Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Bowman.
Hi Jacqueline, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I can remember very well standing at the pot belly cast Iron stove which was fueled by the earth’s coal, during the (1960s). My grandmother was from the West Indies and in our community, she was affectionately known as the community Medicine Lady. (Root Worker) She understood how to use plants, trees and vegetation to make teas, salves, tinctures and more. Survival in the West Indies was solely dependent upon one’s ability to understand which plants use and why. There are still many plants that can heal and cure, NATURE STILL HAS THE ANSWER.
I make reference to this because it was taught to me as a girl, I was the oldest and my duty was to collect herbs and items as directed. I am so thankful for this gift. Unfortunately, our plants do not grow in the wild as in those times. I always wanted to be a nurse like my grandmother. I remember her making people feel good, now I know it was HEALING. I was not taught in college the matters of which I learned as a girl. I came across some information that reminded me the benefits of the practice and I picked up with some of the methods which I use today in the products I create for pets.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started this business to have extra income, I was forced into retirement as a result of a bone which was lodged in the cartilage between a disc in the lumbar section of my lower back. I had to have a major surgery as the bone was severing my spine and the procedure left me bedridden for two years. I became depressed and felt like giving up. I noticed as I was going through this situation my little Maltipoo, “Sasha” was right there at my side, I do not recall her not having been by my side. She was like a nurse aide to me. I started to think if I made it through the situation I would do something in return for her and here I am today. I have been diagnosed with Bone Degenerative Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and a few other health concerns. Yes, there are many challenges. I have learned how to manage my health conditions. I refuse to quit and here I am today. It is not easy. I am fairly clear what to do, it is having the capital and other resources to do what is necessary to provide the products in mass production. It would be a blessing to have an investor who believes in what I do for the pets. I did not realize the skin and coat products I was making would become an essential route of healing for their pets. I have customers who have eliminated some harsh chemical-related products to have their pets enjoy the benefits and the healing power of “Gee Your Dog Smells Terrific” products. My community of customers have witnessed for the pets the amazing benefits of using the products and customers also request the products by name. I did not think of something like this as a business opportunity. Entrepreneurship was not taught to me, I was taught to get a job, work hard and be dedicated. I am in this era where everything is computer, digital relevant, Instagram, Facebook, and so many other places on the internet in which to market. Yes, I am challenged by these things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The best way to become acquainted with the products is to try it for yourself. If you have a pet with a coat that is in need of dangler, our leave-in-conditioner is for you, apply, brush and enjoy the experience. I have many customers with Labor-doodles, Bichons, Maltese, poodles, etc. If you have a short-haired pet, Bull Dogs, Pit Bulls, Frenchies and the likeness Gee Your Dog Smells Terrific skin and coat protectant works a miracle to heal and prevent the irritation just to highlight a couple of products. I make these products always from scratch. I have help from the community of youth I hire to help with labor of filling bottles, labeling bottles and the sales of the product. I know how important it is to expose our youth to entrepreneurship along with the discipline it takes to produce a product from start to finish. I am most proud of my entire line of products and my takeaway is, I pride myself on creating the highest quality products with high concentrated expectations requiring a little to go a long way for getting the expected results.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I feel like this product is my baby and I want to take very good care of it. While this is true, I have learned that as a business owner you can not do it all. Selecting people you can trust to get the job done is key. Attention to detail and precision is required to produce the quality of products my customers have come to expect and that I demand. I find it challenging to hire as the market of employees seem to be lacking and many companies are suffering from lack of laborers.
Contact Info:
- Website: Geeydst.com
- Instagram: Gee Your Dog Smell Terrific
- Facebook: Gee Your Dog Smells Terrific
