We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.
Hi Gabrielle, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from watching my grandmother, Joyce Sowell Johnson, who was an entrepreneur for over 40 years. She owned multiple businesses and always carried herself with pride, grace, and determination. Growing up, I remember sitting in her shop, watching her interact with customers. She treated everyone with respect and made running a business look seamless, even though I now know how challenging it must have been.
Her example showed me that success isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about showing up every day, even when it’s hard. That lesson really hit home when I became a mom. After having my daughter in 2020, I knew I didn’t want to go back to a traditional job. I wanted to build something meaningful for her and for myself. I leaned into my hustle, selling hair extensions during the pandemic and eventually opening my own beauty bar. Six months in, I had earned $30,000 and knew I had something special.
My grandmother’s work ethic taught me to never settle, and my daughter motivates me to keep going. Whether I’m managing one of my businesses or starting a new venture, I channel the same determination I saw in my grandmother and work to create a legacy that will make her proud.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Gabrielle Johnson, a serial entrepreneur and visionary businesswoman committed to building businesses that inspire and empower others. My journey is rooted in hard work, determination, and a passion for helping people grow, both personally and professionally.
One of my key ventures is High Klass Tax Co., where we provide top-notch tax preparation services with a unique twist—every client receives a complimentary trip as a thank-you for trusting us with their financial needs. I love that we’re able to take something as stressful as taxes and turn it into an opportunity to bring joy and create memorable experiences for our clients.
At 8Twenty Beauty Bar, I focus on helping individuals feel confident and empowered through body contouring services and waist trainers. It’s more than just a business; it’s about giving people tools to feel their best and embrace their beauty.
Another passion of mine is Growth by Kay Elise, where I offer my signature Kay’s Hair Growth Oil. This product is close to my heart, as it was inspired by my daughter and her journey to healthy, flourishing hair. The oil has transformed hair routines for so many families, and I’m proud to see it make a difference in people’s lives.
Lastly, the Joyce Johnson Foundation is my way of honoring my late grandmother, who was an entrepreneur for over 40 years. The foundation is dedicated to bringing awareness to entrepreneurship and encouraging others to pursue their dreams. It’s a legacy project that keeps her spirit alive while helping others create their own paths to success.
What makes my work special is that everything I do is deeply personal and tied to my values of growth, empowerment, and legacy. Whether I’m helping clients achieve financial clarity, feel confident in their bodies, or find solutions for their hair care needs, my goal is to uplift and inspire.
This year, I’m excited to continue growing these businesses and expanding the impact of the Joyce Johnson Foundation. I look forward to connecting with more people who share my passion for creating positive change!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities that shaped my success are resilience, strategic thinking, and a growth mindset. Resilience has been crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks. There have been moments where things didn’t go as planned, but my ability to bounce back and keep pushing forward allowed me to turn those obstacles into learning experiences. Strategic thinking helped me build a solid foundation for my businesses. Whether it was expanding my product offerings or creating efficient systems, I always aimed to think several steps ahead. A growth mindset has been key in keeping me open to new opportunities and continuous learning. It allowed me to adapt, improve, and innovate.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to cultivate resilience by staying focused on your “why” and remembering that failures are just lessons in disguise. Develop strategic thinking by always having a clear vision of where you want to go and staying proactive in your approach. Lastly, embrace a growth mindset by being open to feedback, constantly learning, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and never be afraid to invest in your own development. Success is a journey, and each step forward is progress.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The most helpful forces in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills needed for success have been God and my daughter. Through every challenge, God has carried me through moments I couldn’t have navigated on my own. I hold onto Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds me that God has a plan for me, a plan for hope and a future, even when things don’t look clear. During those tough moments, I’ve leaned into my faith, trusting that He’s always working behind the scenes. Matthew 7:7 has also been a guiding verse for me—asking, seeking, and knocking has opened doors I never imagined would be possible.
My daughter, Kaisley, is a constant source of inspiration and strength. Everything I do is for her and to build a future we can both be proud of. She motivates me to keep going, even when the road is hard. Through her, I’m reminded daily of the importance of setting an example, especially as a mother and entrepreneur. Proverbs 16:3 encourages me to commit my work to God, trusting that He will establish my plans, and James 2:26 reinforces that faith without works is dead. I know I must keep working and trusting God to lead me.
Through faith, hard work, and the love of my daughter, I’ve been able to build and grow. Their influence in my life has given me the courage, vision, and drive to keep pressing forward in all that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highklasstax.com
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gabbie.johnson.1
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
