Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Roth.
Jocelyn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My career as a skin care professional began in Johannesburg, South Africa where I got my esthetician license. I always loved helping others and this was the ideal way, given I had 3 small children at home. In 1977, with political turmoil taking root in South Africa, we immigrated to America. This move opened up a whole new world for my entrepreneurial spirit ~ opportunities began to present themselves in a way that I never had in South Africa.
A twist of fate – a chance meeting on a cruise – led me to the importer of a product line I loved in South Africa. Within months of speaking with them, I was offered the Texas distribution. Having recently suffered a difficult divorce, I did not have the means to start a new business. However, I knew my future was in my hands. If I were to build the life I wanted, I would need to take control of my livelihood.
I borrowed a significant amount of money from the bank (yikes!), opened my doors and waited for customers to arrive. This did not happen! I was young and scared but quickly learned that if I was to realize success, I would need to go beyond my comfort level. Knowing few people and coming from a very different culture, the task was ominous. However, I picked myself up and began knocking on doors – yes, cold calling!
The 80’s was the beginning of the skincare boom and I was lucky to hit a stride. My business slowly began to grow and before I knew it, I had a bonified client list. Within 3 years, I was offered a second line with a larger territory and my business began to boom. We now carry 4 lines and have recently acquired the US distribution for an organic, vegan line being launched in the United States.
It is interesting to look back and see the trajectory of our growth. For many years, I was knocking on doors, closing sales, doing training and education, traveling around the world, and managing all internal aspects of the business. Today, I am fortunate to have a wonderful staff of estheticians, trainers and marketers who contribute to the continued growth of the business. I feel fortunate that the seeds that were planted many years ago are coming to fruition – and we are able to help others realize their dreams, too. I am also thrilled that my two daughters have joined the company and are following in my footsteps! We are a family-owned business with a family-friendly environment.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like many small businesses, it has not been a completely smooth road. I faced many of the same challenges as other entrepreneurs, as well as a few unique challenges.
Having grown up in South Africa, I wasn’t exposed to the world in the same way as Americans. Learning the culture, business environment and ways of communicating were a struggle initially. However, now being an American citizen for over 30 years, I feel like an integrated part of the culture – although, I am still asked if I am from Australia!
Like other small businesses, we faced growing pains along the way. Finding the right staff, expanding our clientele, entering the world of online marketing and fine-tuning our training have been some of the challenges we have had to work out. However, I feel blessed for the help I have had at each stage ~ every person who worked in our offices contributed their knowledge and skills to build a healthy, thriving business.
I believe that business grows like people – from infancy to toddler-hood, to adolescence and, finally, maturity. We are enjoying these “later” stages and the wisdom that was gleaned from the more “challenging” growth stages.
Biokosmetik of Texas – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Biokosmetik of Texas offers corrective, professional skin care lines for estheticians, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other licensed medical professionals. We partner with them to make sure they are fully trained and set up for success.
At Biokosmetik of Texas, our mission is to help estheticians and skin care professionals thrive in our competitive, “ever-changing” industry. We keep skin care professionals at the forefront of skincare trends, evidence-based results, business-building techniques and skin care technology.
We are most proud of our customer service. We have a friendly, efficient, knowledgeable staff who strive to make every customer feel welcome. In addition, we believe that our German-based skin care brands are of the highest quality. We offer results-oriented, corrective skin care for professionals who want to affect change in various skin conditions.
With our professional skin care lines for estheticians and other licensed professionals, on-going education, on-site training and business building techniques, our clients are sure to succeed.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success differs for everyone. For me, success is defined by happiness in all areas of your life.
I am blessed with a wonderful husband (who just retired!), 4 children and 8 grandchildren. While I work hard, I carve out time for the things that are important to me – family, exercise, traveling and “me” time.
I can honestly say that balancing business and financial wins, with an abundant personal life is my brand of “success.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 12702 Century Dr. Suite C1
Stafford, TX 77477 - Website: www.biokosmetikoftexas.com (for skincare professionals) www.skincare-USA.com (for retail customers who want to buy our skincare brands)
- Phone: 1-800-729-1242
- Email: orders@biokosmetikoftexas.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
