top gyal ah di month | March
At Gyallivant, we believe in uplifting the Black Women and Women of Colour who are making a difference, whether in their careers, communities, or personal lives. Our Top Gyal series shines a spotlight on these inspiring women, highlighting their journeys, accomplishments, and the impact they’re having on those around them. Each month, we feature a new Top Gyal nominated by our community, sharing her story to motivate and uplift others.
Brittany Gregory is the definition of resilience—a mother, a skilled barber, and a woman who moves through life with strength and purpose. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, she faced it head-on, leaning on faith, family, and community to push through. Now cancer-free, she carries a renewed perspective: embrace every moment, lean on your people, and never doubt your own strength. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of betting on yourself. Keep reading to hear Brittany’s story in her own words!
————
What do you do/what are you known for?
I am mother of a beautiful daughter (12), a self taught barber who specializes in textured hair and I am also a breast cancer survivor.
What is your favourite self-care or wellness activity?
I love being on a beach, getting an amazing workout in or even a massage but My Favourite self-care act is just giving myself grace. I feel we don’t give ourselves enough of it so I try to make it a point to do so.
What inspired you to pursue the work you're doing, and what drives you to keep pushing forward?
Funny enough I started cutting hair April 2020 during the pandemic when I realized having job security wasn’t a priority for even the biggest companies. I want to learn a skill that couldn’t be taken away from me and a skill that I could take anywhere in the world with me if need be. I used to work for a company that didn’t have much of a work life balance and I realized I wasn’t willing to sacrifice that because I wanted to be present for my daughter.
I fell in love with the art of Barbering when I realized it was always more than just a haircut. Being chosen to be apart of day to day and monumental parts of people’s lives is such a blessing which I don’t take it for granted. People will always remember how you made them feel and if you feel like a million bucks and you can conquer the world because you just got out my chair I did my job. The confidence boost through conversation or haircut goes such a long way which makes it easy to love what I do.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have they shaped the person you are today?
June 5 2024 I was diagnosed with HER 2 triple positive breast cancer which was such a huge curve ball thrown my way. I had to undergo 8 rounds of strong chemotherapy, Lumpectomy surgery to remove the area of where the tumor was found and 19 Radiation therapy treatments all in the span of 9 months.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34 with no prior family history was something I was not prepared for. Putting up a fight was the only option and I had zero intentions to lose. I zeroed in on my Faith , family and community and forever grateful for it all.
My diagnosis has been such a wild ride and a blessing at the same time. It has allowed me to gain a different perspective on life itself where I see things very differently. For example It’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to lean in on your community around you it shows real strength , There’s really no point in sweating the small stuff, life can change in the blink of an eye so do what you love and love who loves you.
Today I am Cancer free and a Breast Cancer survivor it came with ups and downs and I’m just blessed to be able to tell my story.
What advice would you give to other Black Women/Women of Colour looking to make an impact in their communities?
Bet on YOURSELF! There is no one else in the world like you … block out the noise and continue to push through and persevere because there are amazing things on the other side of it all.
