Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ines Rosa, Founder of JCos, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the Founder & CEO of Sense and Body, Sentique International LLC, and MyJcos. Also a beauty industry innovator and Entrepreneur. I empower women in beauty and beyond. I built a sustainable and purpose-driven beauty brand. I am transforming the beauty landscape in Europe, and the USA.

  • Developed high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term objectives.
  • Managed an extensive portfolio of well-known and valued cosmetic brands like Ardell, Duo, OGX, Maui, and many others.
  • Oversaw the international trade activities of Sense and Body in Europe and Sentique International LLC in the USA.
  • Established healthy partnerships with some of the largest and most respected drugstore chains, such as Rossmann Polska and Hebe, and with retail chains Auchan and Carrefour.
  • Facilitated importing and exporting beauty and cosmetic products in Europe and the USA.
  • Collaborated with selective perfume chains, including Sephora and Douglas.
  • Worked with e-commerce clients, which allowed us to reach a wider audience and offer a more convenient shopping experience.
  • Managed the distribution of products to various markets and regions.
  • Ensured the quality and consistency of products through the supply chain.
  • Negotiated and established partnerships with suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.
  • Monitored market trends and adapted to changes in the industry.
  • Stayed informed about trade regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders in international trade, such as customs and shipping organizations.
  • Developed and implement strategies for growth and expansion in international trade.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead the industry in innovation and push progress.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Ines Rosa, and I created International, multicultural woman-owned companies: Sense and Body Ltd in Poland and Sentique International LLC in the USA. My passion for travel and exploration began when I was a small child moving around Europe with my family. At the young age of 12, I began traveling alone as my thirst for adventure intensified. Developing a cunning curiosity and profound fascination with other cultures, my travels led me to Japan, where my search for meaning, purpose, and balance between physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and functionality began. An itinerant at heart, my love of travel made it difficult for me to stay in one place for a long time, but this wanderlust allowed me to experience different cultures and meet amazing people worldwide. I have found that true happiness lies in combining passion with a mission. As a trained psychologist, I have sought to learn everything I can about positive psychology, mindfulness, and inner fulfillment. This quest enamored me with Far Eastern Zen philosophies that bring simplicity and pure forms to life. Adding a licensed pilot to my list of credentials, my gypsy spirit has gifted me with literal "wings to fly," allowing me to explore even more of the world's most fascinating places.

And along my journey, I have become fascinated with Japanese culture and philosophy. Over the last ten years, I have enjoyed exploring and sharing the benefits of Japanese cosmetics with my friends and associates, which is how JCOS was born. Jcos was created to share what I have learned with women worldwide—to help them find happiness in the simple things, live in the moment, and respect what we have in our personal lives and as a global community. I aim to teach others to be good to themselves and the world around them.

Jcos ethos: The philosophy behind Jcos is rooted in combining intentionality with self-care and beauty rituals steeped in Japanese beauty culture. Carving out time for self-care, treasuring life's little moments, and focusing on a balance of inner and outer well-being is what JCOS is all about.

An innovative concept in hair and skin care, lifestyle products, healthy living concepts, and sensory indulgence, I encourage women to take a little time out each day to nurture, rejuvenate, reflect, and refresh. I do it, and it's changed my life! From the Japanese word Chōwa, we celebrate the beauty of life and harmony with nature, as evident in my packaging, ingredients, and dedication to transparency and sustainability. My formulas are made in Japan and crafted with meticulous attention to detail and exceed the highest quality standards. Because I believe my customers deserve to enjoy hair care that works, I've made it easy to create a customized routine that fits your unique lifestyle and individual hair type. I am committed to using only all-natural, plant-based, and eco-friendly ingredients that support the skin and hair in all of my products, never including synthetic dyes, mineral oil, parabens, petroleum surfactants, silicon, talc, or sulfates.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Bringing beauty to the world with passion and expertise! I am an entrepreneurial and creative founder passionate about turning innovative ideas into tangible results. Experienced in formulating and executing strategic plans, creating beauty products, and developing business opportunities. Demonstrated record of success in building successful teams and managing profitable operations.

I am proud to serve as the CEO of Sense and Body, a successful distributor of beauty products in Poland and Europe, and the founder of Sentique International in the USA, an innovative company specializing in care and beauty products. With over 20+ years of experience in the field, I have established and grown these beauty brands recognized for their exceptional quality. My business, Sense, and Body, has been awarded many times for its innovative products and remarkable growth. It was first honored with Forbes Magazine's prestigious "Forbes Diamond Award" for fast-growing enterprises and then with a "Rossmann Supermarkets Award" for Outstanding Achievement in Exclusive Projects. Additionally, Sense and Body has received the Business Gazelles award from Bonnier in 2014, 2015, and 2016 consecutively, recognizing it as one of the most dynamic small and medium-sized companies. I am also the creator of a unique project, a new umbrella brand representing the highest quality Japanese cosmetics and care accessories.

This endeavor resulted in the introduction of JCos - a brand that stands apart from the rest in its commitment to excellence and innovation. JCos represents a bold and exciting direction for the beauty industry, offering Western women premium Japanese cosmetics and care accessories. JCos is much more than just another beauty brand - it's a lifestyle choice for women who believe in the power of self-care and the importance of taking time for themselves. The entire shape of the JCos brand has been developed by joining forces with the most reputable companies in the USA. The brand was created with Team Computer, a Los Angeles-based creative agency renowned for its fresh and engaging ideas. JCos also works with Ren Ave Vac and AWM Virtual Solutions and has a solid agreement with RangeMe.

My ultimate goal is to support women in their professional, private, and self-development lives through my beauty brands. So, join me in helping women in their quest for confidence by teaching them how to take better care of themselves physically and ADVOCATE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Working with the Japanese, I've learned to practice patience and thoughtfulness, focusing, examining, and analyzing instead of jumping to conclusions and reacting in the spur of the moment. Though this was initially challenging for my impulsive nature, I have been drawn to mindfulness, which is the remedy for dealing with daily stressors and outside conflicts that surround us.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be curious about the world and open to people, learn and observe, set yourself short and long-term goals, and remember that they should be realistic.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://myjcos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myjcos.us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myjcos/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-rosa-6aa65042/

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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