In an industry historically dominated by men, two visionary women are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to enjoy and make whiskey. Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea are co-founders of Jackson McCrea – a new premium rye whiskey created specifically by women for women. Not only are they the first Black women to own a whiskey brand in California, but they are also champions of female empowerment and inclusivity in the world of spirits.
Their journey from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and their commitment to creating a whiskey designed specifically for women, with a mission to support well-being and self-care.
Jackson, known for her female-centric ventures such as Eve’s Lime Productions (which celebrates unique and bold Black women from around the world) and The Good CEO (a podcast about bold and unapologetic CEOs), has always prioritized gender equality in your work. “My entire career has been about empowering women, elevating our stories and expanding our voices,” she told me in an interview.
Sheila Jackson and Nasaha McCrea are the co-founders of Jackson McCrea, a new whiskey founded by … [+]
McCrea, a life coach and founder of the Love CEO Institute, says her passion for whiskey reflects her dedication to personal development. “Owning a whiskey brand aligns with my ethos and coaching principles to design the life I want,” McCrea told me in an interview.
They also leaned on their love of travel to help create the brand, sourcing the best rye in Tennessee and bringing it to Northern California to rest in French oak Syrah wine barrels.
Whiskey is definitely making waves. Krista Purnell, director and editor of a nonprofit organization, praises their efforts: “What Sheila and Natasha are doing for the whiskey business is impressive,” she told me in an interview. “They are changing the face and game of a traditionally male-dominated space with their passion, creativity, talent and tenacity. Their rye-based whiskey is well-rounded and smooth, with flavor profiles preferred by the palates of sophisticated whiskey-drinking women.”
Amy Glass, co-owner of GTE Agency — and whiskey enthusiast — is also a fan. “I love the smoky notes, the caramel, the smoothness,” she told me in an interview. “It doesn’t burn – and men will fall in love with it too. It’s a perfect drink that men and women can enjoy together.”
Jackson McCrea Whiskey.
I recently spoke to these pioneering entrepreneurs to find out how they went from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers after a revelation about an Old Fashioned.
On a mission: As the founder of companies like Eve’s Lime Productions, Jackson has always focused on female inclusion in her endeavors. “Launching a whiskey brand is an incredible opportunity to share my love of the drink and disrupt a space that has historically ignored female consumers,” says Jackson.
As a creator, McCrea says she enjoys making things out of nothing. “Acting, directing, training and public speaking gives me the opportunity to live my best life,” she says. “I use my skills and business sense to create enjoyable and satisfying experiences.”
Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea, friends and co-founders.
How they started: Jackson and McCrea’s journey into the whiskey business began with a simple conversation over an Old Fashioned. Both had extensive experience in the wine industry and entertainment, but their shared love of whiskey spawned a new venture. “We both liked whiskey and had been thinking about creating a whiskey brand for a long time,” says McCrea. “Our mission in life is to encourage and empower women through all forms of media.
The inspiration: The inspiration for Jackson McCrea came from a shared vision of female empowerment and creating a product tailored to women’s preferences. “We survey women and ask them what they like. The results were clear. They want a whiskey that is smooth enough to enjoy neat, with rich, nuanced flavors and notes of smoke, caramel and spice,” explains Jackson. Their California-inspired rye, aged in French oak Syrah wine barrels, is a celebration of these flavors.
Biggest Challenges: Entry into the whiskey industry was not without obstacles. “The biggest challenge is overcoming self-doubt, the fear of being judged or thinking I don’t know enough,” says McCrea. “It’s about staying true to what I believe in, even when it doesn’t align with what others expect.”
Likewise, Jackson says it’s important to maintain well-being and self-care as we navigate the demands of business. “This work is a marathon, not a sprint,” she says. “The more we do, the more we should pay attention and take care of our bodies.”
The role of female leadership: Entering the world of whiskey as women has been challenging and rewarding. McCrea describes it as entering a realm of limitless possibilities. “We can’t deny that we’re in a very special place, where people don’t normally see people like us in this industry,” she says. “It’s more than a point of friction; It’s an opportunity to harness the power of being different.”
Jackson sees this as a pivotal moment for women in the industry, inspired by trailblazers like Fawn Weaver. “Our goal is to continue charging and change the face of whiskey, bringing female consumers into the conversation,” she says.
Jackson and McCrea.
Business trip: The co-founders travel frequently and, according to Jackson, meeting other spirits brand owners has been the biggest source of inspiration. “This is not an easy business to navigate. So meeting other women, in particular, who share this journey has provided me with a community that is a source of support,” she says.
Favorite travel spots: “I lived in Barbados for five years and took the opportunity to visit as many islands as I could. But I’m not finished yet. My goal is to get to know each Caribbean island, its beaches and unique cultures.
“Travel is in my DNA, says McCrea. “As a child I wanted to be an ‘adventurer’. I consider myself a global citizen. I want to go wherever my heart takes me. I had great experiences in Portugal, the South of France and Mexico. I would love to travel to Africa (all countries).”
Lessons learned: Jackson and McCrea’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and community. “Meeting other spirits brand owners has been the biggest source of inspiration,” says Jackson. “This is not an easy business to navigate, so meeting other women, in particular, who share this journey has provided a community that is a source of support.”
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: McCrea’s advice to other women is to stand firm in your authenticity and beliefs. “Trust in your vision and stay committed to your dreams,” she says. “Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Proper self-care is crucial; never forget this as it contributes to your bottom line.
Jackson emphasizes the importance of building a tribe of support. “Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, full of ups and downs. Your tribe, made up of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges you face, can provide invaluable support and encouragement,” she says.
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