Meet MARRISA JACKSON | Event planner, caterer & motivational speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with MARRISA JACKSON and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi MARRISA, what do you attribute your success to?
When I think of legacy, I think of simply wanting to be remembered as a great person and ‘that southern girl could cook’. I want to make sure that my brand shows that passion through my food, events, and that drive behind me of love and support from friends.
Most importantly my faith and centering myself, and confidence in everything I do within and outside of my talents help me stay grounded to continue putting the best of me into all my dreams!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Besides running my personal event planning & catering business, I’m in the property management field.
My career has helped me reach many people and network with companies and bring my talents to workshops, corporate event planning, and being able to break barriers between the full time employee and an entrepreneur.
One major lesson I’ve learned is to remember that I’m moving at the pace set for me! My time is your time, and this has helped me understand that it’s perfectly fine to work a full time job yet also provide a source of personal satisfaction through my businesses.
The challenges will always be there but planning ahead and having an outlook that change is inevitable helps me handle those challenges when they arise! Coming up with new content, creative recipes, learning to adapt to the changes keeps me busy knowing I am helping someone get some good food in their bellies and smiles on their faces.

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.
My hometown of Memphis is such a great spot to have a great time!
When it comes to eating or course I’ll be fixing a great meal! However hitting the town I love spots such as Biscuit & Jams, Side Street Grill, Bayou Grill and my favorite brunch spot Automatic Slims!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give recognition to my parents Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie & Angela Jackson who helped me through my toughest times and are ALWAYS there for me. Growing up helping my mom and granny (rip my angel) their traditions of family, food, and fun will forever stick to me! I can truly say my passion for cooking and entertaining started there.
Along side my parents my big sister Iysha who tries everything I cook, even when she’s not hungry to be my personal taste tester, helps me with events, long conversations of planning and thought process, and gives the BEST advice ever! Love you!
My best friends my big cousin Sabrina who listens to me rave about ideas, upcoming projects and anything I want to do with suggestions and support!
Lastly, I can’t forget my circle of friends too many to name who have seen me elevate and grow and go after my dreams.

Website: Coming soon
Instagram: treatme_marrisa
Facebook: Marrisa Jackson
Image Credits
Photographer: Preston Williams Ebony Foster
