Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Jurges and Janice Jaraicie.
Veronica and Janice, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had an idea/thought at the age of 16 and never thought much more of it. It was one of those things that always crossed my mind growing up, but at such a young age, I never considered the fact, that I could be the one to make a change. Many years later, realizing that nothing had changed in the one product I could never live without, I took a chance and partnered with a very close friend to step into the amazing and ever-changing world of the beauty industry.
I was born and raised in San Diego and have always had some sort of obsession with makeup as early as I can remember. While other girls were practicing for dance classes, I was studying the latest techniques of the brilliant and late Kevin Aucoin. My love for makeup and pop culture continued to grow into adolescence and even today. What truly started as a fascination with my best friend’s naturally curled eyelashes introduced me to my first eyelash curler. It would frustrate me that I could never immolate the same beautiful curl that my friend was born with. Mine would look crimped and artificial after using an eyelash curler. Eventually, over time, I learned how to manipulate eyelash curlers to induce a more natural curl, I realized a few tweaks could make curling my lashes much easier and better. So here we are today, producing a patent approved eyelash curler!
Janice, my partner, brings a wealth of knowledge in manufacturing as well as connecting us with all the right partners along the way while I focus on the products and vision of the company.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Professionally, our journey has been what you would expect with starting something new with no previous business ownership experience. It has been far from easy, but we have been fortunate enough to have met all the right people at the right time thus far. From raising money to getting a patent and even though the manufacturing process, we have worked with people that truly helped and taught us so much through each portion of the business. However; from the time of manufacturing to market introduction, a personal event unexpectedly surfaced that tore me away from every aspect of the business. That has been by far the hardest part of my journey. Being so excited about starting this new endeavor and then having something you have no control over forcing you to shift your attention was very emotionally and mentally challenging. I’ve learned that a business will always be there as long as you are willing to continue to work, not give up, and believe in what you’re doing. In the same regard, I have learned that family and life are delicate and ultimately take precedence over everything.
Our new challenge today is getting back into the public and rebuilding momentum. Getting our name and product in hands, on shelves with a strong media presence. It’s a slow roll, but I have no doubt in time we will be right where I envision. All things happen for a reason, and our time might not have been a few years ago, but it most certainly is coming regardless of the outcome.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Coqette – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are Coqette, and we are revolutionizing the way eyelashes are curled! To this day there are have been few design changes to traditional eyelash curlers. It has remained a one size fits all world when in reality lashes are just as peculiar as the hair on our head! We worked tirelessly to create a modified eyelash curler specifically made for average to long lashes. There were many challenges associated with turning a concept into design and furthermore into a manufactured product. We are very proud of our curler; it creates a natural curl without the crimping that is usually associated with traditional curlers. Coqette’s unique design uses a three-step metal head and silicone pad that solidifies lashes into the perfect curl every time.
I am so proud of our curler, and although it won’t be the right curler for everyone, it will absolutely be the best curler for the right people!
Also, did I mention that Janice and I are the only employees, and we conduct business over three continents? I am based out of the US, Janice spends half her time in Italy, and our factory is in Hong Kong! There are many challenges associated with that, but our commitment has proven that anything is possible.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are looking forward to focusing on market awareness and getting our curler into as many makeup bags as possible. We are planning on expanding our product line to include a curler specifically for short to average lashes along with complimenting products down the line. Above all, we are most looking forward to growing and learning of all the challenges and victories of running a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coqette.com
- Email: inquiries@coqette.com
- Instagram: coqette_girl
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