We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Cheeks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I started my journey in the body contouring industry after visiting a local spa for a treatment. The owner, who also had a shop in Atlanta, Georgia, gave me great vibes during our conversation. After my session, she invited me to dinner. Over dinner, she told me, “You’re in the wrong industry. You have so much drive and talent. You need to be in the beauty industry; you will thrive.”
Her words stuck with me, and she invited me to join her team. I was still working in hospitality overnight, and one day I missed my shift because I fell asleep. This prompted me to pay for body contouring classes on my own, which I completed by December that year. By then, I had gathered two essential machines: a six-in-one cavitation machine and a vacuum therapy machine, starting my journey into non-invasive BBL.
Initially, it was tough. I remember my paycheck being just $200, barely enough to buy a massage table. However, with persistence and some clever shopping, I found a table for $80. My first client was my best friend and neighbor, who allowed me to practice and improve my skills.
I initially partnered with a close friend, but we eventually dissolved the business as I was putting in all the work. I started over as a sole proprietor, hesitant to register formally until I was more settled. In 2020, I was still juggling a job in property management while running my business from home. It was exhausting, working late nights and early mornings.
By 2023, I was fed up with working for someone else. I had a small but loyal client base and decided to focus entirely on my business. I offered a $25 special to attract more clients, which worked. With the money I earned, I reinvested in more equipment, including an electro-muscular stimulation machine.
Finding a commercial space was challenging due to my lack of business credit history. After almost three years of being home-based, I finally secured my first commercial space in 2024. My client base grew from five to sixty, thanks to teaming up with referral companies and using AI-based marketing services like Practina.
Despite many challenges and a lack of support from some people around me, I persevered. I was inspired by the story of Coca-Cola selling only 25 bottles in their first year. This helped me stay motivated. Now, my business is thriving, and I am proud of how far I’ve come.
My journey from working a 9-to-5 job to becoming my own boss is a testament to persistence, hard work, and believing in oneself.
Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As the founder of Jess Bodied INC, I embarked on this path after witnessing the life-changing effects of body contouring treatments. Motivated by a passion for empowering others and driving positive change, I established Jess Bodied INC with a vision to provide cutting-edge body contouring services that prioritize holistic wellness and individualized care. Leveraging my background in various certifications and qualifications, including Certified Body Contouring Specialist, Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Certified REBT Mindset Coach, Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Certified NLP Practitioner, Certified Life Transformation Strategist, and Certified Business Optimizer, I infused our services with a unique blend of expertise and innovation.
My journey into the body contouring industry began when I sought treatment at a local spa. The owner, who also had a shop in Atlanta, Georgia, saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue a career in the beauty industry. Her encouragement, combined with my drive and talent, set me on a path that led to the creation of Jess Bodied INC.
At Jess Bodied INC, we offer a range of body contouring services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our service menu includes:
Expose Those Abs Bodied™: Targeted treatments to define and sculpt the abdominal area.
BODIED ThreeSixty™ Laser Lipo: Comprehensive laser lipo for overall body contouring.
Bringing Sexy Back (Big Back Snatcher): Focused on contouring and sculpting the back.
BODIED Fupa Eraser™: Combining multiple non-invasive treatments to eliminate stubborn fat and tighten loose skin around the lower abdomen.
What sets us apart is our commitment to holistic wellness and personalized care. We understand that each client has unique body goals, and we strive to provide treatments that not only enhance physical appearance but also boost self-confidence and overall well-being.
I am incredibly proud of the growth and impact Jess Bodied INC has achieved. From overcoming initial challenges to becoming a trusted name in the industry, our journey has been marked by dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We have built a community where individuals feel empowered and supported in their journey towards achieving their body goals.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue inspiring positive change in the lives of our clients. Our goal is to expand our reach, continually innovate our services, and remain at the forefront of the body contouring industry. At Jess Bodied INC, we believe in the power of transformation and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the confidence and wellness they deserve.
We look forward to continuing our journey and making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Yes, my side hustle indeed turned into my main business. When I first started my MedSpa, I worked as a body contouring specialist part-time for the first three years. The initial year was particularly challenging as I navigated the industry and struggled to gain sales. My second year remained tough due to personal issues and the fact that I operated from home, offering mobile appointments. Despite being part-time, I continued to persevere.
By the third year, my clientele began to grow, and my determination to succeed only strengthened. Balancing my full-time job as a property manager, which demanded 8-5PM hours, I ran my business from home between 7PM and midnight, despite the exhaustion from starting my days as early as 5AM.
In February 2024, I made the leap to operate my business full-time, seven days a week, eight hours a day, and left my day job. For the first five months, I worked tirelessly to supplement my previous income. Within six months, I had built a steady clientele and gained a solid grasp of the business, allowing me to return to work overnight shifts.
This journey has been incredibly gratifying and I am proud of the leap I took and the faith I placed in myself. The transition was not easy and often harder than anticipated, but my perseverance paid off.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes, there are several resources that have significantly impacted my entrepreneurial journey:
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: This book shifted my mindset from being just an employee and entrepreneur to becoming a business owner. It taught me financial literacy and the difference between assets and liabilities, which is crucial for business success. The book emphasized the importance of innovation during tough times and how the rich create money rather than just working for it. As a Black entrepreneur bootstrapping my business, these lessons were invaluable.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason: This book provided essential lessons on finances and debt management. One of the most impactful lessons was the principle of saving 10% of my income, which allowed me to invest my first $20,000 independently.
Lisa Nichols’ Interview: Lisa Nichols’ story of overcoming poverty, domestic violence, and the challenges of being a single mother to become a successful motivational speaker and multi-millionaire has been incredibly inspiring. Her journey taught me the importance of resilience, innovation, and not comparing my journey to others. This interview continues to inspire me to push through challenges and stay focused on my goals.
These resources have been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and helping me navigate the challenges of building and scaling my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessbodiedinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessbodiedinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561264273850
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jess-bodied-minneapolis-5
Image Credits
Jessica Cheeks-Jess Bodied INC