July 21, 2014
Jacinta Dubojski, Extraordinary Girl
Bio The path that led her to this point
I grew up in the small suburb of Thurgoona with my parents and younger sister, and have always enjoyed a close bond with my family. I attended the local public school and went on to complete high school at a private Christian school.
During much of my schooling I was the victim of intense bullying, interrogation and verbal abuse. As a direct result, for many years I was unable to accept myself, realise my identity or know the woman I was becoming. I lacked vital self-esteem and confidence, which had major repercussions in the decisions I went on to make throughout my late teens and early twenties.
I became involved in hospitality when I was 18. I supervised a fine dining restaurant for two years then went on to coordinate weddings and functions at The Lake Hu me Resort. I studied an advanced diploma of hospitality management and recently completed a certificate 4 in Training and Assessment at Tafe Albury.
But by the time I reached my mid-twenties, I had already experienced the distress of a failed marriage and I was unable to maintain what was a promising modelling career.
It makes me proud to say that today is a very different story. I still carry the scars of my past but I’m finally following and embracing my heart, which has led me here and given me the passion and drive to empower young women and men.
Two years ago I woke in the middle of the night and a surge of energy ran through me.
That adrenaline was the excitement of an idea for me to write my own book. I want to inspire girls and women of all ages through the difficulties and challenges life has thrown at me at my young age of 29. I am now living and fulfilling my dreams and changing lives wherever I go! I also currently teach year 11 two days a week and work at Streetbean as a Barista.
My hope is that I can reach out to victims of bullying and demonstrate the power of strength and resolve. I want to change perceptions, ensure people understand the true impacts of bullying, and importantly, help put an end to it.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Starting my own inspirational and empowerment speaking business taking a large leap of faith in fulfilling my dreams.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
My time - I work two other jobs I find it challenging to give myself the time and energy I need for this career so big changes are being made to allow this.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
Make time for research and organisation.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
My blog and Facebook page is my strongest and largest reach with the public. It's very powerful.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
Betty's Place - a women's refugee providing housing for women that have been in domestic violent relationships.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Research - and allow plenty of time, money and resources to this.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I had an appointment with a careers counsellor a couple months ago, talking about my goals and aspirations and I said I wanted to wait for the perfect time to start inspiring others, he said, "There is no perfect time". So I went to see Mel Wilke a graphic designer who designed my webpage and off I went! I now have businesses that donates amazing gifts for my girls and teens goodie bags - I started living and fulfilling my dreams and changing lives one at a time.
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