Meet Sheila Jackson | Writer-Producer-Entrepreneur

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

Hi Sheila, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It only took a handful of jobs early in my career, before I knew without a doubt, that I would be an entrepreneur and a creative. Being in service to institutions was definitely the old paradigm that was in play, early in my career. I have always been purpose driven. I want to feel good about my work and know it creates value in the world. And I want to be the one who makes the rules!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I never imagined I could have a career as a writer. It was just something I loved and figured out ways to do every chance I got. I started out my career as a psychotherapist. My focus then was self-help articles for women. I queried Essence magazine for 5 years – which was the holy grail to me. Then one day they called and said they wanted me to write a feature. That was the opening I needed that ultimately allowed me to transition into working full-time as a writer. While visiting Barbados, a piece I wrote about my experience there caught the eye of the Managing Editor of the newspaper. And she literally wrote an article in her weekly column and titled it, ”Where is Sheila Jackson Hardy.” We met and I became a Sunday columnist for The Nation News. It was there that I found my voice as an essayist and features writer.

At the same time, dear friends who were an award-winning writing duo had passed on an opportunity to submit a book proposal for a book on a Harlem Renaissance artist. The publisher had requested it from them, but they somehow thought my then husband and I would be ideal candidates. I submitted the proposal and it was rejected. Then I decided to submit it to a second publisher – and got my first and second book deal, writing biography collections. I immersed myself in the Harlem Renaissance era, then the Civil Rights Movement becoming an expert in both along the way. I uncovered so many untold stories that I wanted to tell. When I returned to the U.S. I entered a 2-year program in screenwriting. I actually completed the program twice: once with my then husband and writing partner. Then again, after my divorce to strengthen what I felt were my weak areas.

For the last several years, I have had the honor of researching archives, personal papers, journals, and conducting countless interviews of the most amazing people as a development producer, historian, and writer. Throughout my career, I have worked to uplift women, and to disrupt male-dominated spaces where exclusion was the status quo. My productions have been known for their primarily female crews, and many of my stories reveal the untold histories of women.

A life as both a creative and an entrepreneur is not for the faint hearted. It’s never been about doing what’s easy. It’s been about purpose, intention and mindfully taking one step at a time. Imagine if I had given up after only 3 years of querying Essence? None of this may have happened. Following my passion – whether in writing or other entrepreneurial endeavors – has opened so many doors to life-changing moments and opportunities.

During COVID when most of the entertainment industry came to a halt, I decided to start a new venture. My business partner, Natasha McCrea and I are launching the first black woman owned whiskey brand in California. It’s called Jackson McCrea. We’ve just perfected our recipe and are ready to go into production in 2023. Our mission is to unapologetically create space for women in the whiskey industry; for women whiskey drinkers to feel seen and affirmed, with positive, authentic images that represent the true diversity of the people who love this amazing spirit, and to craft exceptional whiskey that everyone can enjoy!

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.

Day 1: Shopping at the 3rd St. Farmers Market for creature comforts – wine, veggies and other food supplies, followed by lunch at The Grove’s Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar

Day 2: Morning hike at The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and dinner at Alta Adams, and a peek into Terrell Tilford’s Band of Vices art gallery across the street.

Day3: A beach hang on the strip near the Annenberg Beachhouse in Santa Monica, followed by dinner and sunset in Malibu at Maestro’s.

Day 4: A day at the gm and spa of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, in downtown Los Angeles

Day 5: Venice beach is a must for the best people watching and cute shops and sidewalk vendors

Day 6: A night out to The Dresden Room to see the iconic Marty & Elayne perform

Day 7: A visit to the Japanese Garden at The Huntington

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 want to give a shoutout to my business partner, Natasha McCrea. We are both in the entertainment industry, and hold the belief that we can be multi-passionate, with more than one career or business in our arsenal. We are two Gemini women on a mission to give and live life to its fullest. And I want to thank her for inspiring me and holding the vision!

Website: http://jacksonmccreawhiskey.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesheilajackson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksonsheila/