Watermans, founded in 2012 by the inspiring entrepreneur, Gail, is a Queens Award-winning company renowned for its “Grow Me Shampoo” and “Condition Me” products. This interview delves into Gail’s journey, her challenges, and her empowering message for women everywhere.

What inspired you to start Watermans and develop the Grow Me Shampoo?

After years of dealing with fragile hair and hormonal hair loss, I couldn’t find an effective solution on the market. So, I conducted extensive research and created the Watermans Hair Growth formula. Launched in 2012, Watermans now sells a product every 30 seconds worldwide.

You’ve faced many challenges in your life. Can you share your experiences before Watermans?

I had a difficult upbringing. Born into a white family, I discovered I was the product of my mother’s affair and grew up mixed race in the 1970s. This brought many challenges. Later, I endured years of domestic violence in my marriage. But I firmly believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Did you have support during these tough times?

No, I didn’t have any support. I had to battle through on my own. It wasn’t easy, but my determination to improve my life kept me going. I worked hard to be self-sufficient and never relied on a man for anything.

When did you decide you had the strength to start Watermans?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s about trying, failing, and trying again. I already ran a successful hair salon, so developing products to combat hair loss felt like the next step. If it worked for me, I knew it could help others on their hair growth journey.

Tell me about Watermans’ donations to chemotherapy wards.

We donate shampoo to chemo wards across the country to help patients regrow their hair faster and thicker. We’ve been doing this for many years.

You’ve had some significant career highlights, like meeting King Charles and being a finalist in the Black British Business Awards 2023.

Yes, becoming a finalist for the Entrepreneur Senior Leader category and visiting Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles were surreal and proud moments. They signify how far Watermans has come.

Power of Women loves the quote on your website: “Watermans is run by 99% women ‘Girl Power’ and 50% owned by a woman of colour.” What does this mean to you?

It means never underestimating your power. You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Being a woman should never hold you back.

Do you get much family time, and how do you relax?

It’s a mix. I work a lot, and relaxing is hard with my active mind. However, I support my boys at their football academy, which often takes up an entire day.

Watermans is the most searched-for haircare brand in the world, according to Captify. How does that feel?

I’m incredibly proud. From creating products while running a salon and packing shampoo at my kitchen table, we now have a large warehouse and sell globally. It’s a huge achievement.

Finally, what advice would you give to women at a crossroads in their lives?

Start somewhere and don’t wait. Get out of your comfort zone and push for something better. You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it!