AquaTerre's very own Head Esthethician, Jacqueline (Jackie) Lahaise is currently pursuing her dream life, building a dream home.

Some have you may have already read about Jackie's role on From The Ground Up in our May Spa News. If not, click here for the story.

Selected from 5000 applicants, Jackie was one of just 12 chosen for the show. Now, fresh from the biggest challenge of her life, Jackie is ready to take on the world.

"My time filming From The Ground Up was the best of my whole life. Although it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, it was such a learning journey."

"I also got to work with my idol, Debbie Travis. I admired her and wanted to be her since I was 9 years old. She has been such an inspiration to me...I learned so much from her. It was a dream come true."

Also inspired by her Mom, Jackie's heart is still at home. When we asked her what influenced her dreams and goals, she shared some of her personal background.

"I was raised in a single parent home, so from the time I was 13 years old, I had an after-school job and had to work for everything I got. Some people get everything handed to them. So I think there is going to be lots of debate on that issue over the course of the show."

In addition to the pressure of challenges and the national attention of television, Jackie stresses that the reality portion is everything it seems.

Jackie on the set of From The Ground Up

"The biggest challenge was to have the cameras filming 24/7. We couldn't get away from them. It was such an invasion of privacy. And yes, for all of you who don't understand Reality TV - it is real!"

"The cameras really are everywhere and they are on all the time. Obviously not in the bathrooms. But on top of the hidden cameras in every corner, there were 3 camera men who where like 'big brother' who caught all the stuff that the other cameras didn't! Its the most bizarre feeling ever."

"After about the first 3 days, we just got used to them, didn't even realize they were there. Even when there was one shoved in your face, it just became normal after a while. To this day, I still don't know how I lived 5 weeks with that."

It wasn't all stress, though. Like many reality TV stars before her, Jackie formed close bonds with her costars. Despite the dramatic scenarios portrayed on set, real life was taking place.

"[The show] was filled with many laughs, lots of tears and fights too. I made some great friends on the show as well and 6 months after shooting is finished, we're still just as close as ever."

"On a lighter, funnier note, after the first episode, everyone is asking me how we did not beat up Sheldon! He was such a whiner - the most annoying person there by far! He really had it out for me as well. He treated me different than everyone and picked on me all the time. It was definately a daily challenge to deal with him."

Jackie also acheived personal growth as well as invaluable exposure and experience.

"My experience doing design and construction on TV and working with Debbie Travis has changed me as a person. I guess the main thing I walked away with is confidence."

"If I am passionate about something, hard work, persistance, and dedication will get me where I need to go. I also know that design is a passion of mine that I can't put on the back burner forever. My dreams are big. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

To follow her progress, tune into From The Ground Up with Debbie Travis on your local Global TV channel.

More about Jackie:

• Jackie's online bio

More about From The Ground Up:

• FTGU official web site