Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sheila Jackson, Co-Founder of Jackson McCrea, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Jackson McCrea is a premium Rye Whiskey crafted by women for everyone to enjoy. To be released this Spring. To be notified when the whiskey is ready, visit JacksonMcCreaWhiskey.com/subscribe.

Tell us about yourself

I have been an entrepreneur for more than 30 years, creating commercial campaigns as a writer-producer and consulting with clients on brand strategy and storytelling. I've always wanted to create my own product and be in a position to have a deciding voice in how the brand is shaped and to leverage it to make a positive impact and, of course, explode the status quo.

During the COVID lockdowns and racial unrest, like many people, I had a lot of time to reflect on the goals I had that were yet to be accomplished – particularly to launch a product-based business. So I decided to take my passion for wine and spirits more seriously and began an exploration of the industry through various courses, certifications, and communities. As a Tennessee Girl, I was raised with love for whiskey. And when I discovered that one of my close friends shared that passion, we decided to start Jackson McCrea.

What motivates me each day is knowing that we are literally changing the face of whiskey. Only 1% of whiskey brands in the U.S. are owned by women. And women whiskey drinkers are not yet meaningfully engaged. A recent study shows that more than 78% of the visuals used to represent whiskey brands feature men. We are dedicated to reshaping the narrative around whiskey and to celebrating the diversity of people who enjoy this amazing spirit!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is a community that has emerged around our brand. I believe it's a direct result of our genuineness and candor about disrupting male-dominated space. We receive messages from women all over the world cheering us on during our crowdfunding. Women are excited and feel seen in a space where they have typically been ignored.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the biggest challenges of being a business owner is funding. Of the 69 trillion dollars of venture capital and private equity funding, only 1.3% goes to women and people of color combined. So I knew we would need to be creative in our funding efforts. It can be challenging to maintain the momentum of creating a product and looking for funding at the same time.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

The #1 tip is to elevate your self-care with no excuses. The more we do, the more we need to make sure we get proper rest, leisure time, and loving self-care. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Next, surround yourself with like-minded people. It's especially important to build a community of other entrepreneurs. Running your own business is a unique lifestyle and journey. You need friends who truly understand your experience and can provide encouragement and support.

And last but not least, establish a higher mission beyond your bottom line. Making money is great, but chasing money is exhausting. Leveraging your business to create value in the world to make a positive social impact can open up a whole new customer base for you and make you part of a greater dialogue beyond a sales transaction.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I host a podcast called "The Good CEO," where you can learn from the founders I interview how to leverage your business for good. The Good CEO is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms where quality podcasts are found.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jacksonmccreawhiskey.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonMcCreaWhiskey/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JacksonMcCreaWhiskey/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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