We recently connected with Gizelle Perez and have shared our conversation below.
Gizelle , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity really grew out of the challenges I’ve had to walk through in my own life. There were seasons where a small act of kindness or support would’ve made a huge difference for me. Because of that, I feel called to show others the encouragement I wish I had at certain moments.
My faith also shapes how I see people — I genuinely believe we’re meant to lift each other up. So whether someone is just starting their career or navigating a new season, I try to be the kind of support I once needed. Those experiences taught me to lead with empathy, give freely, and help create opportunities for others to grow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’ve been braiding for five years now, and I started with zero experience — just curiosity and a desire to learn. Over time, that small beginning grew into something much bigger. I’ve become a trusted stylist in my community, someone clients feel comfortable coming to for themselves, their kids, and their important moments. Building those relationships has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career.
What really excites me is how braiding has opened doors far beyond the chair. I’ve built strong connections with other beauty professionals who’ve helped me grow and elevate what I offer. I’ve attended and participated in industry events — including a beauty professionals’ gala where I was nominated for Favorite Braider of the Year — and I’ve also been part of community initiatives, like supporting a nonprofit that teaches youth the skills and business behind braiding.
All of these experiences remind me that my work goes deeper than hairstyles. It’s about community, confidence, and creating a space where people feel taken care of. That impact is what keeps me motivated and focused on continuing to grow professionally.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were perseverance, creativity, and discipline.
Perseverance mattered most. I started with no experience, so I had to keep showing up, practicing, and pushing through the moments when it felt slow or challenging.
My advice for anyone early in their career is simple: don’t give up. Keep going when it’s easy and especially when it’s hard. That consistency builds a backbone and a confidence that will carry you far as you grow.
Creativity helped me stand out — learning to visualize styles, adapt, and make each look my own. Staying inspired and experimenting is the best way to develop this.
Discipline kept everything moving forward. Being reliable, organized, and intentional with your craft sets the foundation for long-term success.
Those qualities shaped my journey and continue to guide how I grow professionally.
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 biggest influence in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills I needed has truly been God. When I first started braiding five years ago, I wasn’t really living a Christ-centered lifestyle, so I was trying to handle everything on my own strength. Looking back, I can see how that made certain obstacles feel heavier and more confusing than they needed to be.
The last two years have been completely different. Surrendering my life to the Lord changed the way I see myself, my work, and the challenges that come with both. Leaning on Him has given me peace in situations that would have stressed me out before, wisdom when I had decisions to make, and resilience when I felt discouraged. It’s also shaped qualities like discipline, patience, and confidence — all of which directly impact how I show up professionally.
Giving God the glory for that growth feels natural, because He’s been the steady guide through every season.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ThegspotBraids
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegspot_braids/
- Facebook: thegspotbraids.orlando
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