Success Lifestyle Magazine Issue 6- October 2019 | Page 23

Gabrielle Clarke
A Rebel with a Bag
What happens when you’re deemed a
“problem” child? You have 2 choices: show
everyone that you’re better than what they
think or live up to your name while
wallowing in self-pity. Gabrielle Clarke
grew up in a stable home where she was
provided with what she needed when her
mother could afford it. She craved
emotional support from her parents but
was considered a “problem” child and told
that she would be a failure. Instead of
believing this lie, Gabrielle made it her
mission to prove her parents wrong.
This “problem” child has grown into a
23-year-old boss babe, poised to build an
empire. Growing up in scarcity, and in an
environment where much was not
expected from her, fueled Gabrielle’s
passion to become a successful
entrepreneur. She wanted to create a way
to have the abundance she desires. I had a
vibrant conversation with her recently
and learnt more about how her business,
Quaint by GSC, has helped her grow.
What was the pivotal moment
in your life that influenced you
to become an entrepreneur?
I’m a multi-dimensional person who is
artistic and creative. It may seem a bit
strange that I originally wanted to
become a medical doctor. To be honest, I
was conforming to my parents’ and
society’s expectation that I should find a
stable career that would pay well. I
wasn’t accepted into the medical
programme at UWI but I was placed in
biochemistry. While in my first year, I
applied for a transfer to dentistry and
was accepted. So, I began UWI’s
Issue �: October ����
dentistry programme in my second year
but could not continue because the tution
was exorbitant.
Throughout this period, I was finding
creative ways to use my skills to earn
money because I was essentially
depending on myself. A dentistry student
who braids hair... what a piece a
excitement! My Rex Nettleford Hall family
knew me as the braiding queen. My
creativity didn’t stop there though; I made
my own clothes and wore a jumpsuit I
made to a popular party on campus, Hard
Wine. Someone saw me in it and
encouraged me to create some pieces for
Rex Nettleford Hall’s annual fashion show
which was two weeks away. I tried talking
myself out of it because two weeks really
wasn’t a lot of time but I saw how
successful another young designer was and
believed that this fashion show was my
launching pad towards success. This is
where my entrepreneurial journey truly
began.
Why Quaint by GSC?
Children are in my future. Quaint by GSC
is the legacy I will leave for them. It began
on November 21, 2015 when I created
African-inspired clothing for a fashion
show at Rex Nettleford Hall. Guess what?
Everyone an him modda did a create dem
type a clothes too. Thankfully, I was wise
enough to sell both clothing and bags. My
bags were selling like hot bread! I take
great
pride
determined
in
that
being
my
unique
unique
and
selling
position (USP) would be to create African
print bags. All the bags are made by hand
and each is truly unique.
What word would you use to
describe your business? Why?
Quaint which means strangely attractive
and unusually interesting. The products
are unusually interesting.
What tips would you give to
someone wanting to sell
products online from Jamaica?
Shopify makes it easy to accept payments
from customers anywhere in the world.
However, you have to link Shopify to your
PayPal or US bank account which is a
challenge for most Jamaicans. It’s possible
though for you to open an international
account at a US bank. Do your research
and find the best bank for you. You can
then use the local postal system to ship
overseas.
What is the greatest lesson
that you have learnt as an
entrepreneur?
Patience is key. When I started this
business, I didn’t know that it would grow
to the level that it’s at now. I was patient
and took it one day at a time.Improving
each day was my aim. It’s great to see
where I am coming from. If I had tried to
rush it, I would have felt discouraged in
that moment.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Why?
Patience is key. When I started this
business, I didn’t know that it would grow
to the level that it’s at now. I was patient
and took it one day at a time.Improving
each day was my aim. It’s great to see
where I am coming from. If I had tried to
rush it, I would have felt discouraged in
that moment.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Why?
Myself. I am not trying to sound self-
centered but I am inspired by how far I
have come due to my hardwork and
dedication. I can have anything I want and
do anything I want if I put in the work.
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