BoQ Entrepreneur: Jacqui Maybee

An interview with Jacqui Maybee of ROCIA Naturals in Brighton.

Briefly describe your business.

ROCIA Naturals, located in beautiful Brighton, Ontario, is a clean skin care, body care and cosmetic company whose products are formulated for mature skin by people who have mature skin … so we get it! Our formulations are made in small batches on-site with a minimalistic approach using plant-based, multi-tasking ingredients that are not only good for you and the planet but are also proven to be effective. ROCIA Naturals advocates slow beauty: quality-over-quantity (clean efficacy-based ingredients), health-over-perfection (long-term solutions rather than quick fixes and coverups) and self-care (identifying what our needs really are and nourishing ourselves based on those needs).

What brought you to the region?

Although my home province is Nova Scotia, I spent my childhood growing up in Prince Edward County while my husband Bob was born and raised in Belleville. Though we both ventured outside this area to further our education and secure employment experience, it was always a forgone conclusion that we would come back home to the Bay of Quinte region to raise our family and set down our own roots.

What was the hardest thing about starting a business

Because our business is considered niche, at times it can be difficult to maintain a laser-focused vision. When starting out, you can experiment and find your market position. However, once established, even though going in other directions can seem a more exciting, fun and easier road to take, it can also create a confusing watered-down version of a niche-market business. When you’re niche, you just can’t be everything to everyone, so it’s important to understand when change is needed and when to stay the course!

What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business?

There is a unique infrastructure and culture within the BoQ that aligns with our naturalistic values. From the beautiful waterways and beaches to the rolling hills and fertile land, we’re privileged to experience Mother Nature at her very best which fits so well with ROCIA Naturals’ focus on clean beauty.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area?

1. Make exceptional products backed by unmatched ‘high-touch’ customer service that meet your clientele’s needs. This pays back significantly with consistent customer loyalty and referrals.

2. Accept the fact that you will have to adapt constantly as an entrepreneur and allow yourself to embrace that journey and all the lessons that can be learned along the way… as you grow, your business will grow.

3. Find a mentor (someone you have respect for rather than influence over) who has the qualities and attributes you seek and has accomplished what you strive for.

How do you like to spend your days off?

There are so many things to do in the BoQ, but for my husband and I there’s nothing like spending time listening to talented local musicians while sharing some great food with friends at one of the many amazing venues scattered all over this beautiful area. I also love reading, discovering local artisans and their one-of-a-kind creations, biking or going for walks (especially in Presqu’ile Provincial Park which is 10 minutes from the ROCIA Naturals Shoppe) or sometimes just making the decision to unplug, pause and do nothing at all.

If you could have one word tattooed on you, what would it be?

Grateful.