Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Delilah Jenkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Delilah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

I have extensive experience with family businesses, owning and managing two myself. One is a restaurant, S&A Seafood, which my family and I are currently transitioning into a food truck for greater flexibility. The other is a medical spa in Atlanta, GA, called SkinEthics, which I also co-own with members of my family. Both businesses involve working closely with family members, including spouses, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends.

In both of these businesses, our main task has been to strike a balance between the personal and professional aspects of our relationships. It can be challenging to separate family dynamics from business decisions, but we have aimed to make it work successfully.

Here’s what has worked well for us in our family businesses:

Clear Communication: We’ve established open and honest communication channels. Regular meetings and discussions help us address any concerns, conflicts, or ideas related to the business.

Roles and Responsibilities: Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to each family member ensures that everyone knows their contribution and expectations within the business. This reduces ambiguity and prevents conflicts.

Professionalism: While it can be tempting to mix personal matters with business, we’ve strived to maintain professionalism during work hours. This helps maintain a professional atmosphere and fosters a sense of accountability.

Outside Expertise: We’ve also recognized the value of bringing in external expertise or advisors when needed. Sometimes, an impartial third party can provide valuable insights and help mediate disagreements.

As a result of these actions, our family businesses have thrived. S&A Seafood’s transition to a food truck is progressing smoothly, and SkinEthics has seen consistent growth in clientele and services offered. These experiences have shaped my view on family businesses positively, as they have shown that with the right approach, a family business can be both professionally successful and personally fulfilling.

Regarding the idea of my children joining these businesses in the future, I believe it’s essential to give them the freedom to make their choices. I would encourage them to explore their own interests and passions first, and if they express genuine interest in joining the family businesses, I would support them wholeheartedly. However, I wouldn’t want to pressure them into it. I believe that individuals should have the autonomy to pursue their own paths, and if the family businesses align with their aspirations, it could be a wonderful opportunity for them to contribute to our family’s legacy.

In my experiences, family businesses can be rewarding and provide a sense of togetherness, but it’s essential to strike a balance and ensure that personal and professional boundaries are respected to avoid potential pitfalls.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

One word has always defined my path: determination. I’ve been a hardworking and self-motivated individual, committed to giving my best in everything I do. But what truly sets me apart is my deep love for family, a driving force that has shaped my entrepreneurial journey.

I started my journey into entrepreneurship with my first job at the young age of 14. This early experience instilled in me a strong work ethic that would serve as the cornerstone for my future endeavors.

Family has always been at the center of my life, and my children and loved ones are my most cherished treasures. This unwavering love for my family inspired me to embrace the concept of family-owned businesses. To me, family support and collaboration are not just assets but the very essence of success.

Today, I’m proud to co-own two businesses: S&A Seafood and SkinEthics. S&A Seafood, a beloved culinary institution, is currently undergoing a transformation from a traditional storefront to a dynamic food truck. This change allows us to bring our delectable seafood offerings to an even broader audience, all while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to our customers’ needs.

SkinEthics, nestled in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, GA, represents an expansion of my entrepreneurial my journey. It’s a medical spa that offers a wide range of skincare and wellness services, from rejuvenating facials and HydraFacials to advanced treatments like chemical peels, micro-needling, and injectables. This venture perfectly embodies my passion for combining the art and science of aesthetics.

At SkinEthics, my team and I are on a mission to provide our clients with personalized, cutting-edge skincare solutions. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. We believe that every client deserves nothing but the best in skincare, and this dedication has earned us a loyal and growing clientele.

My unwavering determination has been a defining trait throughout my journey. When I set my sights on a goal, it’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.” This determination has driven me to overcome countless challenges in the world of entrepreneurship.

What I’m most proud of is the harmonious balance I’ve achieved between my profound love for family and my relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence. My businesses are more than just ventures; they are reflections of my passion, professionalism, and personal connection.

For those considering S&A Seafood or SkinEthics, I want you to know that my businesses are not just about transactions; they are opportunities to create meaningful connections and experiences. Whether you’re savoring our mouthwatering seafood dishes or indulging in a luxurious skincare treatment, you can expect nothing less than excellence and a personal touch that defines our brand.

In summary, my journey as an entrepreneur has been driven by determination, family values, and an unwavering commitment to client-centric excellence. I invite you to experience the magic of my brands, where exceptional products and services are delivered with love and dedication.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

In my extensive experience managing teams in both the restaurant industry and the healthcare and beauty sector, I’ve learned that effective team management and maintaining high morale are vital for a thriving workplace. First and foremost, leading by example is essential. Demonstrating hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude sets the tone for the entire team. Clear and open communication is the backbone of a successful team; encourage team members to express their thoughts and concerns, and address them promptly.

Defining roles and expectations is equally critical to avoid confusion and frustration among team members. Creating a collaborative environment where individuals support one another fosters a sense of unity and boosts morale. Regularly recognizing and appreciating your team’s efforts whether through verbal praise, bonuses, or other forms of recognition demonstrates that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Investing in your team’s professional growth through training and skill development opportunities not only benefits them but also elevates overall team morale. Prioritizing work-life balance and being flexible when possible showcases your consideration for their well-being. Providing constructive feedback for improvement, involving the team in problem-solving, and celebrating achievements, big or small, are all part of maintaining high morale.

Additionally, approachability is crucial; it builds trust and encourages open communication. Finally, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, listen to team feedback, and evolve together is key to sustaining high morale. In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve found that nurturing a motivated and cohesive team is essential for business success. By prioritizing empathy, open communication, and professional development, you can create a work environment where team members are not just employees but active contributors to shared success. High morale leads to increased productivity, superior customer service, and a more positive workplace culture.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and business owner, I’ve been fortunate to come across several influential resources that have profoundly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking. One book that has left a lasting impression is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. This book dives into the characteristics of truly exceptional companies and their transformation from good to great. It emphasizes the importance of leadership and a disciplined approach, concepts that have become integral to my management philosophy.

Another resource that has significantly influenced me is Simon Sinek’s TED Talk titled “Start with Why.” Sinek’s concept of the “Golden Circle” highlights the significance of starting with the “why” before addressing the “how” and “what.” It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of purpose and vision in entrepreneurship, guiding me to align my businesses with a clear and meaningful mission.

Furthermore, essays and articles from thought leaders in entrepreneurship and management, such as those found in the Harvard Business Review and Forbes, have provided valuable insights. These resources offer a wealth of information on leadership strategies, market trends, and effective management practices that I’ve incorporated into my own approach.

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, continuous learning and staying updated are paramount. These resources have played a crucial role in shaping my management philosophy, emphasizing the value of visionary leadership, disciplined execution, and a commitment to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.skinethicsmedspa.com
• Instagram: @_skinethics
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SkinEthicsMedspa
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/delilah-cedeno-6abb0851