Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaquira Quezada.
Hi Shaquira, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is a classic tale of determination and having a dream!
I was raised in the projects of NY but I always knew that I wanted more than what my environment provided me and I didn’t want to fall into the typical stereotypes. My mother always told me that she will always support me and she will never cut my wings. At that moment, I knew that I needed to fly in order to become more. My high school (Cristo Rey New York High School) helped build the person that I am today. To me, they believed that education is key, but so is gaining real time experience. It prepared me more than I could’ve ever imagined. Without Cristo Rey this confident woman wouldn’t be so confident. They made it possible to be young, successful, a minority, and have great core values.
Going to college far from home was the best decision that I made and I have Cristo Rey to thank for that. Yes, I made PLENTY of mistakes, but I grew so much without the hovering of my protective parents. I recommend that for everyone. College will be the only time where you are free, but not have any adult responsibilities. Then my junior year came and I found out that I was pregnant and so many doubts came at once. How am I able to do this? Can I even finish school? I am so close, yet so far. My parents are going to kill me. Should I be a mom? Am I good enough? All of these questions and more came to my head. But with the kind people that created this “village” with me reassured me that I am strong enough to do this on my own and accomplish anything that I set my mind to. With the encouragement of my new extended family, I was able to graduate with my BA in Criminal Justice and Psychology, all while raising a newborn baby boy as a single mother. The strength that my son gave me, I became more confident in my goals more than ever, which is to create something of my own to pass down to him. During my masters program and working with kids, I realized that yes I am a great educator but I wanted more. I am great at educating those to be sure of themselves and confident. So, I thought about what is something that I struggled with for so long, but then learned how to gain confidence from, my eczema. I realized that I wanted to create something to bring confidence and empowerment from something that when not controlled can make you feel so small. So where am I today; I am a mom, educator, Latina, entrepreneur, woman, forever young, and free, all because of my story and the road I have created for my future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had many obstacles throughout my journey, but like they say “it’s not worth it if it’s easy.” With good things comes obstacles and challenges to build that boss that can withstand any situation. Owning your own business is not for everyone and like my high school, only the true lions will stand and I believe that I am one of those lions.
The struggles I had along the way is knowing legally what am I supposed to have to make my business legal and last. It is easy to create a business and start on social media but it’s more than that; especially for a minority. It feels like driving through a dark road with only a little flashlight. I am slowly learning the ropes of what forms, contracts, and licenses I need to have for my business. It’s very difficult but it can be done. Also another challenge is reaching your target audience and having them trust you. If they are not in front of you to test your products, it’s harder for customers to trust you. Many people have had bad experiences with small businesses that are not knowledgeable in their business.
I learned that the best way is to be as informative as possible. The same questions one person has, maybe 20 other people are wondering the same thing so be open to questions so they know this business is to help them. Make them feel good not just to make a profit and let them know you are here to stay.
As you know, we’re big fans of JLNY Spa. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
JLNY Spa is a business that sells organic skincare products specifically for those with eczema and sensitive skin. JLNY stands for ‘Just Like New York’ because I have found the best things that are good prices and good quality in New York! I am a New Yorker and the best, most affordable skincare products I have found are in my hometown but I haven’t found a business like mine that tailors to people, especially women with eczema or sensitive skin without the harm of chemicals and steroids. This earth has everything we need to heal our bodies and my business tailors to that. My goal is to make JLNY Spa a one stop shop where you don’t have to go to multiple places, you can just shop here. But for now I am focusing on your skincare routine such as, soaps, body scrubs, body butter, oil, brush cleaners, and lashes. Everything I include in this business is to help people like me with our eczema to help heal our bodies and control this condition we have and to add a little sizzle of confidence in being you for you and loving the skin you’re in.
What sets me apart from others is that we created a Facebook VIP group that customers can join. This group is to educate our customers in having knowledge about their eczema and the different kinds of eczema and learning about sensitive skins and what are the different factors that can trigger it and ways to help. Also we want our customers to be involved because they are part of the JLNY family. So in this facebook group we also ask them what ingredients would you like to be added into the products, what products do you like or dislike, and what other products do you want us to add. Also we do a lot of research to have the best products from our customers. All of my products work, me and my 4 years old son, who also has eczema, also use these products.
I am most proud that I started this business and the few people that have purchased have seen a difference in their skin. My brand is for me and you. I would like the readers to know that we are having a 20% off of the Self Care Bundle Deal using the code ULIE20 (the prices are UNBELIEVABLE). You can get many items for such a low price until July 31. Also, July 21 – August 21 we are having a 50% off all of the limited edition products. In the South Florida area, we deliver depending on distance. So if you live in South Florida, you don’t have to wait, we will deliver it to you within 2 days of your order! We love our teachers year-round, so we offer a discount code for our teachers with ANY order when they join our email subscription and let us know what state they are a teacher in. If you subscribe to our email list, we also have deals for you as well!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is the beaches and the warm weather. However, with eczema, too much sun can be bad for us because of our dry and sensitive skin. But I love the sun and water! What I least like about our city is the traffic and the crazy accidents from people being reckless. Also, how it rains really hard in certain parts of the city and then stops but floods the area.
Pricing:
- Lash Collection – $10 each
- Soaps – $11-$13
- Organic Brush Cleaner – $16
- Sugar Scrub – $10, $25
- Body Butter – $16, $24
Contact Info:
- Email: info@jlnyspa.com
- Website: www.jlnyspa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlnyspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlynyspa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlnyspa/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/jlnyspa/
