"I’d rather charge a lesser amount for our services so that our clients can afford to keep coming back to us.” Her philosophy? “Do something every day to get you closer to your dream or goals." Jackie spoke with Amplify’s Tara Vargas Wallace.

Jacklyn Rocha is the true definition of a Boss Lady! She arrived here from Brazil when she was only 15 years old and now at the age of 38 is about to become a serial entrepreneur! As Jacklyn, or “Jackie” as she prefers to be called, took me around her Spaco By Jacklyn in Hyannis, she introduced me to her staff and showed me around the impeccably decorated and clean spa rooms, I couldn’t help but notice the warm and respectful way she spoke to her staff. The atmosphere of her business was peaceful, warm, and inviting, and it was obvious to me that the vibe started with the way Jackie set the tone in her establishment. She leads a staff of seven skilled and talented women of color, all of whom speak English and Portuguese.

Q: What does SPAco by Jacklyn offer?
A: Jackie Rocha: We offer medical aesthetics: Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, facials, waxing, massage, lymphatic drainage, makeup and so much more! Our clientele is 98% women, but we do welcome men as well. I have five estheticians, including one who’s a nurse, and two secretary/front office staff.

Q: What inspired you to get into this business?
A: I came from an aesthetics family. I grew up around beauty. My sister owns a spa in Brazil. I started out as a makeup artist, went to school, got my license, worked from home while also working in the entertainment business — as a dancer at a strip club for four years — and saved and saved until I was able to open my own business. It took a long time, but I’m glad I did it that way.

Q: When did you start SPAco by Jacklyn?
A: I’ve been an esthetician for 12 years, but I opened my own spa four years ago.

Q: How did you go about starting your business? What steps did you take? And did you encounter any obstacles along the way?
A: I worked several jobs and saved for years to accomplish this dream of mine. I did not take out any loans to open my spa. I did this all on my own. I even rented a storage unit for a year and a half so that I could store the equipment needed for the spa as I purchased each piece, one at a time, before I was able to secure a location for my business. I did something every day to get myself closer to my dream. I stayed focused and disciplined when it came to working and saving. The obstacle was the long hours of work and the length of time it took to save, but I didn’t let that deter me.

I’m also a sex coach and will be launching my third business — an online sex toy business -- soon. Currently I offer sex coaching in Portuguese on my YouTube channel but if I start to see enough interest, I’ll offer services in English as well. People need to embrace the topic of sex. It’s human nature and we all do it. It’s also healthy for you as long as you’re practicing it safely!

Q: Have recent events and the country’s current financial climate affected your business?
A: Yes. COVID impacted my business a lot. We were in stage four of the reopening phase, so we were closed for four and a half months. Even when we opened back up — even though we took every safety precaution -- it took a while for most of our clients to feel comfortable enough about In-person services. Especially since we work within such close proximity to the face. I had to help some of my staff financially who weren’t eligible for certain programs. But now business is back to normal, and we are doing even better than we were before!

Q: Where do you see your business in five years?
A: Well, I’ve already expanded since opening up four years ago. Our space use to be a lot smaller. Over time I’d like to see us being fully medical and being able to provide the other laser treatment services that our licenses allow. Currently we only offer laser hair removal, but I’d like to add to our laser services over time. Each laser is expensive, and they each do something different, so it takes time to purchase them all. I also want to see us so busy that we have a waiting list!

Q: What advice to do you give to your clients about skin care?
A: Wash, Hydrate and Protect! Wash daily with the proper products. Moisturize daily. Use an SPF!

Q: Last words of inspiration to aspiring future lady bosses?
A: Yes, I say this all the time: Women are powerful! We can do anything we set our minds to. Do *not* let the negativity overcome you. People will always have something to say, but if I listened to any of them, I wouldn’t be where I am today!

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On the Web: https://spaco-by-jacklyn.business.site
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPAcobyjacklyn/
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacobyjacklyn/