Meet Azari Jackson: Entrepreneur | Plus Model | Modelprenuer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Azari Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Azari, how do you think about risk?
Having faith and taking risks go hand and hand. I’m a very intuitive person, and throughout my life I’ve learned to follow my spirit. I had to learn that not all of my obstacles will have a safe and logical solution. This is where taking risks has played a role in my life and career. As a full time entrepreneur, I take risks daily. I’ve gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable. The unknown (how many sells will I make this month, will I get new clients, etc.) no longer worries me. I know that in order to progress and reach my goals I cannot always play it safe. I may have to risk temporary discomfort in order to get where I’m destined to go. So at the end of the day, I take risks and have faith that everything is working toward my highest good, whether the immediate outcome is favorable or not.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a full time entrepreneur and have been on this journey for a little over a year. My first business, the business that let me know my true capabilities, is called Available Hands, Inc. Available Hands, Inc. is a home health care agency servicing the DMV area. We provide care to seniors and individuals with disabilities. My second business is a wellness company called Glow’d Essentials, LLC. We specialize in sea moss products. Specifically, fruit infused sea moss gel and sea moss infused skincare products. I have 2 more businesses in the works. One will launch in 2022, and the other around 2027. I am also a plus size model, for 2 years now.

If you would have told me 3 years ago, that I’d be an entrepreneur I would have laughed. I didn’t have the slightest desire of doing so. So how I got here was by following my intuition and not being afraid to take risks. I’ve always been involved in healthcare. In 2014 I moved from Atlanta to DC to work toward my dream of becoming a physician. I attended an experimental program at Georgetown School of Medicine where I took first year medical classes. After program I realized that I actually did not want to be a physician, but I felt like I was too invested to quit so I was going to continue the journey. However, God had other plans. Soon after the program I found that I was basically locked out of attending medical school because of a technicality. This lasted for 3 years. During those 3 years I was real with myself. I realized that yes I love helping people, but I was becoming a physician for the wrong reasons. I was doing it only because I was capable of doing it, and not because of passion. So after the technicality that locked my classmates and me out of medical school was resolved, I no longer had the urge to become a physician. I felt relieved to let go of the idea. Shortly after I enrolled in a Masters of biotechnology with a concentration in entrepreneurship and enterprise program at Johns Hopkins University.

While in the master’s program, I began my modeling journey. It was really a time where I was doing everything I wanted unapologetically. I was also working as a case manager. I was a liaison between patients, Maryland department of health, and home healthcare providers. This job went against my integrity, as I was constantly threatened with write ups for not billing enough. The company wanted me to bill the state unnecessarily. They would say get “creative.” I got to a point where I was tired of it, so I started looking for an exit plan. While at the job I became close with a home health care agency owner. She became my mentor and showed me the ropes of how to start my own agency. I am forever grateful to her, and inspire to give back in that same manner one day. I started my agency, and made the decision that I was no longer going to bill unnecessarily. I was eventually terminated from my job for not billing enough.

My agency was up and running February of 2020, right before the pandemic. I wasn’t sure how my new agency was going to survive, but we did! During the pandemic I created Glow’d Essentials. As many people were focusing on their health and immunity, I decided it was a great time to share the benefits I had gained from taking sea moss. I worked on a recipe that was easy on the pallet, as many people do not enjoy the taste of plain sea moss. My fruit infused sea moss gels were a hit. Then, I started to do more research (keep in mind I’m a scientist at heart) on the benefits of sea moss on skin. I combined ingredients until I got the best recipes that yielded the best results. As a model with sensitive skin, that has to wear heavy make up for long hours some days, this skincare line was a game changer. I’ve struggled my entire model career with breakouts that lead to dark marks, due to how sensitive my skin is to make up. This is the clearest my skin has been in years, thanks to my product line.

Was this journey easy? Not at all. It’s still evolving. I haven’t peaked yet, but I know for a fact I’m on the right path. I’ve experienced challenges with both of my businesses. Managing employees hasn’t been the easiest for the home care agency. Finding the right people to be a part of your company takes work. Not everyone will be in alignment no matter how great they appear on paper. I’m still learning the ins and outs of running and growing both businesses, but it has been worth while so far. I’m proud of this journey and looking forward to my future career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the Poncy Highland area and Little Five Points. We’d definitely eat at Fillini’s and the Vortex to relive our GSU college days. We’d thrift and visit the shops in Little 5, taking pics with any cool artwork we’d pass. We’d also make our way to Peters Street to check out and support our small black owned businesses, check out some art, and eat some good food around there. We may take a day to go stand in the Slutty Vegan line. Also, we’d go to Piedmont park for a picnic, any festival they may be having, and pictures. We love to take pictures Lol. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my mom. She’s shaped me to be the person I am today. I really feel like I’m going to accomplish great things, and that confidence comes from what she has instilled in me and her constant support. I’m most grateful for my relationship with her.

Website: Glowdessentials.com availablehandsinc.com

Instagram: @azarijackson @glowdessentials

Image Credits
Personal Image: White top: Oluwaseun Asade, @awesomeafrican1 Brand Images: Blue fringe top: Jon Lee Will, @willpowerphotos All black outfit: Hala Nasher, @hallie__n