We recently connected with Jacques Barbara and have shared our conversation below.

Can you share a customer success story – a time when you helped your client or customer achieve a really great result or solved a difficult problem for them?

During the pandemic, I surprisingly received an email from a customer that explain how much she truly valued our products, our ethos and our messaging. She explained how she was finally able to find a brand formulated for her skin type and tone. She mentioned she was in her 70s and felt so much joy that JACQ’S product worked so well for her and she is loving not only how her skin feels but also how her skin looks.

The truth is, Black women, Latin women, and other women of color are ignored or forgotten by the beauty industry. Imagine, growing up in a world where you watch TV, go shopping, or live in a community where the products sold are not being made for your hair type or skin tone. Our customers are women of color, but receiving the message from this customer reiterated to me that I was on the right path and solving a problem that has been ignored for forgot far too long. 

Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

My Hero has been my mother, she was incredibly hard-working, service-oriented, and continuously challenged me to think critically and out-of-the-box. I learned the importance of work ethics at a very young age watching her build her business and serve her community. This work ethic and drive I saw in her has helped shape the business I have.

How did you learn to do what you do? 

I created JACQ’S after a health scare during my pregnancy. As a way to cope with her illness, she began studying green medicine, and holistic plant botany. My curiosity began when I stumbled upon a medical journey explaining the systematic effects ingredients have on your overall health and how women of color are exposed 2x the amount of toxins in beauty and hair care products.

I began learning about product ingredients, formulation, and sourcing. I became obsessed with learning how to formulate skincare products. Driving across the state on weekends to take workshops, and attend industry seminars and classes on plant botany, soap making and holistic medicine. 

What skills do you think were most essential?

When I first started my business, I thought the skills that were most important included learning the science behind products and marketing. 

But I’ve come to realize that running a business means you have got to be well rounded and there are multiple skills necessary to running a business that includes marketing, financial savviness, customer service, team building, community building, trend forecasting, understanding sales, and knowing when to pull

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

There are always obstacles. The obstacles may include scaling, capital, staffing, customer service, marketing or even naysayers. The key is to overcome the obstacle and be resourceful without feeling discouraged. And remember to stay optimistic when faced with opposition and obstacles. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopjacqs.com
• Instagram: https:///www.instagram.com/shopjacqs
• Facebook: @shopjacqs
• Linkedin: Barbara Jacques