Episode 55: How One Woman Turned a Health Scare into a Non-Toxic Skincare Brand| Barbara Jaques

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Dr. Kristian sits down with a trailblazing founder whose journey into wellness and entrepreneurship began with a terrifying health scare. While pregnant, she was told she had multiple tumors and fibroids, but with no clear medical answers and few clean personal care options available—especially for Black women—she took matters into her own hands.

From researching toxic ingredients late at night to formulating her first batch of soap in her kitchen at 3 a.m., her brand JACQ’S was born out of necessity and love. Over the course of this conversation, we explore why many “clean” beauty brands still contain hormone disruptors, how major companies continue to overlook Black women, and what it takes to build a business with purpose and longevity. Whether you’re a conscious consumer, aspiring founder, or simply someone navigating your own wellness journey, this conversation will leave you inspired to make more informed choices—and to support those doing the same.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:
 "I started the brand as an act of self-care—because I needed something safe enough to use while pregnant."

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

• A Health Crisis Sparked a Movement: Her diagnosis during pregnancy ignited a journey into clean beauty and wellness advocacy.
• The Clean Beauty Industry Isn’t Always Clean: Even “green” brands often contain harmful ingredients, and Black women are rarely considered in product formulation.
• Building With Purpose Takes Time: From soap-making at home to navigating growth and pivots, her journey is proof that mission-driven businesses endure.

Check Out These Highlights:

• [00:02:25] Discovering hidden toxins in “natural” skincare products
• [00:05:12] Starting with pop-ups, doubt from family, and finding confidence
• [00:21:20] Realizing the need for pregnancy-safe skincare
• [00:52:03] Why formaldehyde and toxins are still in Black beauty products
• [01:00:04] How BLK + GRN is pivoting to better meet the needs of its evolving audience

Memorable Quotes:

1. “I was a beauty product junkie—until it almost cost me my life.”
2.  “Clean beauty shouldn’t require a chemistry degree to understand the ingredients.”
3.  “If it’s not formulated by us, it’s not formulated for us.”
4.  “Black women are not seen as viable consumers—even though we create the culture.”
5. “People supported Black-owned brands when it was trending—but where is that support now?”
6.  “A good business doesn’t resist change—it pivots to serve.”