An Inspired Chat with Jennifer S. Hicks of Washington Heights

We recently had the chance to connect with Jennifer S. Hicks and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer S., a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to step out from behind the brand and show more of me, especially through going live on social media. For a long time, I shied away from it because it felt intimidating to put myself out there in real time. But I’ve realized that people connect with people, not just products. Going live allows me to share the story, the passion, and the purpose behind Olijé Body Care in a more authentic way. It’s about building trust, community, and confidence, not just in my audience, but in myself. So, I’m leaning into that fear and turning it into fuel for growth.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jennifer Hicks, the founder and creator of Olijé Body Care, a Chicago-based skincare brand dedicated to providing organic, natural, and cruelty-free products that help soothe and restore the skin. My journey started back in 2015 after discovering that alcohol in a product was triggering my eczema. Out of frustration (and curiosity!), I started experimenting in my kitchen and created my first butter, which I gifted to family and friends for Christmas. The feedback was incredible, and that’s when Olijé was born!

What makes Olijé special is that every product is handmade with intention, designed for sensitive skin, and crafted to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. I’m proud that something that started as a personal solution has grown into a business that helps others say goodbye to irritations like rashes, psoriasis, and eczema. Right now, I’m focused on expanding our reach through new bundles, pop-up events, and building deeper connections with my amazing customers through live sessions and community events.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my mother in 2021 was the moment that truly changed how I see the world. Her passing reminded me just how fragile life is and how important it is to live with purpose. It pushed me to slow down, to appreciate the small moments, and to pour my energy into what truly matters — my family, my peace, and my purpose through Olijé Body Care. Her strength and love still guide me every day, and I carry her spirit in everything I do, especially in how I show up for others through my business.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resilience, and faith in a way that success never could. When everything is going well, it’s easy to move fast and take things for granted. But it’s in the hard seasons, when you’re hurting, uncertain, or starting over, that you really learn who you are and what you’re made of. Those moments taught me how to find peace in the process, to trust timing, and to keep going even when the path isn’t clear. My struggles gave Olijé Body Care its heart, because healing, in all forms, takes time, care, and belief.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the skincare industry is that products have to be packed with chemicals and artificial ingredients to be effective. The truth is, nature provides everything our skin truly needs, it just takes intention and quality sourcing. Another common myth is that ‘natural’ automatically means ‘better,’ but not all natural products are created with care or balance. At Olijé Body Care, I take pride in creating products that are both natural and thoughtfully formulated, because gentle doesn’t mean weak, and luxury doesn’t have to come at the cost of your skin’s health or the planet

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I showed up with heart, courage, and purpose. That I used my gifts to make others feel seen, cared for, and confident, whether through my products, my words, or my presence. I want my story to be one of resilience, faith, and generosity; that I built something beautiful from my own challenges and turned it into healing for others. Most of all, I hope people remember me as someone who loved deeply and left the world, and their skin, a little better than I found it.

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