We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melinda Gillispie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melinda below.
Melinda, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Growing up in an impoverished neiborhood and working my way through high school and college, I wanted to be successful and achieve influence more than leadership. I notice a book, it was a yellow book at a gas station once some 15 years ago when I was traveling and the title was “Lead Like You Are in Charge When You Are Not. That title won my attention. I purchased it and still to this day I reference that book. When I am the only one in the room that looks like me, I don’t shrink. I sit up straight, and I have presence. And although I am not in charge in the room, I lead like I’m in charge by my preparation, presence and poise. I lead by influence and not authority even though I may not be the leader.
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 recently launched a hair and scalp care brand after experiencing a personal scalp, hair and health crisis. I am the Owner and Founder of GRAYCE ORGANICS, LLC, Natural & Plant-Based Hair and Scalp Care. My business motto is Hair Care is Self-care with a self-confidence theme that you are not your hair. GRAYCE ORGANICS has given me purpose, not only having quality, organic and effective hair care products, but also educating about the dangers of harsh chemicals and unregulated ingredients found in hair products that impact health. As a nurse and clinical researcher and a corporate leader, I wear a lot of hats, however, I’m a nurturer at heart and one that has empathy and compassion for those who are suffering as a result of not knowing. There is a scripture, Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” As a believer in Christ Jesus and having the gift of launching my own hair care brand, I find it necessary to not only offer quality and safe products but to also educate, empower and tell my story of the grace of God and how God has turned my pain into a passion.
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?
The priority advice I’d like to give is don’t be driven by fast money. Having a business is a gift, no matter how big or small you start out. Have a passion before profit. It will take time to earn a profit, but passion starts from the time you have the idea to a business plan to developing to the product or service. If you are not invested in your brand, no one else will be, therefore spend the necessary time, energy and money to invest in your brand by getting trademarked. This is the biggest investment for folks who are early in your journey that speaks to your commitment that you are married to your brand …for better or for worse.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Scaling is the number one challenge for my business. I offer 3 products, an aloe vera rosemary mint shampoo, a thick and creamy conditioner, botanical hair serum and now, I’m releasing a new product, a leave in conditioner with biotin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grayceorganics.com
- Instagram: Grayce Organics
- Facebook: Grayce ORGANICS
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