May 2, 2024

PVM Magazine

Unlocking the Vault

Behind the Glow: An Interview with Keke Jackson, Owner of Opulence Wellness and Medspa

Keke Jackson founded Opulence Wellness and Medspa in January 2020, motivated by a lack of diversity in the wellness industry. Despite challenges, including the pandemic, her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to inclusivity have turned Opulence into a beacon of representation and personalized skincare for people of color. Offering a range of services, Keke ensures Opulence is a space that celebrates individual beauty, empowering clients with education and a diverse staff. Her advice to budding entrepreneurs stresses authenticity, continuous learning, and the importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry.

Keke Jackson is the heart and soul behind Opulence Wellness and Medspa. Keke’s journey is one of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. As a mother and entrepreneur, she’s faced her fair share of challenges, yet her resilience has propelled her forward, turning her vision into the thriving reality of Opulence Wellness and Medspa. From the humble beginnings to the triumphant expansion, Keke’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity. 

Today, Opulence offers a range of services aimed at enhancing both outer beauty and inner confidence, a testament to Keke’s commitment to empowering others to prioritize self-care and skin health. In an intimate interview, Keke shares the highs, lows, and everything in between, giving us a glimpse into the woman behind the success, and the driving force behind Opulence’s rise to prominence.

READ ALSO: Empowering Curls: A Conversation with Renae Williams, Creator of CoCoBella Natural

Can you tell us about your journey from starting Opulence Wellness and Medspa to where it stands today?

In January 2020, I took a leap of faith and embarked on a journey to create something truly special. With years of experience in the wellness and beauty industry, I have seen firsthand the lack of representation and diversity in products and services, especially for African Americans and people of color. This realization ignited a fire within me to make a difference and pave the way for change.

With unwavering determination, I poured my heart and soul into building Opulence Wellness & MedSpa from the ground up. Every decision was guided by my vision to create a space that not only provided top-notch treatments and services but also celebrated the beauty and uniqueness of every individual.

The early days were filled with challenges and setbacks, but my passion and resilience never wavered. I worked tirelessly to establish Opulence as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, offering a wide range of specialized treatments and products tailored to the needs of our diverse clientele.

As word spread about Opulence’s commitment to diversity and excellence, the spa began to flourish. My dedication to my community and my unwavering belief in the importance of representation resonated deeply with people from all walks of life. Soon, Opulence became more than just a spa—it became a symbol of hope and inspiration for many.

Today, Opulence Wellness & MedSpa stands as a testament to my vision and perseverance. What started as a dream to fill a gap in the industry has blossomed into a thriving sanctuary for self-care and empowerment. My journey with Opulence is a reminder that with passion, hard work, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood can be challenging. How have you managed to navigate both aspects of your life successfully?

Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood has been a journey filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. At times, it has felt like a juggling act, trying to give my all to both my business and my family. However, I have learned to embrace the chaos and find a sense of balance that works for me.

One key aspect of my success has been surrounding myself with a strong support system. Whether it’s relying on family and friends for help with childcare or building a team of dedicated professionals to support me in my business, having a strong support system has been crucial. Additionally, learning to prioritize and delegate tasks has allowed me to focus on what truly matters both at work and at home. Through it all, my love for my family and my passion for my business have been my driving forces, pushing me to overcome any obstacles that come my way.

What were some of the initial hurdles you faced when establishing Opulence Wellness and Medspa, and how did you overcome them?

In the early days of Opulence Wellness and MedSpa, I faced the challenge of convincing black men and women that skincare was an essential part of self-care and self-love, not just a luxury. Through education and personal outreach, I worked to change this mindset and emphasize the importance of skincare in overall well-being.

Just as momentum was building, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing me to quickly adapt. Within two months of starting my business, I pivoted to virtual consultations and DIY skincare kits to stay connected with clients. Despite the obstacles, I remained resilient, finding innovative solutions to sustain my business and continue serving my community. Through perseverance, I not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger than ever before.

Can you share with us how the pandemic impacted your business and how you adapted to the changing circumstances?

