From a Refugee Camp to a Royal Court: A Cambodian American Story of Capturing the Crown

The Huffington Post | 12 September 2015

Since my visit two years ago, I remain fascinated by Cambodia and its many tales of impassioned survival, particularly by its young and rising entrepreneurs. Emad Rahim taught me about the stories of survival from victims of the Khmer Rouge. And he also introduced me to an inspiring friend and fellow survivor, Jacqueline Bhagavan, who uses her focus and determination to lift women's self-esteem and spread compassion.

She is "determined to make a difference and be a positive role model for women and families. Never give up on your dreams." Jacqueline is an inspiration to anyone with a goal and the resilience to achieve it. A Cambodian refugee, a mother of two, a licensed esthetician, a music manager, a web show host, Jacqueline uniquely embodies the value of doing.

Mrs. California America

Steve Mariotti: What do you think has made your successes possible, against some pretty big odds?

Jacqueline Bhagavan: My greatest success has been in just DOING IT! Talk is cheap, but action is EVERYTHING. Go out and achieve the desires that start within your heart and tell people after you have accomplished solid results.

I credit my success to my parents. They raised seven surviving children as refugees, and started with nothing in a new country -- thanks to incredible patience, resourcefulness and teamwork.

As a child, I had a few setbacks from physical and emotional trauma. Malnourishment prevented me from growing hair until I was six years old. I also had to play catch up for school. Eventually I caught up with other students and tested into the gifted program. And despite these delays, I competed in and won the Mrs. California America competition. I owe that to my spirit of survival and perseverance. It made me fierce. Today I am competing in the Fabulous Face contest, where all the proceeds go to great charities. You can vote for me here until September 13th.

Jacqueline's family came to the U.S. as Cambodian refugees

SM: When did you first see yourself an entrepreneur?

JB: I've always thought of myself as an entrepreneur. My family arrived to the United States when I was seven years old, living in a one-bedroom apartment refugees in Houston. By the time I was 12, I saw the need for a better life -- for my family, for my parents and for me. That is when I knew I was an entrepreneur, and I wanted to follow my father's example in working hard to provide for that.

But I knew I was really onto something while I was working in business development for the manufacturing company, Allure Cosmetics. I had a vision of creating products to help take care of my mother's skin and people like her, to help boost their self-esteem and provide comfort for their skin issues. My mother and millions like her endured years of forced labor under the tropical sun while she was in a concentration camp. This left her with extensive sun damage and hyper-pigmentation, which I knew could only be helped by the kinds of products you never find on department store shelves. Allure used raw ingredients. I worked with the chemist to formulate a line of natural products for my own use. In identifying and following my own personal needs, I found my niche in the market.

Complexion Kitchen

SM: What steps did you take in your career to get to where you are today? And what are some of your hopes for the future?

JB: Since I hosted a show called Kid's Block at age 13, I have been persistent in my dream to tell stories. First I was a news announcer on NPR. Later I even convinced the producers of Latin Eyes to hire me as a reporter though they were looking for a latina.

Today, as the creator and host of Complexion Kitchen, I can share my passion for storytelling, creating natural beauty products and living a healthy lifestyle fueled by delicious recipes. The beauty possessed by every woman can shine through from the inside out! I also manage a musician named Savy Som, who aspires to create meaningful work and is poised to take the Asian music scene by storm. You can see her on the current episode of my web TV show at www.complexionkitchen.com

Pop-R&B singer, Savy Som

SM: Tell us about an important lesson you've learned... 

JB: The biggest failure comes from not trying at all. As a small child I learned what kind of monsters lurk in this world. During My family's perilous journey through landmines and jungles, I watched as our hired guides turned on each other. These are things children should never see but it taught me that whatever transgression had transpired between these two men would never take place in my life. Our word is all we have in this life and it must be strong as steel. The fear is not in failing, the fear is in not trying.

At the same time you have to follow your passion. My husband, Mukund Bhagavan came to America with only a backpack and a limited fund towards a higher education. He graduated with a Masters Degree in mathematics and with that was able to create a new software product viable in the silicon valley and now employs over twenty people in a profitable startup. No matter what happens between your vendors and customers, your passion will guide you to do the right thing.

SM: What are the biggest challenges someone starting a business faces today? What tips do you have for young people wishing to follow their dreams?

JB: The biggest challenges are identifying a vacuum or need in the market, and garnering resources and start up capital. Another more insidious challenge is maintaining integrity and transparency in business matters. My early childhood experiences taught me that nothing matters more than keeping the integral human relationships intact. True wealth is within the people you have the privilege of sharing it with at the end of the day. Coming home to an empty mansion is not the picture of success I grew up with. Character matters more than the bottom line. That belief had made all the difference for me and my family.

Mrs California America & family

1. Maintain transparency, authenticity and integrity. Taking the risk to believe in your intrinsic style will keep you one step ahead of the game. Also, if you don't have to keep track of lies then you can focus on the truth of the details.

2. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. You must stay focused on your individual goals and objectives, but also take into account the advice of your trusted team.

3. NEVER EVER FORGET YOUR ROOTS and be kind. You don't need too many friends in life. Three is adequate. If you who can count five true friends on one hand, that is wealth. The crowds of people who get you to the top are the ones that will keep you there so be kind to all and never forget who has helped you along the way.

4. Maintain humility. Don't be afraid to ask for help and to ask questions. Don't ever be afraid to say you don't know. From Mukund, I learned one must admit and face failures so we can move on to the next creative idea and venture. Ego should not come before knowledge because arrogance does not inspire change and success.