Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gonzalez
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Jessica Marie Gonzalez I am a 27 year old multifaceted entrepreneur. I first got interested in Entrepreneurship my senior year of college. I was graduating from Stockton University with a degree in criminal justice and concentration in forensic phycology. My entire life plan changed giving birth to my son 1 month before my graduation. There was a complete shift, and my plan to enter the police academy quickly changed. I realized my passion is to help people oppressed by the system and I won’t be able to do that while wearing that uniform. On top of I could no longer see myself risking my life on the job when I had a beautiful baby boy who needs his mother.
I started thinking of things I enjoy doing, skills i had that could turn into a career. I took a leap of faith, and opened up a credit card and bought my first professional makeup kit. I was always the go-to girl for all of my friends, and in college for makeup. It wasn’t until after graduation i thought to turn my love for makeup into a business.
Fast forward today, I have serviced well over 300 clients and counting. I specialize in makeup that mimics your skin and natural finishes. However, every now and then I do work with models on sets with professional photographers, and I’ll do editorial looks. While the looks always come out amazing, natural glams are definitely my niche. I also model as well. My work has been featured in Swanky Magazine, Draft kings & Sportsbook, ACFW, NYFW, and much more.
The key to success is believing in your dreams and working hard even when you want to quit. Perseverance and my personality have gotten me in doors i never thought possible. I love that i get to enhance women’s beauty and make them feel like their best selves for a living!
Aside from doing makeup right out of college, I became a substitute teacher and began applying to all jobs requiring a degree, and landed at Enterprise Holdings. The company itself, and money was amazing, but I had no time for my son with work a 50-55 hr work week. i stayed for almost 2 years.
I knew I had to make a change but I had no idea what it would be Well, 1 month before the COVID 19 Pandemic hit, my lovely sorority sister came to me with an amazing business idea. A toddler entertainment service aimed for children 0-5 years old. She had ordered some equipment online to test out and her son loved it. She didn’t know how to proceed, so we put our minds together and I helped bring her vision to life. Baby Box Rentals was established 2020 and we are currently going on year 5 of our business. Beating the odds of most small businesses closing in the first 5 years is the biggest motivating factor to keep going. I currently own and operate the business all on my own. I am so thankful for my amazing village that is always there to support me when I need it.
While Baby Box Rentals is a soft play and inflatable business, It was still important to me to have a corporate job to account for inconsistencies in income. Summer time is my busiest season for this business.
In 2022 I studied and became a licensed Insurance Agent for Life and health insurance. I took it a step further and obtained my Property & Casualty Insurance License. I worked for a few different agencies, until I found my home at Hardenbergh Insurance Group. The culture and work life balance is phenomenal. We are a brokerage that helps business owners obtain insurance for their business. We shop the market for the best rates. I am currently an account manager for the small business unit and work from home. We are licensed in all 50 states. We have a personal lines department, small business, and public entity department. This means we provide insurance to individuals, businesses, schools, police departments, and so much more.
If anyone is interested, or in need of an insurance quote, please give me a call 856-552-1213
For soft play inquires / makeup bookings please call / text 856-818-7698 or visit us on social media @babyboxrentals @jessbeatit_
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. My biggest challenge was trying to balance my 9-5 with my businesses, and being a new mother. Getting the right work-life balance was key for protecting my mental health.
Another challenge was securing funding. To this day I have taken out 0 loans for my soft play business. Everything was self funded and we are 100% profitable. However, securing a loan is just what I need to take this business to the next level. New trending equipment comes out every month it seems.
Another challenge was when my partner exited the business. She was in grad school, a teacher, and had 2 kids under 2. So i understood, and we are still great friends to this day.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As mentioned, at Hardenbergh , I specialize in obtaining business quotes for small business owners. I’m an account manager for the Small Business Unit. So I assist owners, with their policy documents and needs, as well as shop the market for quotes.
As you all know I own and operate Baby Box Rentals LLP which is a soft play company. What sets us apart is we are a household name. Chances are, you know someone, who knows someone that rented from us. Our biggest and most successful marketing tool has been great service which turns into referrals. 9/10 times a new booking was referred to us by a previous client. We like to focus on equipment the kids will actually enjoy during the 4 hr rental period.
I also specialize in makeup that enhances yo9ur features and mimics your natural skin. I have 6 years in the industry under my belt.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is NEVER CUT CORNERS. Do things the right way, The First Time! Also no one will care for your business like you do. I also learned delegation is important to prevent burn outs. Breaks are okay. And most importantly, be inspired by others but never compare your business to another. Focus on your attributes and what makes you different from your competitors. Consistency is key! And Remember, Success will never come from spontaneous combustion!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hig.net/
- Instagram: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JxxDsDSkRhOi73DceSG8d0zqiNJCD_EvobeiRN9DJRo/edit?pli=1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Other: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JxxDsDSkRhOi73DceSG8d0zqiNJCD_EvobeiRN9DJRo/edit?pli=1
Image Credits
Photographer Carl fletcher (pink eyeshadow & pink backdrop) model: Arianna B. IG:@aridanyaa
Photographer: Joseph Simpson @jrsimpsonphotography (pink long sleeve) model: myself
