We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacqueline Schmidt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

When I was thinking of opening my own beauty boutique I really had no money to do it. At the time I had my three kids, debt, and a dream to be my own boss. I had the idea for my shop, what I’m passionate about, and the whole vision. With the little bit of money I had I put that towards the rent and deposit and I basically put the rest in God’s hands and told myself “If it works out then it’s meant to be”, and “If it doesn’t well at least I tried”. My husband is a carpenter/builder and built out the whole shop for me which saved us alot of money!

Once I opened, the shop was not only successful but It made more in sales than I ever dreamed. At that point, I made it my goal to start my own skincare/beauty product line even if it took me years. I’m going into my third year of business and “Wildflower Beauty” was born. Totally clean, chemical-free skin and body products I create and now sell in my shop and soon online. Thru my shop’s success, I also funded and opened my third venture “Drift Micro-Bar” which has been a huge success as well from day one. This was another “dream” of our’s I never thought would come to life as well. We serve fresh craft top-shelf cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and food.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my little shop would do so well that I’d be able to have employees, my own skincare line, and be able to fund a micro bar as well. Taking risks and leaps of faith is what our family firmly believes in, all we can do is keep going, try our best, and leave the rest in God’s hands.

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?

Aloha! My name is Jacqueline Schmidt, I am the proud mother of three beautiful children and wife to my husband Jake for 15 years married, almost 20 together. Born in Brooklyn, raised on Long Island, and currently residing on the Island of Kauai for 10 years now.

While in high school I attended cosmetology school for 2 years, then went on to college for almost 2 years, and then on to esthetician school. I worked for various big beauty brands as an artist and manager and loved being a part of the beauty industry. I have always strived to climb the ladder with every company I have worked for. Every boss I have had I’ve learned so much from them (good & bad), and it’s shaped me into the boss I am now.

Once we had children we decided the best option for us was for me to be a stay-at-home mom. I had the honor of being home with my children for 11 years, and enjoyed every moment! Once my kids went to school I was able to start brainstorming what I wanted to do as far as work/income.

Having a boutique had always been my dream, and a great opportunity arose, so I jumped on it!
I opened my little shop “Wildflower Boutique” almost three years ago and so many incredible opportunities have arisen. With the success of my shop, I’ve been able to start my own skincare/body care line called “Wildflower Beauty” a totally chemical-free beauty line I sell in my shop. I’ve also been able to fund and open Drift Micro Bar my and my husband’s other dream that became a reality! A small family-friendly outdoor mini restaurant in the jungle of Kauai where we serve fresh craft top-shelf cocktails, beer, wine, and food.

It’s amazing when you take that leap of faith in what can happen! Anyone that asks me if they should try this or open that, I say “YES” because at least you tried and you won’t live with “I wonder what could have been” if you never try. Trust me when I tell you, I had nothing and it worked out. When there is passion behind an idea or a dream it shows thru what you do and it’s bound to be a success!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

In my shop, it can be easy for employees to feel isolated being it only takes one employee a day to run my shop. So each employee is basically running the whole show all day. I make sure to check in with my girls every shift, write notes, text, call, or stop in and let them know I appreciate them and I hope their day is successful. Another way to show my gratitude is by buying them coffee and lunch periodically as a surprise. Another opportunity I give all my girls is I tell them to think of something they love to do or are passionate about and sell it in my shop to make them extra money while working. This gives them a great opportunity to get their name out there and start selling their creations! I currently have 2 employees that are taking me up on that and sell their beautiful jewelry! It’s something I wish someone would have done for me when I was younger. In the past I had some very mean bosses and I always remeber how they made me feel. I make it my goal to make my girls feel appreciated, welcomed, and I love to push them to grow!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Where I am located I have the best of both worlds- tourists and locals. And I do need both to keep my business going. What I have done from the begining is just to be myself with everyone that walks in the door. Even if I don’t think that person will make a purchase I treat them like I would a friend. This to me is the key to creating those long-time customers and repeat customers.

What you say and do from the moment a person enters your shop is the key! I’ve had customers from all over the world that still contact me and try to support me thru buying something thru my instagram they see, or even by commenting on a post to say hi and how much they adore something. Those gestures mean the world to me! It makes me feel and know they felt welcomed and appreciated while in my shop.

So best strategy- be kind, be paitent, and treat every single customer as you would a friend!  

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildflowerbeautyboutique.net
• Instagram: wildflower_boutique_kauai
• Other: 3540 Koloa Road Kalaheo Hawaii 96741