In an industry historically dominated by men, two visionary women are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to enjoy and produce whiskey. Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea are the cofounders of Jackson McCrea—a new premium rye whiskey that is specifically created by women for women. They are not only the first Black women to own a whiskey brand in California but are also champions of female empowerment and inclusion in the spirits world.
Their journey from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating a whiskey specifically designed for women, with a mission to support wellness and self-care. Jackson, known for her female-centric ventures like Eve’s Lime Productions and The Good CEO, has always prioritized gender equity in her work. McCrea, a life coach and founder of the Love CEO Institute, says her passion for whiskey reflects her dedication to personal development.
They also leaned into their love of travel to help create the brand, looking to Tennessee for the finest rye and bringing it to Northern California to rest in French oak Syrah wine barrels. The whiskey is definitely making a splash, with praise from individuals like Krista Purnell and Amy Glass for its flavor profiles and smoothness.
As founder of businesses like Eve’s Lime Productions, Jackson has always focused on female inclusion in her ventures. “Launching a whiskey brand is an incredible opportunity to share my love for the spirit and disrupt a space that has historically ignored women consumers,” says Jackson. McCrea thrives on making things from nothing and sees owning a whiskey brand as aligning with her ethos and coaching principles of designing the life she wants.
Jackson and McCrea’s journey into the whiskey business began with a simple conversation over an Old Fashioned. Both had extensive backgrounds in the wine industry and entertainment, but their shared love for whiskey sparked a new venture. Their mission in life is to encourage and empower women through all forms of media. Whiskey is another medium for them to express that.
The inspiration for Jackson McCrea came from a shared vision of female empowerment and creating a product tailored to women’s preferences. Jackson explains that they surveyed women to understand what they like, which led to the creation of the smooth California-inspired rye, aged in French oak Syrah wine barrels.
Breaking into the whiskey industry hasn’t been without its hurdles, with self-doubt and fear of judgment being major challenges. However, both Jackson and McCrea emphasize the importance of staying true to their beliefs and well-being while navigating the business demands. They see being women in the industry as both challenging and rewarding, with opportunities to shape the industry’s future.
Lessons Learned and Advice
Jackson and McCrea’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and community. They stress the importance of self-care and building a supportive tribe of like-minded individuals. McCrea’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to trust in their vision and stay committed to their dreams, learning from setbacks and focusing on self-care. Jackson emphasizes the importance of a supportive tribe in the entrepreneurial journey.
The story of Jackson McCrea is not just about revolutionizing the whiskey industry but also about empowering women, promoting inclusion, and staying true to one’s vision in the face of challenges. Sheila Jackson and Natasha McCrea are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive spirits world, all while creating delicious whiskey that anyone can enjoy. It is clear that their journey from wine enthusiasts to whiskey pioneers is just the beginning of a new chapter in the world of spirits.