Gabrielle “Gabby” Goodwin, founder and CEO of GaBBY Bows, has been working diligently at perfecting her products, building a brand, and being a student since the age of 7. And now, at just 12 years old, her products can be found on the shelves in 74 Target stores throughout the country.
What started off as a conversation between Goodwin and her mother, Rozalynn Goodwin, about losing hair barrettes turned into the creation of the first patented double-face, double-snap barrette also known as “GaBBY Bows.” Since the launch, GaBBY Bows have saved families time and money in 50 U.S. states and 10 countries. In addition to the bows, the company now offers a Mommy and Me Entrepreneurship Academy, which gives parents and their children the opportunity to work collaboratively toward entrepreneurship through microfranchising the GaBBY Bows business; natural hair products, The GaBBY Bows book, and more.
In a previous interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Goodwin shared that she wants to inspire others. “Everyone talks about how I’m so amazing. I want them to know that they can do similar things as me—and know that anything is possible.”
The girl boss is a huge advocate for empowering other young entrepreneurs and girls and says that this accomplishment is proof that girl power exists. “This dream coming true helps girls know that whatever they put their minds and hard work to, they can achieve,” says Goodwin.
For her many accomplishments and dedication to her company and others, Goodwin was named the 2018 BLACK ENTERPRISE Teenpreneur of the Year. In 2015, she was also named the youngest ever South Carolina Young Entrepreneur. GABBY Bows was also named the national SCORE Foundation Outstanding Diverse Business of the Year in 2016.
GaBBY Bows has been featured in Essence, The Washington Post, Now This, on The Real, and other countless publications and TV shows.
To find GaBBY Bows on a Target shelf near you, click here.