We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Gayle Dorion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal Gayle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Deciding to start my own business was not about me! I am overcoming a tragic Health Crisis. In 2017 I became severely ill and was diagnosed with two rare neuromuscular autoimmune diseases, which had me partially paralyzed and suffering hair loss. Doctors told me I’d never be able to walk again and I would eventually lose all my hair. I did not accept that and I began researching how to restore my Health & Beauty naturally. People began noticing the improvements in my physical health, my skin & Hair and began reaching out to me. I knew I had to help, so I began offering Holistic Consulting Services and I’m working on my Natural Medicinal-based Hair Care line that focuses on scalp & Hair health!!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As young as I can remember, I’ve always loved the Beauty Industry. I did Hair, eyebrows & MakeUp throughout middle school and high school. When it was time to select my future career, it was a no brainer for me. However, my guidance counselor talked me out of becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist after I graduated High school. She told me I was too smart to just do hair! This decision left me confused so I joined the Army National Guard as a Medic and went to college for Psychology & Communications. Throughout college I still did hair, eyebrows & makeup so the passion never left me. I was laid off from my corporate job in 2011 so that was my opportunity to do what I always wanted to do-go to Cosmetology School. That was the best decision I ever made. I finally felt like I was living!!
It’s SUCH a blessing to me now to see that God has brought my passions back full circle-now with a major purpose!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Birmingham, AL and our city is growing. There are so many delicious restaurants to eat from and fun activities to do. To be honest, I’ve been “quarantined” since 2017. Healing & Recovering, now working on my business so I do go out much.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In the beginning I was SO devastated about how my life completely changed for the worse. I could not take care of myself for almost two years, so I definitely want to shout out my husband Jarrod M. Dorion, our two amazing sons, family & friends who helped us unconditionally. As far as support & mentorship from other entrepreneurs, I’d have to give a huge shoutout to Monique Rodriguez-she has prayed with me & for me, she blessed me with a car to get back on my feet, and even though she’s also in the Hair & Beauty Industry, she has always encouraged me to fulfill my dreams. Another Shoutout goes to Ronne Brown. Ronne heard my story and blessed me with a $500 business grant and a spot in her 6week Brand Rehab Course to help get my Cosmetics Brand set up right and she has been such a valuable part of my life since. The last shoutout goes to Halani Lobdell who just recently blessed me with her Entrepreneur Mentorship Program. I’m super excited to continue learning & growing from these successful BAWSES!!

Website: www.IOTBenhancement.com

Instagram: @CGaDorable

Youtube: IOTB Enhancement

Other: Stay tuned for the launch of my Cosmetics Brand Gayle Rx.

Image Credits
iPushMagazine

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.