We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what do you attribute your success to?
God first & foremost, support of family & friends in addition to my passion, consistency & resiliency. I bootstrapped this business utilizing my savings, doing side hustles like uber eats and a once a month Teaching & Coaching salary. The Skin Category’s corporate purpose is to give God the Glory by leading with a servant heart. I have always believed that a thriving company is an empathetic company. A brand that truly cares about the well being of others, being a positive impact & spreading genuine love & kindness. TSC promotes empowerment, trust, empathy & humility. I strive to redefine the skincare landscape by formulating luxury, yet bold and nourishing skincare that empowers individuals to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their skin!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My full-time profession is Teaching and the most rewarding thus far. I’m certified in special education ec-12 and I have been in education since 2014. Currently I’m in graduate school pursuing my Masters in Educational Leadership. I merged my passion for serving students & skincare together. Utilizing a percentage of sales to provide resources/scholarships for students & teachers while also supporting community initiatives. In order to achieve this on grander scale it starts with authentic relationship building within the community and sharing my faith and the story behind my brand. I’m proud of the evolution of my brand and the positive customer experiences. I’m excited for my products to be sold in retailers that support BIOPIC brands and encourage diversity and inclusion.

I have faced ,many challenges as a small business owner. Entrepreneurship is not always a glamourous journey but you will have victorious moments. As “cliche” as it may sound focusing on my WHY and WHERE I want to take this business with Gods guidance is what helps me overcome challenges. Reflecting also helps me overcome challenges in knowing I’m learning & growing with time. Lastly, expecting and embracing the challenges. As my Dad once told me “challenges are opportunities to build character, challenges are just apart of life so don’t run from them”.

I’ve learned to accept the beauty on the other side of failure. To celebrate the small victories. To stick to a schedule, set firm boundaries and limit distractions that interfere with your productivity. Rest is essential to success, listen to your body & take care of it! Keep God first.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1

Aladdin cafe for breakfast and coffee
Spa castle

The Porch Restaurant for dinner

Day 2

Lunch at locally owned food trucks

Energy Gardens

Black Lit Bookstore

Day 3

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

Candle making class at Golden Blk Candle Lounge

Eden Hill Winery

Day 4

Boxing at Dallas Fight Club

Lunch at Restoration Hardware/Knox Henderson

Trade art and pottery

Day 5

Lunch at Bowen House

Texas tulips

Dallas museum of art

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends were my first group of customers! They believe in me, my products and my overall brand mission. My parents have always been encouraging and supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavors. My family and friends have played a pivotal role in assisting with business expenses, spreading the word, purchasing products & helping fulfill orders, etc. Shoutout to all of my students for their encouraging words that they have planted in my heart. I’m also very inspired by powerhouse women such as Tabitha Brown, Melissa Barber, Monique Rodriguez, Jackie Aina & Kaylah Joseph. Each of these women has an inspirational story behind their brand that resonates with me & empowers me. This shoutout is to my My Grandmother (Nettie Loniece), she introduced me to luxury skincare brands at a young age. Dillard’s was her favorite store, imagine 13 year old me walking into Dillard’s requesting Elizabeth’s Arden good morning serum lol! In my continual efforts to honor her life The Skin Category will not only be a household name but a well respected brand.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theskincategory/?etsrc=sdt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskincategory/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/jasmine-shaw-089978b1

Other: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/weiss-high-school-special-education-teacher-among-77-pflugerville-isd-teachers-resigns

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.