We were lucky to catch up with Jacqui Duran recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqui, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

Starting my business was more of a discovery process than a plan. When I initially started really focusing in on a business mindset I started reaching an audience that could relate to me. I had been working full time with kids and still maintaining the house and everything else we have to get done in a regular week. I knew that my business would allow me the flexibility I so needed and at the same time, I really saw how this would help others. It became my passion to share it and help others to see that this was a way they could do more and still have quality time with their families. Naturally being authentic was a huge part of my success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About me … this is such a fun topic to jump from because it really is a fun story. I have always been into training – no matter what the job or industry was, I was constantly involved or asked to train others. I never really knew that I could run a business around that until I found Scentsy. Fragrance means a lot to me personally, from memories from growing up and with my kids, and honestly just making my home and spaces feel cozy. The thing that attracted me most to Scentsy was the ability to change the fragrance instantly whenever I wanted. The options were insane – literally 80+ different fragrances .. I was in awe of it all. Scentsy has not only allowed me to grow a successful business, but it’s truly brought out a confidence in myself that I never knew existed! Just think – getting to know other people who love something like you do and knowing they are wanting more for their families?! Being able to have a flexible schedule, work around my life, and really build my influence using social media has given me absolute freedom!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had been working in a corporate job for 15 years and honestly didn’t really know if my Scentsy business was going to be a full time thing. Until the day came when I had to make a decision. Out of left field it was decided that the teams I led would be outsourced; my first response was to fit my team members into new positions, and once I had done that, I thought I would just move on to the next project. However, this also eliminated my role. I was given a choice – retire early with a severance package, or take a different role in the company. I knew I had my Scentsy business and I knew that it could take me anywhere I wanted it to. So I took a chance on ME. It was scary. It was intimidating. It was the best decision I ever made for myself. Since that moment in late 2019 I’ve been working for myself full time.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media was my outlet. I wanted to help others find solutions and answers to how to build a successful business. I turned to YouTube and instantly started sharing everything I was doing in my business. My YouTube exploded with people who wanted to learn more, found my quirky self entertaining and they could feel my passion through the videos. I connected with so many people that I still have friendships with them! My best advice is to not wait! Jump in! If I waited until I knew how to edit a video properly, find the ‘right’ lighting, or even determine the best content – I’d never have the 12K followers I do today. Be authentically YOU and you will connect with others easily.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://TheJacquiDuran.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thejacquiduran
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jacqui.duran
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JacquiDuranScentsyStarDirector