COCOBELLE: Gabrielle Zalina

Meet Gabriella Zalina, a fearless super woman who does it all. As wife, mother of four, Founder of En Love Beauty and Owner and Pro Stylist of two hair salons in Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta, GA, Gabrielle isn’t afraid of a challenge. Leading with her love of hair, coupled with her faith, determination, and not to mention her strong support system, Gabrielle is thriving in her purpose and will continue to achieve her goals. 

We are very happy to partner with Gabrielle and En Love Beauty for our November Box. En Love beauty has become a trusted brand partner whose mission is also to promote self-care, like us. We also love their natural and organic ingredient-based hair care products that are perfect for our subscribers. Check out our November Sneak Peeks and subscribe to start your subscription with the November Box before November 30th. Find out more about Gabrielle, our NEW Curl Authority (more to come on this soon) and how she began her journey at just 10 years old and what she has planned for her future. 

Tell us about a day in the life of Gabrielle Zalina.

My day starts with managing our family schedules, homeschooling our children, and organizing our three businesses. Whenever possible, I hit the gym, study content development, and explore the city of Atlanta. Most days, I’m also taking hair clients at my salons: Natural Hair Studio located in Jacksonville, FL and a 2nd location in Atlanta, GA, perfecting our upcoming product formulations, and trying out new recipes with my oldest daughter.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?

Growing up, I had a lot of hair, which was difficult and often painful for others to manage. Despite the challenges, I always loved my hair to look nice. Around age ten, after years of my mother taking care of it every Sunday, I took over. She taught me how to braid and showed me the foundational styling techniques. I started experimenting and creating different looks in middle and high school. Soon, my friends wanted me to do their hair, then their friends as well—it just felt right for me, like it was where I was meant to be.

What is the best part of being in the hair industry?

The social connections and the ever-evolving nature of the industry keep me excited for what’s next. I meet amazing people, build lifelong friendships, and get to showcase my creativity through hair design.

What inspired you to create En Love Beauty?

I wanted to give my clients products that would genuinely help their hair grow and take the guesswork out of hair care. After hearing so many stories of disappointment, I was motivated to empower my clients with healthy, effective hair care products.

What was the first product you created?

Our first product development was our Edge Control Gel.

 

enLove Coconut Milk & Aloe Vera Forever For Always Edge Control

 

How was your Edge Control received?

It worked well for some hair types, but not for all. After a lot of reformulating, it’s now the #1 selling Edge Control at Dollar General!

Yes, we know why it’s you’re #1 seller at Dollar General. We introduced our subscribers to your amazing Coconut Milk & Aloe Vera Forever For Always Edge Control Gel and your Hydracurls Hair & Scalp Oil with Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe Vera this past summer in our June Box


 

Congrats on your success with Dollar General! What are you doing to celebrate this great accomplishment? 

We would like to extend to the COCOTIQUE family, an invite to enter win $1,000 and one of the hottest designer tote bags and matching wallets out! From now until December 6th, go to enlovebeauty.com and enter the Dollar General Giveaway. There you will see all of the details on how you can win a Telfar Bag, matching wallet in ballerina pink, and a $1,000 cash! 

Did you face any challenges while building En Love Beauty?

Absolutely 💯. Funding a new line is no joke and requires support from people who believe in you. Finding the perfect bottles and jars was a journey, especially during the pandemic, but we weren’t about to give up. Sometimes I’ve had to work through doubts, but I’m faithful and believe in the mission of En Love.

How did you overcome these challenges?

We have a strong team with a lot of experience in the business. Leaning on the wisdom of my mentors and partners has been invaluable in overcoming challenges along the way.

What advice would you give to women starting their careers or looking to reinvent themselves?

Get very clear about your goals, write them down, create a vision board, and find a coach or mentor to guide you.

As a pro stylist, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of four, how do you find your balance?

Honestly, I just get up and tackle whatever needs to be done next! Balance, to me, is achieving success or completing goals. My children bring me so much joy, which is a beautiful balance in itself. My husband is hilarious and fun, so life feels naturally balanced. But a girl does love to hop on a plane and chill in Mexico, Paris, or Marrakesh.

What’s in your self-care arsenal?

First and foremost, my sessions with my Life Coach are essential. For me, self-care includes support in maintaining emotional clarity about myself and the world. And then, the spa! I need a great facial specialist and access to an all-day spa for the sauna and some relaxation. Mental rest is real and essential.

What are your top three self-care products you can’t live without?

  • A body roller to relieve muscle tension
  • mushroom coffee for daily adaptogen supplements 
  • hydration sticks for deep hydration

I cannot live without these three!

What are your self-care non-negotiables?

  • Effective, plant-based skincare
  • Supportive life partners
  • Good food 

I try to eat healthy and don’t compromise on these essentials.

What are your keys to success?

Believing in myself and challenging any thoughts that contradict my goals. I also rely on a system to stay on track and achieve those goals.

What are you most grateful for?

I’m deeply grateful for my family and community. Without the love and support of my husband and children, I would feel lost. Our community is growing, and everyone in my life contributes to who I am. Most importantly, I’m grateful for my relationship with the Most High. I’ve matured greatly in my spiritual journey, and confusion or doubts have faded over time.

What’s next for Gabrielle?

I will mentor again and offer programs to support upcoming entrepreneurs. We have several new hair products launching in 2025, along with expanded retail access, which I’m thrilled about.


To keep up with Gabrielle, you can follow her on Instagram: @gabriellezalina and @enlovebeauty