This actor is also a businessman

Jak Roberto —JAK ROBERTO FACEBOOK

While he might be more known as the longtime boyfriend of actress Barbie Forteza, Sparkle artist and vlogger Jak Roberto also has a mind for business and recently launched a line of skincare products targeted toward men. Roberto has been in the show biz industry for a decade now with his first TV appearances in “Magpakailanman” and “Ilustrado” on GMA 7 in 2014. From 2015 to 2022, he would be featured in several more “Magpakailanman” episodes, where he honed his acting chops and gained a following. On his YouTube channel alone, he has 3 million subscribers.

During the pandemic, Roberto realized that he wanted to explore other avenues aside from acting. He had always wanted to put up his own business, one that would “impact positively” on society.

“I started conceptualizing my skincare business dedicated to men’s health and grooming in June this year because of my passion for promoting overall well-being and confidence in men. I recognized the gap in the market for products and services tailored specifically for men’s skincare needs, which historically have been predominantly focused on women,” he told Inquirer Entertainment in an email interview.

His vision? “To elevate men’s health and grooming standards, empowering individuals to take control of their appearance and embrace their unique qualities.” As president and CEO of JC Essentials, he launched a complexion-brightening charcoal soap and two masculine wash variants designed for use on a man’s private parts.

Roberto admitted that though he did not study to be a dermatologist, his background is in business and entrepreneurship.

“My role involves overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the company. I recognize the importance of working with professionals and experts in the skincare field to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of our brand, which is why we worked closely with those experts before launching the brand,” he said.

There are already plans to expand the range to include products for both men and women, he added.

Time management

He said he is able to balance any commitments with Sparkle and his new venture through effective time management.

“While it can be challenging, I believe in the importance of pursuing my passion alongside my acting career. To manage my time effectively, I prioritize tasks, set goals and create a schedule that allows me to allocate dedicated time to both my acting duties and my skin care business,” Roberto said.

He then enumerated some of the perks he derives from his business. “There’s the joy of receiving customer feedback and testimonials, building a brand that aligns with my personal vision of empowering men to prioritize self-care, and receiving support from my loved ones.”

Roberto claimed he is passionate about the business and is in it for the long haul. “With a clear long-term vision, I am committed to continuously innovating, expanding and providing high-quality products and experiences. Moreover, by building a successful and sustainable business, my employees and partner distributors [stand to benefit from] a stable employment, a supportive work environment and more opportunities for growth,” he said. INQ