Meet Obedia Ramsey | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Obedia Ramsey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Obedia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After being laid off in the oil and gas industry after 25 years and the life altering changes of COVID, I decided it was time to pursue my dreams and aspirations of owning a beauty supply store. Since this is the age of technology, an online business would challenge me to reach new customers and maintain relevancy in the marketplace. It is my desire to build a successful business and create generational wealth for my family.

What should our readers know about your business?
Gail’s Beauty Supply is a multicultural online beauty supply store. My motto is “Celebrating Every Woman’s Individuality.” As a Black woman, I am knowledgeable of some of the issues we have with hair loss, thinning, balding, growth, and the texture of our hair; starting with myself. I have always been intrigued with our diverse hair styles and options.

When I grew up in the sixties, many of us were made to feel ashamed of our hair. Many of us resorted to wigs, weaves and straightening combs. Which now I embrace as options in our diverse hair styles.

Healthy hair care treatments and care is important in maintaining whatever your hair style choice. Whether we perm, straighten twist, curl, loc, braid or wear our natural hair, we promote and sell quality hair care products.

We offer hair care products for men, women, and children. We have hair accessories, beauty tools, braid hair, and personal care products.

This business is challenging because the market is saturated with new businesses. Due to the rising cost of products, it is difficult to stay competitive with the larger sellers.

To stay relevant in this business, I am committed to consistency in maintaining visibility on social media, defining and reviewing my marketing goals, and identifying my target market on an ongoing basis.

I’ve learned to be patient with all my strategies. To be consistent. To be present. To be engaging. To pray.

I love my online business. This is a one-woman operation. I take great care in packing products and ensuring tops are secured with grip tape and/or packaged in bubble wrap. Boxes are sealed with custom Gail’s Beauty Supply sealing tape. Orders are shipped immediately.

I received an Associates Degree in 1981. However, due to being a single parent and work, I accomplished my goal and received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration Management from The University of Houston-Downtown, December 15, 2018. Graduating Granny. https://abc13.com/grads-with-grit-history-major-kohlton-fry-graduating-granny-obedia-ramsey/4906507/

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Activities: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Kemah Boardwalk, Downtown Aquarium, Galveston Beach, Moody Gardens, Pleasure Pier, The Houston Theater Center, The Woodlands.

Food: The Cheese Cake Factory, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Uncle Julio’s, Landry’s Seafood, The Toasted Yoke.

Relaxation: Sit and talk on the patio, get in the spa, play Gin Rummy,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I came from meager beginnings. A single parent with three boys. In Langston Hughes’ poem, Mother to Son, I can certainly related to “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” My sons have always been my motivation, strength and courage to keep on keeping on. I was determined that they would not be the statistic society had already predicted. Through hard work, transparency, discipline, faith, prayer, love and God’s unfailing love and grace, we made it out of the projects. We beat the odds!

My greatest encouragement comes from my sons. They know our struggles and appreciates my love and care. Thank God, I raised men who love and take care of their wives and children. They are educated and they love the Lord.

When they were younger, I had a word processing business. So, when I started the online business, they were not surprised. They are my best customers, marketers and investors. They keep me motivated and encouraged. It is my desire to leave an inheritance to my children and their children.

Website: gailsbeautysupply.com

Instagram: @gailsbeautysupply

Linkedin: Obedia Ramsey / www.linkedin.com/in/ gail-s-beauty-supply-a71a9121b

Facebook: @gailsbeautysupply

Youtube: Gail’s Beauty Supply @gailsbeautysupply5775

Other: Email: gailsbeautysupply@gmail.com