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

Hi Jazmin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think of balance as compartments rather than a scale. It’s very difficult when you are in a place in your life in which many aspects requires 110% of your time and effort. I feel that you’re not really giving 110% or even 100% when you spread yourself across all the different roles or responsibilities you may have. So what I like to do is compartmentalize and try to keep a schedule. Since I still work a full time job, I dedicate 110% when I am working that job. When it’s time to work on my business, I put all my attention and efforts in it. When it’s time to be home and spend time with my family, then it’s time to disconnect from the world and give them my 110%. Otherwise, the 20% here, 10% there, 5% somewhere else is not your all. Your career, business, family and social life will quickly reflect back to you what you’re putting in. And I get it, it’s not always easy. The stress I carry is a perfect indicator that balance doesn’t always mean stress free but it gives purpose and intention.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I try to be very intentional when I create new products by using my Mexican heritage as inspiration. I dig deep into my childhood memories and find ways to incorporate them in my products. For example, our Cafe con Leche (Milk and Coffee) coffee body scrub, was inspired after a dream I had with my grandmother. When I was young, my grandmother would wake up early in the morning to make coffee and she would make me a cup (more milk than coffee since I was only a kid). We would sit outside and wait on the sweet bread vendor to come by and would buy our favorite sweet bread. She would then go on about the latest neighborhood gossip. I can almost smell the coffee and sweet bread when I reminisce about those moments. Every product means is special to me, they represent family, love, and heritage.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Let me just say, I love Atlanta! When I have friends visiting from other states, I usually try to show them both popular and hidden gems around the city. You can’t come to Atlanta without having a fried pork chop for brunch at Home Grown. Walk it off by walking the Belt Line and the Krogg Street Tunnels. Then stop by Ponce City Market, do some shopping, have a drink on the rooftop and stay for lunch! The Battery is another great place to shop, hangout, have a few drink and socialize. For dinner, my favorite restaurant and hidden gem is Porch Light Kitchen in Smyrna, they have the best food and the best service.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without my close family and friends that have supported me every step of the way. It’s so important to have a good support system around you as you are heading towards challenges or unexplored territory. The first thank you is to my dear friend and biggest supporter, Jo-Ann Hernandez. Jo-Ann gave me the push I needed to start Becalia and became my accountability partner. She believed in me when I didn’t even believe in me. Gracias amiga. My fiancé, William Bell, has fully supported my dreams and ambitions. My sacrifices are his, as we build something amazing together. My daughter, Aaliyah Rashid, has also played an important part of my success. Everything I have done to better myself has been to provide for better life for her. I keep pushing through because she believes in me. One of the most impactful things she said to me was on our way home after my very first vending event. Aaliyah turns to me and says ” You know momma, you REALLY CAN be anything you want to be.” She knows she can follow her dreams, just like her momma is following hers. I also want to thank my mentor, business coach, friend and business partner, Mel Grant. Mel has encouraged me even when I didn’t think I had it in me to push through since the very moment I started. And I really wouldn’t have lasted in business this long without the support of the Atlanta community. You have embraced Becalia Botanicals and supported me through all the growing pains. Thank you Atlanta.

Website: www.becaliabotanicals.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/becaliabotanicals
Facebook: www.facebook.com/becaliabotanicals
Other: Tick Tock: @becaliabotanicals

Image Credits
www.kelseybutcherphoto.com