From a small grocery shop in the Plaisance Market on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to leading two successful ventures, Gabřellé Cummings-Atherley is cementing her name as an entrepreneur.
Gabřellé Cummings-Atherley
At just 27 years old, she shared that her journey from a market girl to a businesswoman has been shaped by perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others thrive.
THE EARLY DAYS: FROM MARKET GIRL TO ENTREPRENEUR
I grew up as a market girl in Plaisance Market, where my parents had a grocery shop. Everyone knew me as the girl in the shop, and I grew up chatting and interacting with customers.
Those early years, spent in a bustling market environment, helped shape her business acumen. One particularly memorable moment was when her parents became the first on the East Coast to sell GTT and U-Mobile top-up services.
Teaching people how the system worked was one of my most memorable times at the shop before we moved in 2010.
LAUNCHING LOC’D&LOADED
Gabřellé’s natural hair journey began in 2016 after the passing of her godmother, who had straightened her hair with chemicals for years.
Struggling to manage her natural Afro-textured hair, she turned to YouTube and TikTok but found the lack of genuine 4C hair content frustrating.
I started creating my own content to share my experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Her content led to a growing TikTok following and, eventually, the launch of Loc’d & Loaded in 2022.
Loc’d&Loaded focuses on providing high-quality products and services for loc care, with the added convenience of at-home hair services.
I realised that people wanted the comfort of getting salon-quality care without having to leave their homes. That’s how Loc’d&Loaded was born. Our clients get salon-quality care in the comfort of their homes.
This East Coast resident’s dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed. She had been selected to lead a discussion on loc health and maintenance at Curlfete 2024.
I’m proud that my work is being recognised.
Gabřellé Cummings-Atherley during the loc sisters segment at Curlfete 2024
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Like any entrepreneur, this businesswoman faced her fair share of challenges, especially when providing at-home services.
Some homes still don’t have running water or proper ventilation, so I use a short questionnaire to adjust my equipment and products accordingly.
Despite these challenges, this loctician finds the most rewarding aspect of her work to be the connections she makes with her clients.
I love working with new mothers who don’t have time to go to a salon. They can relax at home, and I get to meet their adorable little ones. It’s a win-win!
A MEMORABLE MILESTONE
One particularly significant moment in Gabřellé’s entrepreneurial journey came in January 2024, when her brother, Rev. Raymon Cummings Jr., contracted her to style the bridal hairstyle for his wedding.
This event motivated her to add a bridal package to her offerings.
It made me reminiscent of my own wedding, where I struggled to find a bridal package that catered to the specific style and look I wanted.
This milestone helped propel Loc’d&Loaded to new heights as her business gained recognition in the beauty industry.
JUDY’S PENNYBANK: A LEGACY OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
In addition to running Loc’d&Loaded, Gabřellé also leads Judy’s Pennybank, a unique financial institution started by her late mother, Judith Cummings.
My mother taught us about making a profit and investing in the best ways she knew how.
What began as a simple family savings plan quickly grew into a community-wide initiative as others expressed interest in joining.
After her mother’s passing in 2021, Gabřellé took over the business, maintaining her mother’s legacy of integrity and honesty while adding her own vision.
I hope to one day make Judy’s Pennybank an institution where clients can obtain loans based on their savings.
While the journey is far from over, Gabřellé is committed to helping others achieve their financial goals, just as her mother did.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, this businesswoman has ambitious plans for both of her ventures. For Loc’d&Loaded, she envisions creating a multi-use space where beauty professionals from various disciplines can rent spaces to serve their clients.
Most people in the industry need a jump start, and I think a multi-use space would be just the way to help others grow.
For Judy’s Pennybank, Gabřellé is working towards offering a loan option to clients while continuing to promote financial literacy.
We suggest different saving periods and side savings options for those who have specific goals but don’t want to touch their main savings.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR BOTH VENTURES
- Telephone number: +592683-4363
- Facebook: Loc’d&Loaded
