N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 19
She continued speaking to me, but it
didn't matter. I thought to myself, "Who
are you to tell me I can't make it in an
industry I love and am passionate about?"
Skip ahead to several years later when
the company I founded was named one of
the fastest-growing companies with more
than 150 salons nationwide. During that
segment of my life, I had been blessed to
film commercials, become a national product
spokesperson, and create my own education
team. It was then when I saw her—yes, the
same salon owner who told me I can't.
I pulled into a parking lot, and there
she was next to me. At that moment, the
anger and humiliation I felt when she
made those remarks to me years earlier
came rushing back. I wanted so badly
to remind her of everything she said to
me and all that I had accomplished.
But the Lord spoke to me. He said,
"Gina, be humble. She knows exactly who
you are and what you have been up to."
I guess in a way I should thank her. Her
discouragement only fueled my inspiration
to be better. Of course, there have been
other naysayers who periodically crossed
my path. However, I have gained a new
appreciation for these folks because I don't
get discouraged anymore—instead, I get
motivated. When someone tells me I can't,
I look at it as a vehicle for inspiration.
