rallied together to help,” Rozalynn said.”We have $1600 to go and we’re so grateful for all of the support.”
The campaign will aid in the production of five new colors and deigns.
While things are getting busy, GaBBY Bows dynamic duo is not slowing down anytime soon. Up next is Gabrielle’s book, You Can Be a President and CEO Just Like Me, which is expected to arrive in 2017.
In addition to the success of the business and upcoming moves, GaBBY Bows was also recently named a 2016 SCORE and Sam’s Club American Small Business Champion. Rozalynn shared that part of the mission of SCORE is to encourage people to dream again and not to be “immobilized by fear.”
Entrepreneurship was never a path Rozalynn thought she’d pursue, but if it hadn’t been for Gabrielle’s “nagging” about seeing her bows in stores, the family’s flight into new territory would have never happened.
“She provides so much motivation,” Rozalynn said. “Our society looks at kids as interruptions in life. But our kids (Gabby and Michael) have enhanced me and my husband’s life.”
And about the entrepreneurial biz being too much for a kid? Gabrielle, who also handles inventory, sales tax, serves as the lead salesperson at trade shows and more, takes it on with ease.
“It feels really good and it’s fun because I get to meet new people!”
Want to support? You can help GaBBY Bows reach their goal here.