Meet Earnest Jackson Jr. | Owner

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

Hi Earnest, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started True Vine Services because I wanted to build something meaningful that could eventually be passed down to our children. For me, this business is about more than just making a living—it’s about being creative, innovative, and helping other families enhance their homes. Residential exterior lighting seemed like the perfect fit because it brings both creativity and practicality together. I love how lighting can transform outdoor spaces, creating warmth, ambiance, and making those family gatherings even more special. It’s about more than just installing lights—it’s about helping people make their homes shine, inside and out.

Back in 2019, my wife and I were running a business where we sold air purification systems, working directly with families in their homes. It was a great experience, but when the pandemic hit, we couldn’t continue that business model. So, we had to pivot and get creative about generating income for our family. That’s how True Vine Services came to life. We saw an opportunity to bring something new to the table, and now we get to brighten homes (literally!) in a way that feels both rewarding and meaningful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
True Vine Services is a residential exterior lighting company that focuses on creating unique, beautiful, and functional lighting designs for homes. What sets us apart is our passion for not just installing lights but for transforming spaces. We see lighting as a way to bring warmth, safety, and ambiance to outdoor areas where families and friends gather. Our impeccable customer service, attention to detail, creativity, and personalized service make every project special. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; every home has its own personality, and we love finding the right lighting solutions to enhance that.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come in just a few years. Starting as a hobby, this business has grown into something much larger than I ever expected. The ability to bring light—both literally and metaphorically—into people’s homes excites me. Seeing a family’s face light up when their outdoor space is transformed is something I never get tired of. I’m also proud of the fact that this business is something I can pass down to my children one day.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy?

Like many businesses, we faced obstacles, especially early on. The pandemic forced my wife and me to pivot away from our air purification business, but that’s when she encouraged me to take my passion for lighting and turn it into a business. Thankfully, with my background in managing several Fortune 500 companies combined with my MBA, I was able to approach the technical and business aspects with confidence. The learning curve wasn’t as steep, but it still required patience, faith, and perseverance. We trusted the process, leaned on our faith, and kept moving forward.

How did you overcome the challenges?

When things became challenging, we stayed determined, continuously exploring new ways to enhance our services and effectively market the business. Building strong client relationships was a top priority, and word-of-mouth referrals have been instrumental in driving our success. To further grow and diversify, we expanded our offerings to include accent walls, patio decks, and fences, which have allowed us to scale the business while providing even more value to our clients.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

I’ve learned that patience and perseverance are key. You can’t expect success overnight; you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Another big lesson is the importance of community and relationships. Building trust with your clients leads to long-term success. Lastly, having a strong support system—both spiritually and personally—can make all the difference. Without God and my wife, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that True Vine Services is more than just a lighting company—it’s a family business built on faith, creativity, and a genuine desire to help others. We care deeply about the work we do because we’re lighting the homes where families make memories. I also want people to know that this journey started as a simple hobby, but with determination and faith, it has grown into something much more. We’re excited for the future and committed to providing the best possible service to our community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d plan a mix of fun, food, and faith-filled experiences. We’d explore the city’s rich history, starting with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. For outdoor adventure, we’d hike up Stone Mountain for breathtaking views and skate at Cascade Family Skating for some nostalgic fun. To embrace the local culture, we’d visit Piedmont Park, explore Ponce City Market, and attend a Braves baseball game at Truist Park, enjoying the excitement of America’s favorite pastime.

Of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete without indulging in Atlanta’s amazing food scene. We’d enjoy classic Southern comfort at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, savor seafood at The Optimist, and have brunch at Two Eggs. On Sunday, we would also make time for faith, attending a worship service at New Life Church in Decatur, Ga.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give all the credit to God and my wife for the creation of True Vine Services. It all started as a hobby, just me watching YouTube videos about lighting installations and trying things out for fun. My wife saw the potential and encouraged me to turn it into a business. We’re now going into our third year, and I’m so thankful she gave me the push to do it. Without her support and God’s guidance, this wouldn’t have been possible. What started as a simple interest has grown into something we’re both incredibly proud of, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.

Website: https://www.truevineservices.com