Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skin care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jazmin Guerrero, Founder of Becalia Botanicals, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Becalia Botanicals merges beauty and culture by creating natural beauty products inspired by my Mexican heritage to help me stay rooted in the roots that grew me.
I use my childhood memories and experiences in Mexico to ensure those memories do not get erased with time. Our products are meant to empower you and help you reconnect to your roots.
Tell us about yourself
I founded Becalia Botanicals with the belief that our roots and culture are something to be honored and learned from. Whether you're from a family of immigrants or if your family has been part of the landscape as far back as anyone knows, there's always something to learn.
My family moved from L.A. to Atlanta when I was a child after my parent's divorce. As a result, I grew up feeling a little disconnected from my family and roots. I always felt different, like I didn't belong. Time and time again, the only thing that grounded and comforted me was my childhood memories and experiences during my visits to Mexico. So, one day in 2018, I took a leap of faith and founded Becalia Botanicals, a beauty company where I'd merge beauty and culture to give people a sense of comfort, empower them and help them reconnect to their roots. Our Concha Body and Bath products are inspired by Mexican sweet bread, and our Hibiscus Clay Mask is inspired by agua fresca de jamaica, a popular sweet hibiscus tea in Mexico.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We've recently been featured in Parents Latina Magazine and other online publications such as Glossy, Mitu, Hola, The Skimm, and People. It's so exciting and an honor whenever someone finds our business for the first time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is managing my time between my business and personal time. I used to underestimate the time allotted for my tasks and would constantly feel behind. However, I've learned to say no more often and schedule time for things such as lunch and working out.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't wait for perfection before you launch. Not all brands go viral overnight. Starting small will help you further develop your brand, make observations about the needs of your target audience and make any business model changes as you go. Time will pass anyway, and before you know it, you'll have an intentionally curated brand.
- Learn to say, "No, thank you." Not all opportunities will be financially favorable to small businesses. It has to make sense and be mutually beneficial. Weight the benefits and risks, and remember that you are in control.
- Update your business plan as your business evolves, grows, and scales. It's always a good idea to make sure your business goals continue to evolve with your business to ensure that your decisions align with the track you've set out.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Becalia is a mix of the names of my grandmother, mother, and daughter, honoring the three most influential women in my life.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://becaliabotanicals.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becaliabotanicals
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becaliabotanicals/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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