The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Opulence Wellness and MedSpa, forcing us to adapt quickly to the changing circumstances. Initially, the shutdowns and restrictions posed a significant threat to our business, but we remained resilient. We pivoted to offering virtual consultations and at-home skincare kits to stay connected with our clients. As the world slowly started to reopen, we saw a surge in demand for our services, particularly in Atlanta, Georgia, where the reopening was faster than in most places.

The reopening gave people a sense of freedom and a desire to take care of themselves. Our spa became a sanctuary for those seeking peace of mind, relaxation, and rejuvenation. We implemented strict safety measures to ensure a COVID-free environment, providing our clients with a safe and sanitized space to revitalize, feel good, and look good. The post-pandemic period has been a testament to our resilience and commitment to our client’s well-being, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community.

Congratulations on expanding your product range! Could you tell us more about your Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum and how it aligns with your vision for Opulence Wellness and Medspa?

As the world reopened and the demand for self-care surged, I saw an opportunity to further cater to the needs of people of color. Understanding the unique challenges faced by this community, I developed a Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serum specifically designed to hydrate and protect the skin of color. This innovative product not only addressed a crucial need but also reflected my commitment to inclusivity and diversity in skincare.

The introduction of this serum was met with enthusiasm from our clients, further reinforcing the importance of representation and tailored solutions in the beauty industry. Seeing the positive impact of this product on the confidence and well-being of our clients has been incredibly rewarding, and it has solidified our commitment to providing inclusive and effective skincare solutions for all.

Your services range from custom facials to laser treatments and body contouring. What sets Opulence Wellness and Medspa apart from other establishments offering similar services?

What sets Opulence Wellness and MedSpa apart is our ability to deliver medical spa results in a day spa environment. We cater to clients of all skin colors, ages, races, and nationalities, with a specialization in skin care for people of color. Our range of services, from custom facials to laser treatments and body contouring, is designed to provide effective and personalized solutions for each individual’s unique needs.

At Opulence, we understand that skincare is not one-size-fits-all, especially for those with skin of color. That’s why we offer specialized treatments and products that cater to the specific concerns and requirements of diverse skin tones. Our commitment to inclusivity and excellence ensures that every client who walks through our doors receives the highest quality care and achieves the beautiful, healthy skin they deserve.

As a woman of color, how important is it for you to represent and serve an underserved community in the beauty industry? And how does this influence the ethos of your business?

As a woman of color, it is incredibly important for me to represent and serve an underserved community in the beauty industry. Growing up, I often felt overlooked and underserved by mainstream beauty standards, which rarely catered to the diverse needs of people of color. This experience has fueled my passion to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and catered to, regardless of their skin color or background.

This commitment to inclusivity and representation is at the core of the ethos of my business, guiding every decision we make. From the products we offer to the treatments we provide, we strive to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and empowered. We believe that beauty is not one-size-fits-all and that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. By championing diversity and inclusivity, we hope to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty and celebrate the richness of their heritage.

Education seems to be a key aspect of your mission. How do you go about empowering individuals to take charge of their skin health?

Education is indeed at the heart of our mission at Opulence Wellness and MedSpa. We believe that empowering individuals to take charge of their skin health begins with knowledge. We offer a range of educational resources, including workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations, to educate our clients about their skin type, common issues, and the best practices for maintaining healthy skin.

Our approach is personalized and holistic, taking into account each individual’s unique skin concerns and lifestyle factors. We not only provide information but also empower our clients to make informed decisions about their skincare routine and treatments. By fostering a culture of education and empowerment, we aim to help individuals build confidence in caring for their skin and achieve lasting results.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women of color, who are looking to venture into the beauty and wellness industry?

As a black woman who owns a medical spa, my advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women of color, looking to venture into the beauty and wellness industry would be to embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through in everything you do. It’s also best to surround yourself with a good support system that can offer guidance and encouragement along the way.

Be intentional about creating a space that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, both in terms of the services you offer and the staff you hire. Your clients should see themselves reflected in your business, and that starts with having a team that is representative of the community you serve.

Never stop learning and evolving. The beauty and wellness industry is constantly changing, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends, techniques, and technologies. Continuously seek out opportunities for education and professional development to ensure that you’re always offering the best possible experience for your clients.

Above all, remember that your journey is valid, and your voice matters. By stepping into this industry with confidence and authenticity, you’re not only creating opportunities for yourself but also paving the way for future generations of women of color to thrive.

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