Meet Sandra Jacquemin | Co-founder

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

Hi Sandra, what do you want your legacy to be?
Both being Entrepreneurs – our first driven passion is people and business. Now with starsoul, our shared passion is changing the world. It is the essence of why we started and the inspiration behind our signature shirt that every subscriber receives. It’s not a mission, it’s not a trend – it is hopefully a long-lasting effect that can leave this world better than when we came into it.
Legacy is a word that carries a lot of weight and when you actually look up the definition, it is defined by money and/or property. However, it can take on many forms and as far as leaving behind a legacy which entails “something we leave behind to our son” that means a better world and inspiration for him to continue that work in whichever capacity he is blessed with.
Both of us are successful business owners who decided to take that risk rather than the road that led to a corporate role. As a former U.S. Marine, Julio has the DNA of service instilled in him and as a marketing executive, Sandra brings resources and creativity to the table.
It is now with the launch of starsoul on Human Rights Day 2021 that we are able to explore our knowledge as entrepreneurs and explore our desire to see a better world. I couldn’t understand that we celebrate Veteran’s Day – one day – a day which is usually accompanied by sales, discounts and BBQ’s – and this is how we “thank” the men and women for their service? There is a real problem with veteran suicides in this country that we don’t talk about and that has nothing to do with politics. In fact, we set out to launch this company with zero politics involved.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SANDRA JACQUEMIN | Co-founder / JULIO VILLARREAL | Co-founder

SANDRA: One of the things that sets starsoul apart is also the reason for starting this business. We just didn’t see anything like it. So many brands and companies are doing different social impact initiatives but we wanted everything to be molded around giving. Usually, we purchase something and a donation goes to “X” charity organization. We wanted the purchase to be the give, and we wanted to go beyond one charity or cause.

JULIO: Giving is not the secondary mission, it’s the primary mission. Going from being in the Marines to starting several businesses in South Florida, I’ve learned many lessons along the way. One of the most important ones is leaving something better than you found it – and that stems back to my first day with the Marines. Now, with starsoul, I can say I am working towards leaving this world better than we find it (today).

SANDRA: When you subscribe to starsoul, you are essentially saying you care about humanity as a whole, you care about the world. I can’t say personally, that one cause resonates with me more than another. I am affected by different things, my love for animals, my pain for those suffering, I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, my husband is a former U.S. Marine, I want my son to grow up in a more compassionate world – how can I choose one cause to donate to and say to him one day that I’ve done all I can to change the world. I certainly have a lot of accolades in my life, running a very successful marketing business for 15 years working with Mtv, Reebok, Adidas, HBO, world-class talent and athletes. But, when my son “reads my story” I want him to know that in the end the most important thing I ever did, was make a difference.

October we are highlighting domestic violence and anti-bully month, working to support Lotus House.

November is focused on Veterans and December will shift to Human Rights.

We have released a 3-month Gift Card option on our website, for those who want to gift for the holiday season.

And we are happy to offer a VOYAGEMIA code if you’d like to any subscribers, and they can receive a complimentary Compassion tote.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since having our son, that has changed quite a bit. You see places and even people through different eyes. But, we have several friends from all over the country that visit quite often as this is after all, Miami. We like to stay local, support small businesses and family-owned.
One of our favorite spots for a meal whether its brunch or dinner is Greenstreet Cafe in Coconut Grove (where in fact we had our first date). Definitely try their watermelon-lemonade. Wynwood is always fun at night to take out-of-towners because it’s just such a unique area, no matter what bar or gallery you stumble upon, there is something for everyone.
For a week here we would say to drive down to the Keys and have lunch at Hogfish. Bar & Grill and stop at the Key Lime Pie Factory on the way back up for dessert.
Depending the time of year, there’s always something going on. It never hurts to get out on a boat. We’ve sent family out on those 1-day cruises and they have loved it. Coming from some places, they don’t get to enjoy these things we take for granted.
our favorite beach is anywhere on Key Biscayne, the easy access to your car. Once you cross the bridge, you leave the hustle of Miami behind you for a moment. Pop over to Le Boulangerie for a fresh croissant (Nutella is our fave).
Lately, it seems that if we are not working, we are using every reason to escape to Disney World with our little one.
It’s always fun but we find so much inspiration there on what Walt has built.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SANDRA JACQUEMIN | Co-founder My mom has always served as cheerleader number one on my life. She is always thinking of others first. One of her dreams has always been to share our passion and love for Disney with kids that would never have the opportunity to do so. We’ve gone since I was only days old, and it is still a mission of mine to load buses of underprivileged kids and take them to see what dreams can do if you believe in them. I hope that one day we will be able to do that through this company we are building. My other inspiration is my son and my husband. The future is what I see in both their eyes in so many different ways. I look to my husband and see what we are capable of doing to better this world and in my son I see a wonder I never want him to lose. Being kind to all people on this Earth is what I want to instill in him, with that, he can do anything.

JULIO VILLARREAL | Co-founder
So many people have impacted me throughout my lifetime that it’s built into my character and fiber of who I am. But the one that tipped the scale was my son. The thought of so many things that could go upside down in the world, my wife (and business partner) and I wanted to see a brighter world and future for him.

Website: https://officialstarsoul.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialstarsoul/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialstarsoul

Image Credits
Kelly Edwards Photography