Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Arthene/Gee.
Jane, please share your story with us.
Janegee began like many small women-owned businesses. On my kitchen counter. It grew from necessity; I was going through a very dark period in my life and had to start over in my early fifties. My background is in natural skincare, herbs, aromatherapy, flower essences, etc. So, into the kitchen making products for clients, I serviced at home. From those humble beginnings, janegee was born. We now have a 2000 sq. ft. space on the main street in the fabulous seaside town of Portsmouth, NH.
We are proud to offer organic linens, designed by Sophie (my daughter) and I, We offer a full range of skin care products, body products, which support our skin care practice offering all natural organic facials and body works. A year ago, we opened an all-natural nail bar to huge success. Our fans love it! Sophie and I are business partners; we have grown with the help of our fans and a wonderful team of like-minded women.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t know any entrepreneur who has a smooth road. Cash flow is always an issue-always. I was juggling making the product, working in the store and working in the skin care rooms. Day in, day out. Seven days per week. We boot strapped the business from the beginning and are proud to say we have survived. More than survived.
For young women, they have to tap into the good spring of wisdom they carry, open it up, find their courage and begin. “In order to be a runner, all you have to do is put one shoe on”. Meaning just start, believe in yourself and dont be afraid of failing. Women are strong, we are the creators of life, we can do anything we set our minds to. I mentor young women all the time in helping them find their courage. Just begin. find a mentor the SCORE office is a good place to begin or your local economic development group. Just get out here and do it!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into janegee story. Tell us more about the business.
janegee is distinctive in that we have a philosophy about skin and health, a modality to support it along with the products. Skin care has become overwhelming the old paradigm of cleanse, tone, moisturize, exfoliate your skin is exactly that , Old! We believe that the body and skin is intelligent and is designed to thrive. It exfoliates all by itself, the oils in our skin has a built in sunscreen. I could go on but the bottom line is that nature has it all worked out. To janegee skin care is partnership between us and the client and learning to work with the healthy blueprint nature gave you at birth. The janegee protocol is empowering to say the least. Instead of having a dozen products on your shelf your daily routine could be as simple as one product, never more than 3.
janegee has a skin lab specializing in organic custom treatments.
Our nail bar showcases our organic natural philosophy of enhancing rather than stripping away. We have curated a fabulous selection of products to enhance your wellbeing. all sourced in a healthy way, well designed like our linen clothing and bedding. Just gorgeous made by a mother and daughter from organic pure linen. My background is eclectic, essential oils, herbs, flower essences, shamanic practices have melded together to create the janegee brand. Lets become better together. It is always a partnership.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
For women, it is tough to be in business. One wouldn’t think that we would be having this conversation in 2018 but in my experience, I have been treated very differently than if I had been a man.
This is particularly true of banks. trying to get funding and assistance has been the biggest challenge. I also feel that too often we are not taken seriously. Case in point, I was exploring a new facility for manufacturing and the agent shows absolute disinterest in me. He never followed through with my requests nor did he apprise me of any relevant information. The upshot was that he felt I was getting in over my head so he ignored us! These type of things happen from the to time. Once again, I recommend that women reach out to their economic development group or small business organization for free advice and assistance in moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Address: 107 congress street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
- Website: www.janegee.com
- Phone: 603-431-0335
- Email: info@janegee.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/janegee@janegee
- Facebook: facebook.com/janegeellc
- Twitter: @janegeellc
Image Credit:
paintings by janegee
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
