You have that business idea tucked away. Maybe it’s sketched in a notebook, saved in your phone, or just playing on repeat in your mind. But something holds you back—perhaps it’s the fear of failure, the uncertainty of timing, or the nagging thought that you need everything perfectly planned before you begin.

Jacqueline Johnson understands this hesitation. As a young mother relying on government assistance, starting a business seemed out of reach. Yet today, she runs Jacquie Ooh, a lifestyle brand that serves women across Texas. Her path didn’t start with a business degree or large investments—it began with helping her daughters sell homemade sugar scrubs.

Starting Small

Before Jacquie Ooh, Johnson developed skills in project management, inventory control, and operations. These abilities proved essential when her daughters started making sugar scrubs in 2012. “Over time, I found myself applying my organizational skills to help them manage product development, marketing, and customer relationships,” Johnson says.

Under her guidance, her daughters’ small sugar scrub business grew into a full skincare line and mobile spa service. Their success caught media attention—they appeared on the Business section front page of the Houston Chronicle and spoke at significant events.

When her daughters chose new paths in 2019, Johnson saw an opportunity to reshape their success into something new. She took the lessons from their journey and created Jacquie Ooh, focusing on natural skincare and women’s wellness.

Those early days demanded dedication. “In the first six months, I spent around 40-50 hours per week building the business, handling everything from product development to marketing,” Johnson shares. She started with personal savings and support from friends and family, focusing first on finding the right ingredients for her products.

“I prioritized suppliers offering high-quality, natural ingredients,” Johnson explains. “To vet them, I requested samples, reviewed ingredient sourcing and certifications, and tested product consistency. Building relationships with reliable suppliers who could provide transparency became the foundation of our product quality.”

Her pricing strategy reflected this commitment to quality while remaining practical. “I factored in the cost of high-quality, all-natural ingredients, packaging, and production while ensuring the final price allowed for a sustainable profit margin,” Johnson says. “Since my daughters’ initial business had an existing customer base, I considered their purchasing behaviors and adjusted prices accordingly.”

Building Community

Rather than chase rapid expansion, Johnson focused on meaningful experiences for her customers. She launched Sip & Glow gatherings, where women craft custom skincare products while building friendships. “My first Sip & Glow event was intimate and focused on creating a relaxed atmosphere,” Johnson recalls. “I structured it as a flat fee for six women per host, which made it easier to plan and manage. The event turned out to be a success, with great participation and engagement!”

Her Coloring and Coffee events emerged as another community touchpoint, featuring Johnson’s self-care coloring book, available through her website, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. These gatherings provide space for creativity and connection. She has also been a contributing writer for Ujima Magazine, Harness Magazine, and her blog, providing women with the tools and inspiration to live and think well. 

The path brought valuable lessons. “One mistake I made in my first year was overproducing inventory without fully understanding customer demand,” Johnson shares. “This led to excess stock and tied up valuable resources.” She adapted by implementing pre-orders for new products and focusing on small-batch manufacturing, which helped maintain product freshness and reduce waste.

Marketing taught its own lessons. “I thought paid advertising would bring quick results,” Johnson says. “But I learned that real connections matter more than sponsored posts.” She built her first hundred customers through social media engagement, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of product development and hosting self-care workshops.

Her 2 time Telly award-winning show, Motivational Monday with Jacquie Ooh, grew naturally from these connections, extending her support for women’s growth beyond skin care.

Growing with Purpose

Now, with established systems in place, Johnson spends 20-30 hours weekly on strategy, product updates, and customer engagement. She manages seasonal changes by offering special holiday collections and maintaining year-round connections through events and her coloring book.

Her product development stays rooted in customer needs. “My new product development process starts with identifying customer needs and market trends,” she explains. “I research and test high-quality ingredients, create small-batch formulations, and gather feedback from a trusted group of testers.”

As Johnson hosts events nationwide and develops new skincare products, she sees her own growth reflected in the women she serves. Her business began with simple conversations—listening to women discuss their needs for better skin care, genuine connection, and spaces to prioritize themselves.

What started as supporting her daughters’ sugar scrub business has evolved into a community where women support each other. “Start by solving a real problem you see in your community,” Johnson advises. “Listen to people, create something they actually need, and build real relationships along the way.”

Johnson’s story shows that your first step doesn’t need to be grand. It might be as simple as helping someone else with their dream, having honest conversations with potential customers, or making your first product in your kitchen. “The women who come to my events or use my products don’t just see a business,” Johnson shares. “They see proof that their own dreams are possible, too. That’s what motivates me each day—knowing that by starting small and staying true to my purpose, I’m showing others they can do it too.”

For more information, check out the Jacquie Ooh website – www.jacquieooh.com