Betty Jo Cooper is on a mission. She wants to make sure that all women look and feel better about themselves. And, how does she propose to do this? This feisty thirty-something year old just recently opened up a brand new store on Bar 20 Corner called BJo. BJo features all natural cosmetics under Cooper's own line called BJo Cosmetics. Her line of cosmetics is made of all natural minerals. It is hypoallergenic and free of additives, binders, talc, preservatives and fragrance that can negatively affect the skin. She also offers aesthetic services including eyebrow reshaping and facials. For the facials, she uses Huet Biologie skin-care products which are highly effective in the prevention of premature ageing. "From the time that I was a little girl, I've always wanted to open up a boutique featuring beautiful clothing," said Cooper.
"There has been a great departure from femininity in The Bahamas so I hope that this store will restore the days when women took pride in being feminine," she added.
The first thing that strikes you when you visit BJo is the colour of the building itself. The exterior walls are painted a rich brick red. Inside entering the store, candle and classical music illuminate the atmosphere. The soft lighting and tranquil karma of the room makes it an inviting retreat for someone who just wants to relax while shopping. The floor is red and the interior walls are painted black. "We want people to feel special when they enter the store," said Cooper with a smile.
Cooper said that this lifelong dream came about because of the frustration she experienced when shopping locally. At present, BJo features women's clothing line 'Aquiabara', a major label in Argentina, however, Cooper is planning to introduce a variety of other clothing lines. "We're presently looking at expanding our clothing line to include other labels in the very near future." The store not only offers clothing, but features a wide selection of CDs, scented candles, books, cosmetics and skin-care products. Cooper said that she combined all of these products under one roof in order to offer women a holistic experience. "When a client comes in for a make-over, we use that time to inform them on how to take good care of the skin, apply make-up and use fashion and accessories to emphasise their natural beauty," explained Cooper.
Cooper is married to Simon Cooper and has an eighteen year old daughter, Shannon. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, travelling and fine dining. In addition, one of her favourite pastimes is writing poetry.
By: Betty Vedrine, Guardian Features Reporter, The Nassau Guardian
