It was deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Gloria Waithe Gloria. Gloria, affectionately known as Gee, was a trailblazing entrepreneur in the Afro-Caribbean hair and beauty industry. She opened multiple salons across North West London under the names Taurus International and Positive Image, developed the JAYGEE hair product line with her close friend Joan Sam, as well as established her own training schools. Her relentless drive and dedication made her a formidable force in her field. Gloria’s business acumen extended internationally, working with industry leaders in Nigeria before returning to London in 2008 to open Lady Gee Salon in Harrow, which she operated until 2021.
In 2024, Gloria was diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease. Despite her illness, she continued her Christian-inspired fellowship and her support of fellow business owners. Sadly, her health declined in her final days.
She is survived by her beloved children, Marian and Oswald, her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and colleagues within the industry.
Gloria leaves behind an enduring legacy, having made a significant and lasting impact on the hair and beauty world. She will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, charm, and unwavering spirit. Although she is deeply missed, her memory and contributions will be celebrated for years to come.
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A wonderful soul has been lost, and it is so sad to know of the passing of Gloria Waithe. When I joined the hair industry some decades ago, she always greeted me with a beautiful smile on visits to her salon, and was definitely a trailblazer of her time, along with her Business Partner, Joan Sam. Gloria had salons and a hair school, and later along with Joan had a successful hair product line too! It is because of icons like her, that our hair industry exists today, with such vibrancy, now with new innovators following in her footsteps.
My thoughts and prayers are with her daughter, son and family members, who can be proud of the legacy she left with them, but also that she has left with the hair industry at large. She will always be remembered and revered. May she rest forever in peace. +++