“When I was younger and starting out in business, people said I would never be successful, because they thought I was too nice, and to be successful, you have to be a little bit mean. But I don’t believe that,” says Jennifer Brodeur, founder and CEO of JB Skin Guru, a Montreal-based company that has developed a skin care regimen used by such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Karine Vanasse. The "Skin Guru" has, in fact, just recently returned from spending several days with Oprah on the island of Maui, in Hawaii.

For Brodeur, being successful means more than running a thriving business. It means helping others through social engagement. She does that in a number of ways, including making a contribution to Les Grands Ballets. She’s particularly enthusiastic about the new classes and workshops offered at Espace Wilder, for people of all ages and abilities, whether it’s restorative yoga, ballet for children with autism, or dance for seniors. Brodeur's own introduction to ballet came at a very young age; her mother had once been a dancer with Les Grands Ballets, and when Brodeur was a child there was even a dance studio in the family’s home.

Brodeur also supports ANEB, an association that strives to help people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, by raising their awareness of the body and good nutrition, and works with men and women during and after cancer treatment — what she calls oncology aesthetics — helping them regain control over their well-being. She sees a direct correlation between these facets of her engagement and her work in the field of beauty and aesthetics.

“For me, real success is being able to help other people experience success, whether it’s on a spiritual or personal level or in business,’ says Jennifer Brodeur. “The more I help people, the more fulfilled I am. If we all took the time to help those around us, the planet would be a much happier place.”