WHILE most young people fresh out of high school rush to get their first job, 23-year- old Rachel Stanbury never entered the formal workforce. Instead, she went straight into building a Christ-centred beauty and wellness business — Rach Royalty — with the slogan ‘Glow Like Royalty’ inspired by 1 Peter 2:9.

“I want people to remember or be reminded of who they are in Christ and know that it is their responsibility to be a good steward over their lives — and that includes their wellness and their self-care,” Stanbury, director of Rach Royalty, shared with the Jamaica Observer in an interview.

Not long after sitting her CXC examinations and entering lower-sixth form, Stanbury began experimenting with product development, creating face washes, body butters, oils and scrubs. By 2020, as soon as she turned 18, she registered the business as a sole trader. That quickly evolved into a limited liability company in 2021.

“I like girly stuff,” Stanbury admitted when asked why she chose this path. “I like feeling good [and] I like when others feel good.”

Starting a business, Stanbury explained, felt almost inevitable. Her entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by parents who are also business owners; this helped to form the foundation for Rach Royalty. While building the company she simultaneously pursued and completed a law degree, balancing academics with entrepreneurship.

The start-up capital came entirely from her own resources: savings, early investments she began at age 16, and limited use of credit cards. The early years of the business focused solely on skincare. With her own history of sensitive skin, Stanbury was deliberate in formulating products that were gentle yet effective, relying on organic ingredients such as mango butter and olive oil. Each product was designed with customers like herself in mind, those seeking natural solutions for healthier skin. However, when the time came to consider scaling, she faced a critical decision. Manufacturing skincare products in bulk required significant capital outlay — from sourcing raw materials to covering production and packaging costs. Stanbury acknowledged that the financial barriers to large-scale manufacturing were discouraging. Instead of allowing that challenge to stall her progress, however, she redirected the business model, moving from product development into beauty services, which she believed would have provided a more sustainable path for growth. By 2023 Rach Royalty was offering facials from a small rented space at Liguanea Post Mall in Kingston. A year later, in June 2024, Rach Royalty expanded into a second location at 5 North Complex in Kingston, evolving into a full-service beauty hub with offerings that include nails, lashes, massages, facials, waxing, and even specialised treatments such as wart removal. The decision to expand came not from robust revenues, but from faith and vision. Stanbury acknowledged that at the time of launching the new location the financials alone did not justify such a move. Still, she trusted her instincts and pressed forward.

“I just believed that the clients would come,” she told the Sunday Finance.

Unlike traditional walk-in salons, Rach Royalty operates strictly by appointment, a model designed to guarantee privacy and comfort for clients. While some customers may feel insecure about exposing certain parts of their bodies, the company places strong emphasis on creating a safe, discreet environment. Conversations and experiences within the beauty room remain strictly confidential, fostering trust and encouraging repeat visits. That commitment to professionalism has helped Rach Royalty build a loyal following, attracting a prominent clientele that includes ministers. Most of its clients are women, though some also book appointments for their male companions. Still, the business has faced its share of challenges. Stanbury noted that some men occasionally misunderstand the nature of the services offered.

“Some men think it’s massages with happy endings. From the moment I hear them start asking certain questions, I immediately block them,” she revealed.

Rach Royalty now operates as a full-service beauty business, but it is still largely driven by Stanbury herself. She has trained individuals to handle specific services, such as nails, but has found it difficult to retain a consistent nail technician. As a result, she continues to perform most treatments while actively seeking trained professionals who can allow her to step back and focus more on managing and growing the business. At present, nails remain the most requested service, followed closely by facials and massages. Looking ahead, the vision is to transform Rach Royalty into a complete wellness hub, offering not just beauty services but also a gym, sauna, spa, and café.

“I want to genuinely create a holistic experience for people,” Stanbury said. “I’m a Christian, so I remind them about God with little cards with scriptures after services that can be a source of encouragement for them.”

Rachel Stanbury, founder and director of Rach Royalty, has turned her passion for self-care into a Christ-centred wellness business. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

STANBURY…I just believed that the clients would come (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Stanbury provides a facial treatment. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

A client receives a facial under steam therapy at Rach Royalty. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Rach Royalty’s expanding product line now includes room sprays, alongside skincare items and candles. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The nail station at Rach Royalty, where manicures remain one of the most requested services. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The welcoming interior of Rach Royalty is designed to create a calm and private atmosphere for clients. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

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