BOSS Spotlight Feature: Jade Parker

by Jade Parker

 

Jade J. Parker is a registered nurse, sickle cell patient advocate, and Indianapolis native. As founder & CEO of holistic beauty and wellness company ROJOrganics, she combines her nursing scope + childhood diagnosis to help melanin-rich individuals unlock the transformative atmosphere of the Jordan River through creating luxury self-care regimens at home.
 
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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?
Learning how to apply my corporate qualifications and finding mentors in this new space were the biggest obstacles. I felt so much resistance believing I had the skill to turn my hobby into a profitable business and the authority to create a lifestyle I wanted to live. I started asking deeper questions that extended beyond the products I initially formulated to uncover the mission of the brand, and my confidence to do both grew from there.

What inspired you to break into your industry?
Health breakdown brought my breakthrough into the beauty & wellness sector. Eight months into my first full-time job as a nurse, I experienced life-threatening pain from a sickle cell crisis lasting 1 month. While disabled from work, I researched remedies and found many chemically toxic, required a professional for use, or were inaccessible for at-home use. This led to the formulation of our first therapeutic body butter safe for diverse skin types and chronic conditions. We plan to bring butters back with a luxury release later this year since the original was a best-seller with over 500 units sold to date.

How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
Each season in business differs, but goals to steward time management and actionable items remain consistent. I like to think in terms of work-life harmony. My personal support system, counseling/therapy, spiritual faith, and business mentors & coaches are key to staying well-rounded.

What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
There’s a bible scripture that has saved my life over and over again. It’s, “Do not get weary in well doing, for you will reap in due season if you faint not.” – Galatians 6:9. Whenever I get tired and feel like giving up, I remind myself of this.

Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
Brandy Norwood was my “It Girl” growing up. When I saw she had her own TV sitcom and music album, and starred in the remake of Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella there was NOTHING you could tell me about her! Her representation made me feel like anything was possible.

Throughout my early school years, I was introduced to numerous mentors and programs in Indianapolis that allowed me to channel my creativity into entrepreneurial endeavors. I cherish all these relationships and am grateful to have many still on speed dial. Two of my biggest advisors currently are Stanley Vaganov at BeCurious Studio and Kelli N. Jones at Be Nimble Foundation now helps ensure my company has a solid foundation to grow and scale effectively.

What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?
Quiet time in the morning to meditate, journal, and/or prayer to get me centered for my day. Anytime I don’t make time for that, I’m fighting to prioritize myself throughout the day.

What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS is one who holds themselves accountable for the mission they’re called to, the vision they’re given to live it out, and the people they are passionate about serving.

Provide us with two words that describe you? Holistic Coach

Learn more about Jade:
Website: www.rojorganics.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jadeparker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rojorganics