We ask our members share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Julie Jones of Essence Therapeutics.
Tell us about your business:
I have been providing therapeutic beauty and wellness treatments to the expat community in The Hague for more than 15 years. As a functional skin therapist, I combine my 25 years experience as a clinical esthetician and physical therapist to treat, balance and restore the skin needs of my clients.
I look further then treating the symptoms of skin problems and believe underlying causes are most often responsible for external imbalance. Acne, sensitivity, hormonal imbalances, severe dryness are all conditions which can be treated successfully with the right approach.
My treatments and products are free of artificial chemicals and synthetics and are known for their quality, safety, and proven effectiveness.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
therapeutic, organic, customized, relaxing, healing
What are your most popular products or services?
Most popular treatment is Soin Purete: A highly efficient phyto-nutrient treatment that deals seriously with problems associated with acne and all ages problem skin associated with hormonal imbalances.
Product: gommage 305; a patented non granular gel exfoliator. Once you try it you’re addicted.
What do you like best about owning a business?
The freedom to work in a field I am passionate about and the ability to navigate where I want to go with my business.
What makes your products/services special?
I have been working with Yon-ka, the premium clinical French phytobiological skin care laboratory for 25 years. It embraces everything I believe in. More than 130 plants from around the world are used in the composition of products which are sustainably farmed using renewable resources and never tested on animals. Training is extensive and the focus is on providing authentic effective treatments and products to clients.
Who is your role model or mentor?
My role models are all the women I know who run their own businesses and who stay positive despite the challenges that self employment brings.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not being able to provide a home for my daughter.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
My daughter Avelen. I want her to grow into a beautiful, well grounded and happy woman.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
Adapting to life as a single mom after my divorce. Recovering from a chronic illness due to a medical mistake.
What tip would you give women who are starting a business?
Owning your own business takes a lot of hard work. Know your market, have respect for your competition and try and work together to help each other. There is enough business for all of us.
What is your favourite business book?
Beauty Entrepreneurs.
What are your top tips for networking?
Getting out the door is step 1. Be on time, be genuinely interested in the stories of others and smile.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
This has been one of my biggest challenges as a single mom. I have learned that my community/friends are the life force in maintaining a balance and that we are ultimately here to support one another. I have learned that it’s ok to ask for help and that if I don’t know something, probably someone else does.
What is your motto or theme song?
The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
How do you relax?
Walking in nature, relaxing on the couch with my daughter, reading, cooking clean foods.
What place inspires you and why?
Anywhere with lots of trees. I love the woods and feel best when in nature. It’s where I can think, pray, contemplate, sing, deep breathe. It’s where I find my inner peace.
People may be surprised to know…
I’m shorter than most people think and that I used to be a pretty good competitive figure skater.
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
There are 2 elements of what I care most about. First, offering the highest quality sustainable products and customized services. Secondly, Giving my clients the sense their needs are being heard when they receive a treatment. Ultimately I want my clients to leave feeling pampered but also that they feel they have gained knowledge and information.
What are your future plans?
My passion is Women’s health. I hope to continue to do what I love most…help women love their skin! I am also developing workshops on how our internal health affects our skin. Stay tuned!!
For more information about JulieJones and Essence Therapeutics, please visit essencetherapeutics.nl