Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquie “ooh” Burrell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jacquie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
April 2012, my two daughters Layla and Mya, who were ten and 5-years old at the time came to me with an idea to start a business. They wanted to sell sugar scrubs, lotions and lip balms. I had no idea what that entailed. I was a single mother going through a divorce and did not have a lot of money to spare, however I saw the excitement in my daughter’s eyes as they told me their dream and I knew I could not let them down. I began to research what we would need to get everything started. I cut a lot of things out of my monthly expenses that I really didn’t need in the first place. I stopped going to the salon to get my hair styled and started styling my own hair; I stopped going to the nail salon; we stopped our cable and just got wifi; I took my lunch to work everyday and whatever else I could do to make this business happen. Every extra dime I had went into Suga Babes Beauty.
About two months into our business the girls came back to me and said, “mom, what if we did mobile spa parties?” I had never heard of that but I thought how hard could it be! Once again, I jumped in with both feet. We hosted our very first spa party on July 29, 2012. We ran a campaign to get our name out through Living Social. We booked 68 parties through Living Social and an additional 18 parties on our own through word of mouth. By the end of December, we had hosted 86 parties. We would do 5-6 parties per weekend, with anywhere from 6-35 little girls attending each party. What had I done! That is what I asked myself, however it was absolutely amazing and I wouldn’t change anything looking back!
My daughters experienced things they would have never experienced if I would not have stepped out and helped them with their dream. We have been featured on the front page of the Houston Chronicle Business Section, featured in numerous online magazines and blogs, they have been keynote speakers at corporations such as Dell Computers in Round Rock, TX, they have been panelists at the Kids Expo in Sacramento, California, they have appeared on several news stations, and they wrote a book with 18 other teen entrepreneurs from all over the world on their entrepreneurial journey. This has most definitely been an amazing journey. With all of the accomplishments we made, the one thing that I loved the most was watching my two daughters learn business and how to operate a business. As I look back now and see them operating their own businesses, it brings tears to my eyes because I can say I was a huge part of their journey and for that, I am grateful.
August 2019, the girls and I sat down to discuss the future of Suga Babes Beauty. They had come to a point to where they wanted to venture out and do other things. I was on board with whatever they decided to do. We decided to dissolve Suga Babes Beauty. However, we talked about me keeping the product side going. I loved the product side of the business and we had loyal customers so I didn’t want to stop selling the products. We decided that I rebrand and create products that were more target-specific and totally organic. The brand, the Jacquie Ooh Collection would now be my new baby!
I was excited about this new venture that I was starting. I took online classes to learn about formulations and how to make organic skin care products that were good for the skin and the environment. I wanted to become fluent in the language of skincare science and learn all about the anatomy and physiology of the skin. I learned how to research ingredients and make skincare range compliant with the law. I absolutely loved creating organic skincare products from scratch and not following recipes that I found online. I learned how to create my own unique products that reflected my vision. The Jacquie ooh Collection was born!
The Jacquie ooh Collection is a luxury yet affordable all-natural organic skincare line which contains the finest botanical cold-pressed oils, rich exotic organic butters, subtly fragrant flower waters, vitamins, and the most exquisite essential oils. We create aroma-therapeutic blends with essential oils, flower, seed and plant extracts. Our products are cruelty-free, toxin-free, fragrance-free and has a very low carbon footprint.
I not only have an amazing product line, I also run an empowerment Community, the Jacquie ooh Project. The Jacquie ooh Project is all about transformation. I believe that if you change how you think you can change the whole trajectory of your life, literally. I share what I have learned along my journey and what I am still learning with women from all over the world. We host what we call experiences not workshops because when you leave anything that we host you will have left with an experience. We host Motivational Monday’s which are live shows each Monday night at 7pm CST on Facebook where we talk on various topics from men and mental health, serving others, living your life to the fullest, and so much more.
I feel that I am truly walking in my purpose and I count it all joy even in a pandemic. I love what I do and I love helping women.
God has been so good to me. I am grateful for my health, my family, my community and just having peace or mind despite all that’s going on around me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has not always been smooth. There has been some bumps along the way, however I do not let those bumps stop me from moving forward. When I get to the bump in the road, I roll right on over it. I may roll slow but I keep on rolling.
One of my struggles has been raising capital which I am no stranger too. I have been on this road before with my daughter’s business, but this time I have a little more insight and wisdom. Being in business is not an overnight miracle, there are challenges and most of the time the biggest challenge is the finances but we can’t let that stop us. I may not move as fast as I would like to move, however I am still moving and being consistent and that is the important part. One thing I know for sure, and that is I will get there!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family has been a huge part of my success. My parents, siblings, children and close friends. They have always been there in my corner cheering me on, attending my events, purchasing my products, praying for me and anything they can to support. It is a blessing to have a great support system and I have than with my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacquieooh.com
- Email: jq@jacquieooh.com
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Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/
jacquieoohproject
Image Credit:
Jacquie ooh
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